Microsoft has announced that its Windows settings backup and restore tool will be turned on by default for enterprise devices joined to Microsoft Entra or Microsoft Entra hybrid environments, beginning with Windows 11 version 26H2.

Previously known as Windows Backup for Organizations, the tool preserves and restores user-specific Windows settings when a device is reset, replaced, upgraded, or reimaged. Microsoft introduced the feature at its Ignite conference in November 2024 as an opt-in capability, moved it to public preview in May 2025, and reached general availability in August 2025. Until now, IT administrators have been required to explicitly enable it through policy configuration.

What Changes with 26H2

According to a Microsoft Message Center update, the default backup policy behavior will shift from disabled to enabled starting with Windows 11 26H2. The change is conditional and applies only when all of the following are true:

  • The device runs Windows 11 26H2 and is eligible (Entra-joined or hybrid-joined).
  • The device is located in a country or region not regulated by the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA).
  • The device is not in a sovereign or restricted cloud environment.
  • The backup policy has not been explicitly configured by an administrator.

Microsoft is clear that explicit administrator settings, whether enabling or disabling the policy, will always take precedence over the new default. Admins can override the default-on behavior through Microsoft Intune or Group Policy.

Restore Behavior Remains Opt-In

Importantly, only the backup side of the feature is affected by this change. The restore behavior will remain disabled by default and will still require explicit administrator configuration to activate. This distinction limits the scope of the automatic change and preserves admin control over the recovery workflow.

Rollout Timeline

Microsoft product manager Miranda Leschke noted that the default-on behavior is available now in the Windows Insider Program Experimental channel and will take broad effect for eligible devices when Windows 11 26H2 reaches general availability later in 2026. Devices currently running Windows 11 26H1 will receive the same default-on treatment with the subsequent feature update.

For security and IT teams, the practical impact is limited given the restore function stays opt-in, but administrators managing large fleets should audit their MDM and Group Policy configurations before 26H2 rolls out to confirm the backup policy state reflects their intended posture.