The development and update model in place starting with Windows 10 allows Microsoft to implement more radical changes throughout the version lifecycle of its operating system, so it’s no surprise that the Redmond giant introduced backup and restore tool in Windows 11 Insiders Program Preview Build 23466 (Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23466).

Microsoft explains on the Windows Insider blog that the tool was announced last year and is now officially introduced as a production method backing up and restoring from one computer to another is “easier than ever” and helps app developers retain users through such transitions. The goal is to familiarize Windows 11 users with their new PC as soon as possible by quickly returning to the flow of use they had in minutes.

The Redmond giant explains that once a user “makes a backup through the new Windows Backup app or by visiting Accounts/Windows Backup in Settings, they can test the new restore while in use. out of the box (OOBE) when setting up a new PC or resetting an existing PC with this build.”

It’s important to note that the backup tool is in the Insiders program, so it’s not officially ready for widespread use yet. Microsoft recommends that you try to back up a physical machine running Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23466 and then try to restore to a virtual machine (or another sacrificed physical machine) using the ISO image provided here. The company expects users to report their experiences through the Feedback Hub, which can be activated with a key combination. Win + F in the “Backup and Restore” section.

Microsoft also recommends that developers learn how to ensure the best recovery options for their apps, as Windows 11 Insider builds that include the backup tool “do not support all configurations and types of apps, including store desktop apps and Android apps . Backing up your work or school account is also not supported.”

Among the things that the tool introduced in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23466 backs up and restores are system settings, Microsoft Store apps that have been pinned to the taskbar or Start menu, Wi-Fi credentials, and other user-saved passwords. All of this is on top of the files already backed up to OneDrive..

Among the limitations, it is possible to highlight the fact that applications that do not come from the Microsoft Store are not mentioned, which is logical, because the corporation would lose control over whether the user obtained the application from other means. This is especially important for applications that are paid for and use unique keys tied to computers or users.

As we can see, despite its limitations, the backup and restore tool introduced in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23466 is quite interesting, and even if it can be a way to migrate to a new PC more easily, it would be advisable to combine this method with the classic copy and paste to an external hard drive to avoid disappointment.