Restore
This task is part of the cloud-based backup and restoration of Windows settings.
since 0.9.8.11
Purpose
Identifier: \Microsoft\Windows\CloudRestore\Restore
Setup Foundry disables this scheduled task; the task remains installed, but its triggers no longer start it.
This task is part of the cloud-based backup and restoration of Windows settings. It starts a Windows component in CloudRestoreLauncher.dll when backed-up settings and information about installed applications are to be restored to a configured or newly provisioned device.
The restore experience is offered during Windows setup or, on supported managed devices, at first sign-in. It can apply supported Windows settings, personalization choices, and the previously saved application list. The task does not restore personal files; files protected through Windows Backup are made available separately through OneDrive.
This task is unrelated to System Restore, Reset this PC, or downloading a Windows installation image through the cloud-download option.
Notes
Additional effects
A restore can recreate application shortcuts or pinned applications. Microsoft Store applications themselves are not stored in the backup. Windows uses the saved application list to offer their restoration. For software that is unavailable from the Store, Windows may provide a link to the relevant download page instead.
The settings that can be applied depend on the Windows version, account type, selected backup options, and—on managed devices—the organization's policies.
Privacy and security
During restoration, Windows retrieves backup information associated with the Microsoft account or Microsoft Entra account from Microsoft cloud services. This information can include user-specific settings and the list of installed Microsoft Store applications. Microsoft classifies the user-specific settings stored by its organizational backup feature as personal data.
Disabling this task prevents the restore operation launched by the task. It does not delete backups already held in the cloud. It also does not automatically disable the separate backup task, OneDrive file synchronization, or other account synchronization features.
Effects of the change
There is normally no immediate visible change during everyday use of an already configured PC. The task supports restore scenarios; it is not a continuously running component required for routine Windows operation.
If Windows is expected to apply an existing cloud backup during initial setup, after reinstallation, or at first sign-in, the disabled task cannot perform its intended restore step. Backed-up Windows settings, personalization choices, and application shortcuts might consequently be missing or applied only partially. The resulting desktop may more closely resemble the Windows defaults, and previously used applications might have to be selected or installed again.
The task is disabled rather than deleted. Its triggers therefore cannot start it while it remains disabled. Disabling it does not prevent Windows from starting or block access to applications and files already present on the device.
Notes
Microsoft documents the overall backup and restore feature but does not publish the complete internal workflow or every trigger of this individual task. It therefore cannot be established for every Windows release whether newer builds use an additional or alternative launch path in particular restore scenarios.
Availability and exact behavior differ between Windows Backup for personal Microsoft accounts and the policy-controlled Windows settings backup and restore feature for organizations.
Microsoft documentation
Microsoft Support: Back up and restore with Windows Backup
Microsoft Learn: Windows settings backup and restore overview