💻Windows 11 26H2 Released with Default Settings Backup
Windows 11 26H2: Settings Backup is Now Default
TL;DR
Windows 11 26H2 is out, with settings backup now on by default for eligible devices. This shift from opt-in to opt-out may raise concerns among administrators.
Windows 11 26H2 is here, and it comes with a twist: settings backup is enabled by default for eligible devices. This change marks a significant shift from the previous opt-in model, potentially causing concerns among IT administrators. The new release backs up a device's settings and a list of installed Microsoft Store apps, but it's important to note that this does not include data backups. The default setting won't apply in privacy-sensitive regions like the EU, and administrators can still opt-out if needed. This update is part of Microsoft's push towards a cloud-first approach for device management.
Key Points
Windows 11 26H2 released, same code base as 25H2, delivered via enablement package.
Settings backup enabled by default on eligible devices, not in privacy-sensitive regions.
Backup includes settings and list of installed Microsoft Store apps, no data included.
Administrators can still opt-out of the default settings backup if needed.
End-of-support clock is reset for Windows 11 26H2, extending support duration.
Why It Matters
If you're an IT admin managing Windows 11 devices, the shift from opt-in to opt-out settings backup in 26H2 means you need to review your policies. The default backup only covers settings and apps, not data, so separate data backup solutions are still necessary. This change reflects Microsoft's push towards a cloud-first approach, impacting how organizations manage device settings and user configurations.
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