Windows 11 can restore from cloud backup

Microsoft may soon release a cloud-optimized, near-instant backup experience for Windows 11. The idea is to make the transition between multiple devices much smoother, as it does on systems from Google and Apple.

With the change, explains Microsoft, the user could set up a new computer with the same look and features as the old one in a few minutes. The promise is to deliver an experience similar to the Time Machine of macOS, but fully executed in the OneDrive cloud.

The advantage of the renewed model is the ability to restore files, folders, applications, shortcuts, settings and even login credentials with a single click. The new PC would even have Taskbar icons and apps pinned to the Start Menu back.

Windows 11 Cloud Backup

The first step is to create a dedicated Windows 11 Store and Restore app. Today, there is an option available at Settings > Accounts > Windows Backupbut it is limited to preferences and apps and hidden from the general public.

In the current model, users need to have cloud storage space on OneDrive to restore data. Microsoft 365 payers shouldn’t have much of a problem with this, after all the OneDrive package comes with 1TB included as a bonus, but the free user needs to make do with the simple 5GB available

Many doubts

It is not yet clear whether there will be any changes in this process or whether the company will support backup in physical locations, such as external hard drives or pendrives. It is also not known whether it is possible to back up to third-party clouds, such as Google Drive or iCloud.

Microsoft also hasn’t revealed when it intends to start updating its backup tool. For now, only subscribers to the Windows 11 Insider Preview (Build 23466) see the new feature, which is not yet functional.

Recently, the creator of Windows announced seven big news for the system during Microsoft Build 2023. The big news was Windows Copilot, an AI bet for Windows 11 that can revolutionize the user experience.

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