Updated: March 27, 2025
Backing up your data is crucial in today’s digital age, particularly for Windows 11 users looking to preserve files, settings, credentials, and applications. By using the built-in “Windows Backup” feature, this guide will walk you through the straightforward process of backing up your data to OneDrive, alongside how to restore these backups if needed. With one click, you can ensure a seamless transition when setting up a new machine or reinstalling Windows 11.
This guide will cover:
- Creating a OneDrive cloud backup using Windows Settings
- Using the Windows Backup app to back up files
- Restoring your OneDrive backup during the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)
Creating a OneDrive Cloud Backup via Settings on Windows 11
If you want to efficiently create a backup of your vital documents and settings in Windows 11, follow these simple steps:
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Launch the Settings application.
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Select the Accounts tab from the sidebar.
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Navigate to the Windows backup page.
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Click on the “Manage sync settings” within the “OneDrive folder syncing” section.
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Activate backup for the folders essential to you, such as Documents, Pictures, Desktop, Music, and Videos.
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Hit the Start backup button to initiate the process.
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Engage the “Remember my apps” toggle switch to ensure Microsoft Store apps are backed up.
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Enable the “Remember my preferences” option to secure settings related to personalization, language, system configurations, accessibility, and account credentials.
Upon finishing these steps, your selected files and settings will be securely backed up to your OneDrive account. This backup will also include an inventory of your apps, allowing the system to download them again from the Microsoft Store during restoration.
Creating a OneDrive Backup Using the Windows Backup App on Windows 11
Another method for creating a backup of your important data involves using the Windows Backup app. Some users may find this option slightly confusing since it mirrors some of the settings available in the Windows Settings app:
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Open the Start menu, then search and launch the Windows Backup app.
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Select Folders.
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Activate the backup switch for designated file locations such as Desktop, Documents, and Pictures.
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Click on Apps.
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Set the “Quick access apps on any Windows device” toggle to ON.
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Select Settings.
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Turn on the toggle switches for Accessibility, Language preferences and dictionary, Other Windows settings, and Personalization – depending on what you want to be backed up.
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Click on Credentials.
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Enable the “Wi-Fi networks & passwords” option to keep your credentials safe.
After successfully completing these instructions, your files and data will be backed up to your OneDrive account cloud.
Restoring Your OneDrive Cloud Backup During OOBE on Windows 11
Windows 11 provides a streamlined process for restoring your files and settings after backing them up. Note that while you can recover your files directly from the OneDrive folder, restoring settings and apps manually in an already operational setup is not an option. The restoration is designed to occur during the initial setup phase on a new or formatted device.
To restore your backup during the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) phase of installation, perform the following:
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Select your region and click Yes.
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Select your keyboard layout and click Yes.
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Click the Skip button where applicable.
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Optionally, confirm a name for your new computer and click Yes.
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Select the “Set up for personal use” option (only available for Windows 11 Pro).
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Press the Sign in button.
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Authenticate with your Microsoft account used during the backup creation and click Next.
Quick note: Make sure to log in with the same account as the one used for backup. -
Set a new PIN for your account and select OK.
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Review and confirm your privacy settings, then click Accept.
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Click Continue to restore everything from your latest backup.
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If necessary, click on More options to choose a specific backup.
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Select the most recent backup from the list and press Continue.
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Finish the setup by following further on-screen instructions.
Upon completing these steps, Windows will automatically restore your files, applications, and settings to their original state, preserving convenience by retaining app pins in the Taskbar.
It’s important to note that the Windows Backup process does not allow for individual item restoration or for complete system recovery in the event of a hardware failure or file corruption. However, your files will always remain accessible through OneDrive, providing a reliable fallback. To enhance your backup strategy, consider leveraging traditional backup features or third-party applications such as Macrium Reflect or Veeam for a more comprehensive backup approach.
Update: March 27, 2025: This guide has been reviewed and updated to include the latest features and best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I access my Windows 11 backups in OneDrive?
You can access your backups in OneDrive by simply navigating to the OneDrive folder on your device or logging into your OneDrive account via a web browser. All your backed-up files will be available for download or restoration.
2. Can I recover individual files from my OneDrive backup?
Indeed, you can recover individual files from your OneDrive backup. Just locate the file you need in your OneDrive folder, right-click it, and select the download option to restore it to your device.
3. What happens if I forget to back up my apps before reinstalling Windows 11?
If you forget to back up your apps, you will need to reinstall them after setting up your Windows 11. You can do this from the Microsoft Store. Unfortunately, any app-specific configurations will also need to be set up again as they won’t be retrieved automatically.
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