Learn how to back up and restore apps, settings, files, photos, and Microsoft Edge favorites and preferences on your Windows PC using Windows Backup.

Windows Backup allows you to back up a wide range of items, including files, themes, settings, installed apps, and Wi-Fi information. This feature is designed to make it easier for users to transition to a new device by restoring their backed-up data seamlessly.

Learn why it's important to have a backup, and how Windows Backup can help you keep your files and settings safe.

You can manage your game saves and storage for cloud gaming on non-console devices in much the same way you manage your saved data for console gaming. This feature is available when cloud gaming via a web browser at xbox.com/play, from the Samsung smart TV app, and on supported handheld gaming devices.

Learn to automatically upload photos and videos in the OneDrive app for Android.

Microsoft Authenticator backs up your account credentials and related app settings, such as the order of your accounts, to the cloud. You can then use the app to recover your information on a new device, potentially avoiding getting locked out or having to recreate accounts.

Backing up your settings is a great way to simplify setup on any Xbox—whether it’s a new console or your current one (for instance, if you decide to reset it and start over). This saves your account settings and key system settings, which, if you have a new Xbox, will apply during setup. Did this resolve the issue?

If you can’t locate a lost file from your backup, then you can use Windows File Recovery, which is a command line app available from the Microsoft Store.

Select File > Open & Export > Import/Export. Select Export to a file, and then select Next. Select Outlook Data File (.pst), and select Next. Select the mail folder you want to back up and select Next. Choose a location and name for your backup file, and then select Finish.

Sign in to your recovery account using the personal Microsoft account you used during the backup process. Your account credentials will be recovered to the new device. Authenticator can also restore one-time password (OTP) codes.