Microsoft Encourages Full Backup to OneDrive in Windows 11

While the concept of Windows Backup isn’t novel, the way Microsoft insists on thrusting it into our daily workflow can be quite frustrating. Users frequently encounter an insistent alert within the Settings app, insisting they back up their systems with an ominous “Action advised – backup your PC” directive. Just recently, Windows Latest highlighted yet another intrusive “BACK UP YOUR PC” notification within the Settings.

By clicking on the Continue button, the Windows Backup interface launches, presenting users with various backup options to help initiate the setup process. During our experiments on a device without full OneDrive backup enabled, we discovered that it still attempted to back up user preferences and settings.

When we disabled the toggles for cloud backups of preferences and settings, the alert reappeared in the Home section of the Settings app. However, after dismissing it, the banner conveniently stayed away even after several restarts.

In truth, these persistent notifications can be rather annoying.

It’s not solely our sentiment; there’s a wider crowd sharing the same frustration regarding these incessant alerts. Although the backup feature holds undeniable value for those who dread setting up a new system after clean installations or when working with virtual machines, it’s equally essential to provide options for those who find the feature irrelevant.

Our research revealed numerous users on platforms like Reddit voicing their discontent and seeking methods to disable this notification. Some recommended turning off notifications via advanced settings, while others pointed towards disabling suggested and notification content within the Privacy and security settings.

Another workaround proposed involved backing up only the desktop folder—which is generally populated with shortcuts—to eliminate the notifications. However, it’s worth noting that we couldn’t validate these suggestions since the banner simply vanished after one click, and did not return for hours thereafter.

Is a Complete Backup Necessary?

Not necessarily. The backup feature primarily serves users who find the setup of a new PC to be burdensome. Additionally, be aware that the backup application cannot comprehensively save all your files, necessitating manual installation of third-party applications and software later on.

Moreover, the constraints of OneDrive’s free tier limit users from backing up substantial folders, further complicating things.

It seems that Microsoft, in its wisdom, believes that a looming backup banner will motivate users into purchasing additional OneDrive space. Ultimately, however, the tech giant must come to terms with the reality that not all users appreciate the presence of popups and alerts throughout their operating system. They should consider incorporating options in the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) to disable such feature suggestion banners altogether.

By providing more user control, Microsoft could enhance the experience for those who prefer to manage their own backup needs without persistent reminders.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I disable backup notifications on Windows 11?

You can turn off backup notifications by navigating to the advanced settings in the Settings app and adjusting the notification preferences. You may also explore the Privacy and Security settings to disable suggested notifications.

2. Why do I keep receiving prompts to back up my PC?

Microsoft introduces these alerts to encourage users to utilize its backup services, particularly with OneDrive. They aim to highlight the importance of regular backups, yet acknowledge that not all users find this helpful.

3. Is the backup feature in Windows 11 effective for all types of files?

No, the Windows Backup feature is not comprehensive. It cannot back up every file or application, and users may still have to reinstall third-party software manually. Also, consider OneDrive’s storage limitations if you are using a free account.

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