Yes, but only for part of it. Windows Backup can back up some Windows settings and, with OneDrive, help sync selected files and folders so they can be restored on another device. It is not a full-device image backup of everything on your PC.
What you'll need
- A Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC for backup.
- A Windows 11 PC version 22H2 or later for restore.
- The Windows Backup app if you want to start a backup manually.
- Enough OneDrive storage for the folders you choose to protect.
- A short list of folders you want to keep local, redirect to OneDrive, or leave alone.
📊 Windows Backup is available on both Windows 11 and Windows 10. Source: Microsoft.
Does microsoft backup use oneDrive?
Yes. OneDrive is used for folder syncing and PC folder backup in the Windows Backup experience. Windows Backup also stores some backed-up Windows settings so they can be restored on a new device. It does not create a full disk image or copy every app installer.
Backup is supported on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Restore is supported on Windows 11 version 22H2 or later.
Step 1: Check your Microsoft account
- Open Settings > Accounts > Your info.
- Confirm that the sign-in is the account you want to use for Windows Backup and OneDrive.
- If you use more than one account on the PC, make sure the correct one is active before you turn on backup.
If your PC uses more than one signed-in account, the backup screens can still appear, but the files and settings backed up will follow the account and folders you choose.
Step 2: Review which folders OneDrive can back up
- Open OneDrive settings from the cloud icon in the taskbar.
- Go to Sync and backup > Manage backup.
- Review the folders offered in the backup setup.
- Choose only the folders you want protected.
- Leave Downloads alone unless you moved it on purpose, because it is local by default.
When folder backup is enabled, Windows Backup can use OneDrive to sync the selected folders. If a folder is already redirected elsewhere, check its current path before you change anything.
Can you use OneDrive as a backup?
Only for certain files and folders. OneDrive helps keep selected folders in sync, but it is not a full device backup. It can be used to keep some of your files available on another PC, while Windows Backup handles backed-up Windows settings.
OneDrive can help you access files on another device after sign-in. It is still separate from a full disk image or a bare-metal restore.
What OneDrive does well
- Keeps selected folders in sync when folder backup is enabled.
- Lets you access those files after you sign in on another PC.
- Works together with Windows Backup for some settings and folder data.
What OneDrive does not do
- It does not capture a full Windows image.
- It does not reinstall your apps as installers.
- It does not preserve every local file unless you choose that folder for backup.
If you move files to a folder that is not included in backup, those files will stay local unless you copy them into a protected folder.
Windows Backup decision table
This table shows what is stored where and what depends on Windows Backup or OneDrive.
| Item type | Where it is stored | Whether OneDrive is required | Whether it syncs or backs up | What breaks if storage or account settings are wrong |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Files in selected folders | OneDrive folder location when folder backup is enabled; otherwise local folders | Yes for cloud folder protection | Syncs through OneDrive folder backup | The latest file changes may not appear on another PC |
| Windows settings | Stored with your backed-up Windows settings | No for every setting, but Windows Backup must be available | Backs up some Windows settings | Restore may not bring settings back to the new device |
| Apps | App-related information tied to your account | No for the app itself | Can keep some app-related information, not the installers | You still need to reinstall apps manually on the new PC |
| Microsoft account use | Account-based backup and restore flow | Yes for the Windows Backup experience | Enables backup and restore | Backup and restore may not be available in the same way across accounts or devices |
What happens if you turn off OneDrive folder backup?
The main risk is path confusion. If you turn off folder backup, the files can remain on the PC, but you should confirm where the primary copy is stored before you keep working. If you want a local folder to be the main copy again, move the files back to the folder you want to use.
When folder backup is active, the selected folder may be managed through OneDrive. After you disable it, check the folder path in File Explorer so you know where your files are now stored.
Step 3: Turn folder backup off with the path in mind
- Open the OneDrive cloud icon.
- Go to Settings > Sync and backup > Manage backup.
- Turn off the folders you no longer want backed up.
- Open File Explorer and inspect the folder path for the folders you changed.
- Move any missing local files back to the folder you want to keep as the primary copy.
A common mistake is assuming the folder name alone tells you where the files are stored. Check the path if you want to use a local folder again.
Step 4: Check storage before you blame Windows Backup
- Check whether your available storage is enough for the folders you selected.
- If the selected folders are larger than available storage, remove one folder from backup or buy more storage.
If there is not enough space, the selected backup may not complete as expected.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Windows Backup equals a full-PC image. It backs up selected files and some Windows settings, not the entire disk.
- Not checking which folders are selected. Only the folders you choose are protected through folder backup.
- Running out of OneDrive space. If there is not enough available storage, folder backup may not complete.
- Confusing sync with restore. Sync keeps selected folders current; restore on a new PC is a separate step.
- Turning off folder backup without checking paths. Confirm where your primary copy is stored after you disable backup.
Frequently asked questions
Does Windows Backup back up apps or just files?
Windows Backup can back up some app-related information and Windows settings, and OneDrive can sync selected files and folders. It does not copy app installers as a full reinstall package, so you still need to reinstall apps on the new PC.
How much OneDrive storage do I need for Windows Backup?
Enough space for the folders you select. If the selected backup is larger than your available storage, reduce the selected folders or add more storage.
What files does Windows Backup store in OneDrive?
It stores the backed-up contents of the folders you choose to protect through OneDrive folder backup. It does not store every local file outside those folders. Settings are handled separately through Windows Backup.
Can I use OneDrive to backup my computer?
You can use it to protect selected folders and recover them on another PC, but not to image the whole machine. For full-system recovery, use a separate backup tool that can create a disk image or system backup. OneDrive is the folder layer, not the whole device layer.