On August 22, 2023, Microsoft began automatically installing the Windows Backup app on all Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices, even those that already had a different backup solution installed. The app is now a mandatory component of both operating systems, and users cannot remove it.
This move has been met with controversy from many users, especially those who do not use a Microsoft account or who have concerns about privacy. The Windows Backup app stores all backed-up data in the cloud, and users must have a Microsoft account to use it. Additionally, users of Azure Active Directory (AAD) or Active Directory (AD) cannot use the app to back up their data.
Windows Backup, as its name suggests, stores crucial files, folders, account data, and application settings securely in the cloud, offering users a convenient way to restore their devices via an internet connection. However, this convenience may come at a cost, as heavy reliance on Windows Backup may necessitate an upgrade to a pricier Microsoft cloud storage plan.
In response to the negative feedback, Microsoft has stated that “because Windows Backup is a system component, it cannot be removed.” However, it promised to release an update to hide the app from the interface on Windows 10 Pro, Education, and Enterprise editions, as well as Windows 11 devices that use AAD and AD. This means that the app will still be installed on these devices, but it will be hidden from view.
The sources for this piece include an article in Gadgettendency.
