Windows Backup adds second-chance restore at sign-in

Microsoft has quietly tweaked Windows Backup for Organizations to include restore at first sign-in.

The feature, which is currently in private preview, adds another option for administrators refreshing user devices. The out-of-box experience (OOBE) restore option appears before the desktop loads. The new option happens during the first sign-in – handy if something went wrong during the OOBE setup, or if a user opted out and then thought better of it.

Windows Backup for Organizations was rolled out in 2025. Despite the name, it is not a comprehensive disaster recovery option; it backs up a list of Microsoft Store apps, along with a user's Windows settings and Start Menu pins.

Signing in during the OOBE presents users with options to restore their device. The update means users have what Microsoft calls a "second chance" to restore their environment if they missed the first opportunity during the OOBE.

However, Microsoft also ...