This includes things like File Explorer settings, notification preferences, and device settings for printers and mouse options. In Windows 11, your settings are stored as part of your preferences. Under App list you’ll see the status Backed up. To confirm that your apps are backed up, look at the top of the Windows backup page. To back up your apps, select Start > Settings > Accounts > Windows backup. If you back up your apps, you’ll be able to quickly restore them on a new device, saving you time and helping you have all your favorites available. If you see Sign in with a local account instead, you’re already using your Microsoft account.Ĭheck if you have a Microsoft account Step 2: Back up your apps You’ll see this only if you’re using a local account. Select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead. To sign in to your Microsoft account, select Start > Settings > Accounts > Your info. Your backed-up information will be stored with your Microsoft account, so getting back to your things on a new PC is as easy as signing in. This is the account associated with Windows, Microsoft 365, OneDrive, Xbox, and more. This guide will help you back up key things on your Windows PC.

This helps protect those things, and when you move to another PC (or even upgrade to a new version of Windows), your stuff will come with you. Your Windows PC brings a variety of ways to back up the things that are most important to you, from your files and settings to your browser preferences.

Personal computer cloud backup