Microsoft Account Linked Devices

Question

HI Team

I recently moved document files and settings from a previously owned PC in which I was prompted to when loggin to my Microsoft account where previously owned devices were listed selecting one. How do I go back and select other devices to restore my document and settings as these devices are listed within linked devices but there were more when I was going through the set-up process?

Answer 1

Hello,

If you didn't go through that process during the initial set up, this is what you do instead.

To do so, go to your Start menu and see if you already have the OneDrive app installed. If so, go ahead and run it, sign in. If you don't have it installed, you will need to download it, install it back and then set it up. You can download it from here: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/onedrive/download

Once you have the OneDrive app up and running again, go to the cloud icon on lower right, click on it, go to Settings > Sync and backup tab > Manage backup, then turn on the folders. Give it time, your files will show up.

Answer 2

On a new Windows 11 PC, the option to choose which previous device backup to restore is only available during the initial out‑of‑box setup. After setup is finished, Windows does not provide a way to reopen that same “choose a backup/device” screen.

However, documents, settings, and preferences can still be accessed or adjusted in these ways:

1. Restore files from other PCs via OneDrive

• If files from the other devices were backed up or synced to OneDrive, sign in with the same Microsoft account on the new PC and open OneDrive.
• All synced files and folders will be available there and can be copied or moved locally as needed.

2. Check and adjust Windows backup settings

• On the new PC, go to Settings > Accounts > Windows backup.
• Use:
  • OneDrive folder syncing / Back up files to choose which folders are synced to OneDrive.
  • Remember my apps to let Windows remember and help restore Store apps on other devices.
  • Remember my preferences to sync accessibility, passwords, language, and other Windows settings across devices.

3. View and manage devices linked to the Microsoft account

• Go to the Microsoft Account Devices page while signed in with the same Microsoft account.
• All registered Windows devices will be listed there. This page lets devices be identified, renamed, or removed, but it does not re‑trigger the Windows setup restore wizard.

4. If a device used “Backup and Restore (Windows 7)” to an external drive

• On the new PC, connect the external drive that contains the backup.
• Open Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
• Select Select another backup to restore files from, choose the backup from the old PC, then restore files to the original or a new location.

To restore from a different device backup in the future, a reset or clean reinstall of Windows on the new PC would be required to see the “select a backup” choice again during setup; otherwise, use OneDrive and backup tools as above to manually bring over files and settings.

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References:

• Back up and restore with Windows Backup
• Manage devices used with your Microsoft account
• Move files using Backup and Restore
• Your Microsoft account, your data, your choices
• Use a screen reader to back up and restore data on Windows
• Transfer your files and settings to a new Windows PC
• Set up your Surface after service