Microsoft is enabling Windows settings backup and restore by default on eligible Windows 11 business devices outside the EU, beginning with the 26H2 release. This feature backs up device settings and a list of installed Microsoft Store apps for easy restoration to new devices. The functionality aims to aid users during hardware refreshes, lost devices, or unexpected resets by ensuring backups are active. However, organizations with strict privacy, data sovereignty requirements, or those regulated by the EU Digital Markets Act will be excluded from this default behavior. Devices running Windows 11 25H2 and earlier versions are also not affected. Furthermore, any device with a policy that explicitly disables this backup setting will remain excluded. The feature will be turned on automatically for devices running Windows 11 26H1 and 26H2 after a feature update. Administrators may express concern about this being an opt-out rather than an opt-in feature. Microsoft clarifies that this is not a complete backup solution but rather a part of broader Windows resiliency efforts. The automatic data transfer aspect of this opt-out setting could potentially increase administrative workloads.