In a significant development for IT professionals, Microsoft has unveiled two innovative tools designed to enhance the recovery capabilities of Windows PCs within organizations. These features, announced during the Ignite event, aim to streamline the process of addressing system glitches that can disrupt productivity.
Point-in-time restore
The first tool, known as point-in-time restore, offers a solution for those frustrating moments when Windows encounters an unrecoverable issue. This feature allows users to revert their system back to a previous state, reminiscent of the long-standing System Restore functionality. However, this new iteration employs advanced technology to take snapshots of the Windows environment at various intervals. In the event of a malfunction, the system can automatically revert to one of these saved points.
This capability not only facilitates the recovery of the operating system but also reinstates installed applications, personalized settings, and any personal files stored on the device. Microsoft asserts that this tool is adept at resolving a range of issues, including update failures, driver conflicts, and configuration mishaps. Windows insiders will soon have the opportunity to test this feature in the upcoming build.
Cloud rebuild
The second feature, cloud rebuild, serves as a robust alternative when traditional recovery methods fall short. Should Windows require a complete reinstallation, IT administrators can utilize this tool to restore the operating system directly from the cloud. This process mirrors the existing Reset feature, which allows for a cloud-based reinstallation rather than relying on local resources.
Through the Microsoft Intune portal, administrators can select the desired Windows version and language, prompting the PC to download the necessary installation media and initiate the rebuild. While this process resets Windows to a clean slate, organizations leveraging OneDrive and Windows Backup for Organizations can easily restore users’ personal files, applications, and settings post-reinstallation.
For organizations
These tools are tailored specifically for businesses and organizations that employ Microsoft Intune, distinguishing them from the recovery options available to individual users. The overarching goal is to automate recovery processes, enabling IT administrators to swiftly restore functionality to users’ PCs, thereby minimizing downtime.
Availability
Both point-in-time restore and cloud rebuild are expected to be integrated into Intune in the first half of 2026, forming part of Microsoft’s broader Windows Resiliency Initiative. This initiative is designed to assist organizations in preventing or recovering from issues that could render the operating system inoperative. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), a tool aimed at addressing boot-up problems through targeted fixes, while also enhancing the resilience of Windows drivers to mitigate conflicts and bugs.
