- Microsoft releases Windows Backup for organizations in the lead-up to Windows 10 end-of-life
- It will backup from Windows 10 (and 11), but will only restore to Windows 11
- The tool saves Windows settings, preferences, and installed applications.
Microsoft has revealed that its enterprise cloud backup tool is now generally available to any enterprise customers needing help migrating following its release in public preview earlier this year.
First introduced at Microsoft Ignite 2024 and in public preview in May 2025, businesses can now use Windows Backup for Organizations to simplify backups and ease transitions to new devices.
The opt-in feature (disabled by default) is available to users after installing the Windows September 2025 Monthly Cumulative Update on devices joined by Microsoft Sign in.
Windows Backup for Organizations is now GA
The feature works by backing up Windows settings and preferences. It also generates a list of installed apps in the Microsoft Store, so when data is restored to a new device, backups are transferred.
More importantly, Windows Backup for Organizations arrived right at the last minute during massive Windows 10 end-of-life upgrades, with just days left before the operating system loses support and customers have the option to pay for ESUs or upgrade to Windows 11.
Microsoft explained that encrypted backups are stored in the Exchange Online cloud, in the country or region selected by the tenant.
Another important note: Although they can be backed up on devices running Windows 10 22H2 (as well as Windows 11 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2), they can only be installed on the latest three versions of Windows 11, a clear push for people to upgrade from Windows 10.
Other than resetting the settings saved during the backup, the rest of the out-of-the-box (OOBE) experience is the same.
The systems are part of a broader trend in which Microsoft is trying to ensure that businesses stay connected at all times. In addition to making backups easier, a tool launched this summer also gives employees access to 10 days of cloud PC access through Windows 365 Reserve.
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