Windows Backup app Archives

Winsage

July 16, 2026

Windows 11 has more recovery options than ever, and here’s exactly when I would use each one to fix a broken PC

Microsoft has enhanced Windows 11 with various recovery tools that allow users to address system issues without needing to perform a complete reinstall. Key features include: - Reset This PC: Offers two options: "Keep my files" (reinstalls Windows while retaining personal files) and "Remove everything" (wipes the computer before reinstalling). Users can choose between a Local reinstall or Cloud download. - Cloud Rebuild: Accessible via the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), it reformats the OS partition, downloads a fresh Windows image, and restores the original setup without relying on local recovery images. - Go Back (Rollback): Allows users to revert to a previous installation after an upgrade if issues arise, utilizing the Windows.old folder, but is time-sensitive (files purged after about ten days). - Uninstall Updates: Enables users to remove recent updates that may cause problems without a full system reset. - System Restore: Creates restore points to revert to a stable state without affecting personal files. - Startup Repair: A tool in WinRE that scans for and fixes common startup issues. - Safe Mode: Starts Windows with essential drivers and services to troubleshoot problems. - Quick Machine Recovery: Automatically connects to Microsoft's recovery service to download fixes if Windows fails to start due to a faulty update or driver. - Point-in-Time Restore: Automatically reverts the system to a previous working state when updates fail. Other tools include the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), Recovery Drive for bootable USB access, Command Prompt, Startup Settings, and the Windows Backup app for restoring settings and files. The legacy Backup and Restore (Windows 7) tool is still available for creating backups and full system images.

Winsage

January 21, 2026

There’s a right way to wipe your Windows PC before getting rid of it – here’s how I do it

Many individuals and businesses consider acquiring a new PC at the start of the year and must decide what to do with the old device. Options include passing it down, reallocating it, donating, selling, or trading it in. Before doing so, it's essential to migrate apps and files, securely erase personal data, and reset the operating system. To migrate apps and files, users can utilize the Windows Backup app on their old PC to back up settings and installed apps, as well as personal folders to OneDrive. Upon setting up the new PC with the same Microsoft account, users can restore their profile. It's also important to compile a list of legacy software and ensure necessary activation codes are available. For data backup, users can use cloud storage services or create an image backup on a removable hard drive. To securely wipe old data, Windows 11 Pro users can enable BitLocker Disk Encryption, while Windows 11 Home users should delete sensitive files and use the command cipher /w:c: to wipe the disk space. For preparing the old PC for a new owner, users can choose one of three options to install a new copy of Windows 11: 1. Reset - Navigate to Settings > System > Recovery and select "Reset PC," choosing "Remove everything" and either Cloud Download or Local Reinstall. 2. Reimage - If specific drivers are needed, check for a recovery image in Settings > System > Recovery or download one from the manufacturer’s website. 3. Reformat and clean install - Create bootable installation media using the Media Creation Tool, ensure Windows is activated, reformat the system disk, and install Windows 11, which will activate automatically for the new owner.

Winsage

January 5, 2026

New laptop? How to wipe your old Windows PC clean before getting rid of it

Many individuals and businesses upgrade their PCs as the new year approaches and face decisions about their old devices. Options include passing it down, reallocating it, donating, or selling. Essential steps for transitioning include migrating applications and files, securely erasing personal data, and resetting the operating system. To migrate apps and files, use the Windows Backup app to back up settings and installed apps, and transfer personal folders to OneDrive. For legacy software, ensure you have activation codes and installation files. Back up important files using cloud storage or create a full image backup to a removable hard drive. To wipe old data, enable BitLocker Disk Encryption on Windows 11 Pro or delete sensitive files and wipe disk space on Windows 11 Home using the command cipher /w:c:. To prepare the old PC for a new owner, options for installing a fresh copy of Windows 11 include resetting the PC, reinstalling a factory image, or performing a clean install using bootable media. Resetting involves navigating to Settings > System > Recovery and selecting "Remove everything." Reimaging uses a manufacturer-provided recovery image, while a clean install requires bootable media created with the Media Creation Tool.

Winsage

December 31, 2025

Windows 11 Start menu nags you to use OneDrive for backup to ensure you always have access to files, apps

Microsoft has introduced a new yellow alert in the Start menu of Windows 11, titled “Action advised – back up your PC,” urging users to back up their files and app data using OneDrive. The alert emphasizes the importance of cloud backup and directs users to the OneDrive-based Windows Backup app. Users in the European Union may see different options, while those in the United States currently do not have alternatives for third-party backup solutions. The alerts cannot be disabled but can be temporarily dismissed. Additionally, users frequently encounter prompts for various Microsoft services, such as reminders to engage with Bing features after installing the Bing Wallpaper app, which includes suggestions to change browser settings to favor Bing. Users can choose to delay these changes or close the prompts without immediate alterations.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

Windows 10 life support ends Oct. 14. Here’s what will happen.

Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2023, meaning users will no longer receive free security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft. While Windows 10 will still function, the lack of cumulative updates may expose systems to vulnerabilities. Microsoft Defender Antivirus will continue to receive virus definition updates until 2028, but relying solely on it may not ensure comprehensive security. Users may face compatibility issues with older applications as developers shift towards Windows 11. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for regular users, offering critical security patches until October 13, 2026, available for free under certain conditions or for a one-time fee for others. Enrollment is open until the program concludes in 2026.

Winsage

October 13, 2025

Windows 10 End of Life countdown: Will your pc be obsolete after October 2025?

Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing free security updates, bug fixes, and technical assistance. Users can still operate their devices normally, but they will face increasing security risks and compatibility issues over time. Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program that provides critical security patches for an additional year, until October 13, 2026, available for free under certain conditions or as a one-time purchase. Upgrading to Windows 11 is recommended for long-term support, but users do not need to buy a new computer immediately after support ends. Users have until October 13, 2026, to enroll in the ESU program, and they can also consider alternative operating systems.

Winsage

October 10, 2025

5 myths about Windows 10 End of Life you need to know of

Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025, and will continue to function without updates, but users will be at risk due to new vulnerabilities. Users can enroll in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of free support by syncing minimal data with OneDrive, and European users can do so without any data synchronization. A Microsoft account is required to access extended updates, regardless of the enrollment option. Many relatively new PCs can still upgrade to Windows 11 despite its stringent hardware requirements, as they may have TPM 2.0 support that needs activation in the BIOS. Users should verify their TPM 2.0 status before assuming they cannot upgrade.

Winsage

October 6, 2025

Microsoft warns Windows 10 users of support ending soon: What to do next

On October 14, Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10, affecting many users in India, particularly students and small business owners. Users can continue using Windows 10 but will be at risk without security patches and updates. Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for approximately ₹2,550, extending support until October 13, 2026, though pricing may vary in India. Users can also qualify for free ESU coverage by earning 1,000 Microsoft Reward points or using the Windows Backup app. To earn the points, users must have a Microsoft account and can do so through various activities before the October 2025 deadline.

Winsage

September 26, 2025

Microsoft Windows 10 support to end very soon: Private users in certain regions can secure one year of free ESU security updates

Microsoft has updated its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), confirmed by Microsoft Germany, allowing access to essential updates until October 13, 2026. EEA users can choose between two options for receiving ESU updates: 1. Free option: Users must sign in to their PC using a Microsoft account (MSA) and remain signed in to receive free security updates for one year, expiring on October 13, 2026. If the MSA is inactive for 60 days, updates will stop but can be reactivated by signing in again. The previous requirement to use the Windows Backup app or redeem Microsoft Rewards points has been removed. 2. One-time payment: Users must initially sign in with a Microsoft account and pay a one-time fee plus taxes to register for the ESU program. After registration, ongoing sign-in is not required. For users outside the EEA, the original ESU options remain, which include free updates via Windows Backup or Microsoft Rewards, or a one-time payment for registration. Business customers have different terms, with ESU available at an annual rate per device and renewals allowed for up to three years. Windows 10 users on virtual machines will receive complimentary ESU access without registration. The ESU program will only address critical and important security vulnerabilities from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026, without introducing new features or non-security updates. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11, while Microsoft 365 applications will receive security updates on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028.

Winsage

September 21, 2025

Windows 10 Upgrade Guide: How to delay, avoid or survive the switch to Windows 11

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ceasing to provide new patches and security updates. Users can enroll in the Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates program to receive critical security updates for an additional year, until October 2026, for a fee. Alternatively, users can redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for a free year of updates or use the Windows Backup App to qualify for the free updates. Upgrading to Windows 11 is free if the PC meets the system requirements. Users whose PCs do not qualify for Windows 11 may consider replacing their device or exploring other operating systems like macOS, ChromeOS, or Linux. Nearly half of all Windows PCs globally still run Windows 10, highlighting the potential security risks of remaining on an unsupported operating system.