how can i backup two laptops with a different account ?

Windows Backup cannot restore a backup created under one Microsoft account into a different Microsoft account; keep the new laptop’s account and transfer the old laptop’s files through OneDrive or an external drive instead.

Option 1: Transfer through OneDrive

Windows Backup stores backed-up information with the personal Microsoft account used to create it. Work or school accounts are not supported for the consumer Windows Backup experience.^1^

1. On the old laptop, open File Explorer → OneDrive and ensure the required files are present.
2. Sign in to OneDrive on the web with the old Microsoft account and verify that the files have uploaded.
3. On the new laptop, use a browser to sign in to OneDrive with the old account and download the files.
4. Sign out of the old account in the browser.
5. Open the OneDrive folder associated with the new account and copy the downloaded files into it. They will then upload under the new account.

The OneDrive desktop application supports only one personal account at a time, so using the browser avoids replacing the personal OneDrive account already configured on the new laptop.^2^

Afterward, enable ongoing backup for the new account:

1. Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar.
2. Select Help & Settings → Settings.
3. Open Sync and backup → Manage backup.
4. Enable Desktop, Documents, and Pictures as required.

Option 2: Transfer with an external drive

This is preferable if the old OneDrive account lacks enough storage or there are files outside its synchronized folders.

1. Connect a USB drive or external hard drive to the old laptop.
2. Open File Explorer and copy the required folders, including Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, Videos, and any separately stored data.
3. Open the external drive and verify that the copied files are present.
4. Right-click the drive and select Eject before disconnecting it.
5. Connect it to the new laptop and copy the files into the new account’s folders.^3^

Copy rather than move the files initially, and do not delete anything from the old laptop until the new copies have been opened and checked.

What will not transfer between the accounts

Windows Backup is not a complete system image. Its cloud backup covers selected user folders, Windows preferences, credentials, and information about installed apps. Restoring those items normally requires signing in with the same personal Microsoft account that created the backup.^4^

Therefore:

• Files can be copied into the new account using either method above.
• Desktop applications generally need to be reinstalled.
• App licenses may remain associated with the account that purchased them.
• Settings from the old account’s Windows Backup cannot be reassigned directly to the new account.
• Keep the old Microsoft account available until all files and purchases have been checked.

Once the transferred files are under the new account, open Start, search for Windows Backup, enable the desired folders, apps, and preferences, and select Back up. This creates a new backup associated with the new account.^1^

References

1. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/backup-recovery/back-up-and-restore-with-windows-backup#back-up-your-pc)
2. Move files to a new Windows PC using OneDrive
3. Move your files to a new Windows PC using an external storage device | Microsoft Support
4. KB5032038: Overview of Windows Backup as installed in Windows 10 and Windows 11 | Microsoft Support