Windows 11 26H2 enables settings backup by default on eligible devices

Microsoft has released Windows 11 26H2, which turns on Windows settings backup by default for eligible devices unless an administrator has opted out. The change matters because organisations that previously had to enable the feature will now need to check whether its cloud transfers fit their policies.

The feature saves device settings and a list of installed Microsoft Store apps so they can be restored during setup on a new device; it does not back up users’ files. The default applies to eligible Entra joined or Entra Hybrid joined devices, but not in privacy-sensitive regions covered by the EU Digital Markets Act or in sovereign and restricted environments. For users already on 25H2, 26H2 uses the same code base and arrives as an enablement package, so little else may appear to change.