The short answer
Sign in to Windows with a Microsoft account, then open the Windows Backup app (search “backup” in Start). Turn on folder backup for Desktop, Documents, Pictures and more, choose which settings and apps to remember, and select Back up. Your files sync to OneDrive, so they're available on a new PC when you sign in.
Windows includes a one-stop backup tool, Windows Backup, that saves your files, settings and app list to your Microsoft account. If your PC fails or you get a new one, you sign in and everything comes back.
What Windows Backup can save
According to Microsoft, Windows Backup can back up:
- Folders such as Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos and Music (synced to OneDrive),
- Apps (so their pins are restored and Store apps reinstall),
- Settings such as accounts, Wi-Fi networks and passwords, personalization, language preferences and other Windows settings.
Step 1: Sign in with a Microsoft account
Windows Backup works with a personal Microsoft account.
- Select Start › Settings › Accounts › Your info.
- If you see Sign in with a Microsoft account instead, select it and sign in.
Step 2: Open Windows Backup
Select Start, type backup, and choose Windows Backup from the results.
Step 3: Back up your folders
- Expand Folders.
- Turn on the folders you want to back up to OneDrive, such as Desktop, Documents and Pictures.
Check that you have enough OneDrive storage. A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB.
Step 4: Choose apps and settings
- Expand Apps and turn on Remember my apps if you’d like your app list restored.
- Expand Settings and choose what to remember, like Wi-Fi networks, personalization and language.
Step 5: Back up
Select Back up. You can check the status anytime in the Windows Backup app or in Settings › Accounts › Windows backup.
Add a second copy on an external drive
For extra safety, especially with large photo and video collections, also copy important folders to an external drive:
- On Windows 11 and 10, File History (in Control Panel) can back up files to an external drive automatically.
- Or simply copy your folders to the drive regularly, and keep the drive unplugged when you’re not using it.
Restore on a new PC
When you set up a new PC, sign in with the same Microsoft account. Windows offers to restore from your backup, bringing back your settings, app pins and OneDrive folders.
A note on Windows 10
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 PCs keep working, but free security updates have stopped unless the PC is enrolled in Extended Security Updates. Back up now, and consider moving to Windows 11 if your PC supports it.
Related guides
Your backup lives in OneDrive, so keep an eye on space and free up disk space on Windows if your PC is full. Back up before you install big Windows updates. On a Mac? Use Time Machine.
The bottom line
Open Windows Backup, turn on folder, app and settings backup, and select Back up. Then keep a second copy of irreplaceable files on an external drive.
Frequently asked questions
How much OneDrive storage do I get?
A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage. If your folders are larger, you'll need more OneDrive storage or a separate backup to an external drive.
Does Windows Backup work with a work or school account?
Microsoft says the Windows Backup app is focused on personal Microsoft accounts. Work or school devices are usually backed up according to your organization's policies.
Do I still need an external drive backup?
It's a good idea. A second copy on an external drive protects you if your online account has a problem, and lets you restore large files quickly.
Why you can trust this guide
- Based on official sources. The steps here are checked against the 2 official sources listed below, such as the help pages of the companies involved.
- Checked and dated. Last checked on November 10, 2026. We update guides when software or advice changes.
- Independent. No company paid for or reviewed this guide. We don't sell products, and ads never influence our advice.
- Open to corrections. Spotted an error? Tell us and we'll fix it. Read how we research.
Sources
- Microsoft Support — Back up and restore with Windows Backup
- Microsoft Support — Manage drive space with Storage Sense
This guide is general information. Menus and features can change with software updates, and steps may differ on your device or version. Back up important data before making big changes. Read our disclaimer.
