### KEY POINTS

• Microsoft has stated that users will not be allowed to uninstall the Windows Backup app, as it is now classified as a ‘system component’. However, the company intends to hide the app on unsupported Windows 11 and 10 devices, particularly enterprise or LTSC systems.
• Even though the app will be hidden from view, it will remain present in the system since it's integrated as a core component.
• Following an upcoming Windows update, the app will no longer appear in UI sections such as “All apps” or “Installed apps,” but it will still reside within the operating system.

The Windows Backup app is staying put—regardless of user preference. After our earlier report on the app being automatically installed on Windows 10 LTSC and enterprise environments where it doesn't function, Microsoft has released an official support document clarifying the situation.

The document outlines several core functionalities of Windows Backup, including its ability to back up files, folders, credentials, settings, and apps. However, there’s a significant limitation that has led to user frustration: the app is currently focused mainly on consumer devices.

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows Backup is a new ‘system component’ aimed at individual users and requires a Microsoft account or OneDrive login. It enables full system backups of critical data such as documents, photos, apps, and personal settings, making it easier to restore your digital environment on a new device or after a fresh install.

While the cloud-based backup solution may benefit some, many users are unhappy about its forced installation on systems where it cannot operate. Critics have labeled the app as bloatware or another tactic by Microsoft to promote OneDrive usage.

Windows Backup fails with “This feature is not supported by your organization”

Despite being marketed as a consumer-focused tool, the Windows Backup app is also being deployed on Windows 10 LTSC and Windows 11 Enterprise editions.

The OneDrive-integrated app does not function properly on LTSC or Enterprise setups. Users attempting to open it on devices signed in with Azure Active Directory (AAD) or Active Directory (AD) accounts are met with the error: “This feature is not supported by your organization.”

This limitation exists because the app only supports devices using personal Microsoft accounts (e.g., *@outlook.com or *@live.com).

Microsoft has officially stated that “Windows Backup is not supported for Azure Active Directory (AAD) or Active Directory (AD) users,” or in cases where Group Policy restricts Microsoft account access. Nevertheless, the company will not remove the app from unsupported systems, as it is now considered a “system component.”

Like essential system apps such as Settings and Microsoft Store, the Windows Backup app cannot be uninstalled through conventional means—unless you apply a workaround involving the removal of the Windows Experience Pack.

The reason for this restriction lies in how the app is delivered: it comes bundled with the Windows Experience Pack, which also powers features like the Snipping Tool shortcut (Win Shift S) and the Emoji Panel. Since the Experience Pack is treated as a system component, removing just the Backup app isn't possible.

How to force uninstall the Windows Backup app

Using a method verified by Windows Latest, it is possible to remove the Windows Backup app—but with a trade-off: doing so will also disable the Emoji Panel and the Win Shift S screenshot shortcut.

Steps to remove:

1. Launch PowerShell with administrative rights.
2. Run the following command in PowerShell:

   <code>Remove-WindowsPackage -Online -PackageName "Microsoft-Windows-UserExperience-Desktop-Package~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~10.0.19041.3393"</code>

3. Type Y and press Enter to confirm, then reboot the system.

After completion, the Windows Backup app, Emoji Picker, and Win Shift S functionality will be disabled.

To restore all removed features, simply run this command in an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell:

<code>DISM.exe /Online /add-capability /CapabilityName:Windows.Client.ShellComponents~~~~0.0.1.0</code>

Microsoft confirms app will be hidden on unsupported systems

For enterprise and LTSC users, Microsoft has acknowledged the concern and will begin hiding the Windows Backup app from the Start Menu and other visible locations. However, the app itself will not be deleted, as it remains part of the system infrastructure.

In the support article, Microsoft revealed that a future Windows update will automatically hide the app when the system detects the use of AAD or AD accounts—particularly on Pro, Education, or Enterprise editions of Windows 10 and 11.

Once the update rolls out, the Windows Backup app will vanish from user-facing interfaces like “All apps” and “Installed apps,” but it will still be present in the background.

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