Microsoft expands Windows restore to more enterprise devices

Bleeping Computer

by Sergiu Gatlan

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Microsoft has expanded its Windows restore feature, enabling more enterprise users to recover their personal settings and Microsoft Store apps from a previous Windows 11 device during the first sign-in. This update enhances the "first sign-in restore experience," part of the Windows Backup for Organizations tool, which simplifies backups and streamlines migrations to Windows 11. Previously limited to devices joined with Microsoft Entra ID, the feature now supports hybrid-managed environments, multi-user setups, and Windows 365 Cloud PCs, offering broader applicability across enterprise deployment scenarios. The new capabilities allow users signing into a new or reimaged device for the first time to restore their previous settings and app list via a prompt. This is particularly useful for organizations transitioning to Windows 11 or those with frequent hardware refreshes. IT administrators can manage these restore experiences through existing tools like Microsoft Intune or Group Policy, ensuring they have full control over which devices and users utilize this feature. This update addresses a key challenge in enterprise IT by reducing manual processes and potential errors during device setup. By simplifying backups and migrations, the feature enhances efficiency and security, as organizations can minimize downtime and ensure smoother transitions for employees using new or updated hardware. The expanded restore functionality underscores Microsoft's commitment to improving user experience and operational efficiency in complex enterprise environments. With general availability starting from devices running updates released on February 24, 2026, this feature aligns

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Originally published on Bleeping Computer on 2/26/2026