Microsoft is testing a new Point-in-Time Restore feature for Windows 11 that provides comprehensive, automated system backups including local files, applications, passwords, and security keys for users.

Key Points

• The feature, appearing in the April 2026 Windows 11 Insider Experimental preview, captures user files, settings, and credentials, unlike the classic System Restore.
• Snapshots are automated on a schedule rather than manually created, with retention periods configurable between 6 and 72 hours.
• It is enabled by default on drives with at least 200GB of capacity, utilizing 2% of total storage space.
• The tool is distinct from the Windows 365 Enterprise version, which uses cloud storage and allows for manual restore point creation.
• It is designed to simplify troubleshooting and minimize downtime by moving restoration controls into the modern Windows 11 Settings menu.

Why it Matters

This feature represents a significant evolution in Windows data protection by offering a more granular and automated recovery process for local system states. By including personal files and credentials, it provides a more robust safety net for users compared to the traditional, system-file-only approach of classic System Restore.