Windows 11: Microsoft says it won’t let you remove Windows Backup app

Windows Backup app is here to stay whether you like it or not. Following our report on the ‘Windows Backup’ app getting installed on Windows 10 LSTC and enterprise systems where it doesn’t even work, Microsoft has published a support document that explains what’s going on.

Windows Backup is a new ‘system component’ designed for consumers and requires you to sign in to a Microsoft account or OneDrive. This app can create a full system backup of your important files, documents, pictures, apps and settings to help anyone return to their old experience on their new PC or installations.

While Windows 11 or 10’s cloud backup app may be helpful for some users, many people are unhappy since it’s getting installed in environments where it doesn’t work. Some have described the Backup app as bloatware or Microsoft’s latest effort to push OneDrive cloud storage.

Microsoft says Windows Backup is a system component, and it cannot be removed

In a support document, Microsoft clarified that Windows Backup is a system component like Windows Settings, and it cannot be removed from systems.

The support document highlights some key fetaures of Windows Backup, such as its ability to back up an array of files, folders, credentials, settings, and apps. However, there’s a catch, which has convinced some people to hate the new cloud backup app. Currently, the Windows Backup app zeroes in primarily on consumer devices.

This means it works only on devices using personal Microsoft accounts, such as addresses ending in *@outlook.com or *@live.com.

Windows 11 and Windows 10 systems identify ‘Windows Backup’ as a system component since it’s packed into ‘Windows Experience Pack’. As a result, removing the Windows Backup app is impossible.

On enterprise systems or LTSC machines, Microsoft has finally agreed to hide the app in the Start Menu.

In the support document, Microsoft has hinted at a forthcoming Windows Update designed to hide the app when the system is detected with an AAD or AD account, specifically those using Pro, Education, or Enterprise editions of Windows 10/11.

After the next update, Windows Backup will disappear in user interface areas, including “All apps” or “Installed apps” listings, but it will continue to exist in the operating system.

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