Settings backup and restore (#20551)

* Merge and conflict resolution

* Messages good, backup/restore algo better.

* Start of "GetExportVerion"

* fixed spelling

* New backup/restore mode working.

* Rename a project

* Removed test project

* Switch to text.json

* Renamed BackupAndSync to BackupAndRestore

* Added IgnoredPTRunSettings and full merge

* Restored "fixed" settings that change for no reason

* Various UI updates.

* speling

* Some cleanup and zip support.

* Merge and clean

* code clean up

* code clean up

* code clean up

* Smarter settings compare and merge.

* config based file include/exclude

* Removed some "words"

* Code clean up

* cleanup

* cleanup

* cleanup

* cleanup

* fixed spelling.

* Fixed clean up 1

* more clean up

* Trying to add ptb as an OK word

* Some UI updates.

* UI tweaks and PR review items.

* UI tweaks

* Merge conflicts resolved.

* Added CurrentSettingMatchText

* PR review updates.

* Removed weird file.

* Review updates and fixes

* More UI tweaks.

* UI tweaks

* Set default backup location to "%USERPROFILE%\\Documents\\PowerToys\\Backup"

* settings ui tweaks

* Added ExpanderContentSettingStyle

* fix missing config file

* fix missing config file, part 2

* update ui, cleanup cope

* update ui, cleanup code - Part2

* update method comments

* code cleanup and adjust Backup message time

* fix changing backup location on empty Regsitry

* fix select location - part 2

* location input box min-width

* remove lastRestoreDate from ViewModel

* Code or backup timing, and error handling.

* Should fix file/folder name crash.

* Progress to instance class for backup/restore

* Persist backup status state, added refresh button.

* Better auto check for settings status

* Some UI/text updates.

* Clean up

* Added prefix for "General_Settings" to resources

* Code review updates.

* Code review changes.

* Changed to FolderPicker per review

* Fixed issue with early delete of cleanup.

* Testing issues with FolderPicker

* Removed WinForm req and fixed win10 issue.

* Review update.

* Review changes.

Co-authored-by: htcfreek <61519853+htcfreek@users.noreply.github.com>

.github/actions/spell-check/expect.txt

@@ -1619,7 +1619,7 @@ pstr
 pstream
 pstrm
 psz
-PTB
+ptb
 ptc
 ptd
 PTOKEN

installer/PowerToysSetup/Product.wxs

@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@
 
   <?define PowerPreviewFiles=PowerToys.powerpreview.dll;PowerToys.PreviewHandlerCommon.dll;PowerToys.PreviewHandlerCommon.deps.json;PowerToys.ManagedCommon.dll;System.Management.dll;PowerToys.ManagedTelemetry.dll;PowerToys.SvgPreviewHandler.dll;PowerToys.SvgPreviewHandler.comhost.dll;PowerToys.SvgPreviewHandler.runtimeconfig.json;PowerToys.SvgPreviewHandler.deps.json;PowerToys.SvgThumbnailProvider.dll;PowerToys.SvgThumbnailProvider.comhost.dll;PowerToys.SvgThumbnailProvider.runtimeconfig.json;PowerToys.SvgThumbnailProvider.deps.json;PowerToys.MarkdownPreviewHandler.dll;PowerToys.MarkdownPreviewHandler.comhost.dll;PowerToys.MarkdownPreviewHandler.runtimeconfig.json;PowerToys.MarkdownPreviewHandler.deps.json;Markdig.Signed.dll;HtmlAgilityPack.dll;System.IO.Abstractions.dll;monaco_languages.json;monacoSpecialLanguages.js;PowerToys.Common.UI.dll;PowerToys.Settings.UI.Lib.dll;PowerToys.MonacoPreviewHandler.dll;PowerToys.MonacoPreviewHandler.comhost.dll;PowerToys.MonacoPreviewHandler.runtimeconfig.json;PowerToys.MonacoPreviewHandler.deps.json;ControlzEx.dll;Microsoft.Web.WebView2.Core.dll;Microsoft.Web.WebView2.WinForms.dll;Microsoft.Web.WebView2.Wpf.dll;WebView2Loader.dll;System.Runtime.WindowsRuntime.dll;index.html;PowerToys.PdfPreviewHandler.dll;PowerToys.PdfPreviewHandler.comhost.dll;PowerToys.PdfPreviewHandler.runtimeconfig.json;PowerToys.PdfPreviewHandler.deps.json;Microsoft.Windows.SDK.NET.dll;WinRT.Runtime.dll;PowerToys.PdfThumbnailProvider.dll;PowerToys.PdfThumbnailProvider.comhost.dll;PowerToys.PdfThumbnailProvider.runtimeconfig.json;PowerToys.PdfThumbnailProvider.deps.json;PowerToys.GcodePreviewHandler.dll;PowerToys.GcodePreviewHandler.comhost.dll;PowerToys.GcodePreviewHandler.runtimeconfig.json;PowerToys.GcodePreviewHandler.deps.json;PowerToys.GcodeThumbnailProvider.dll;PowerToys.GcodeThumbnailProvider.comhost.dll;PowerToys.GcodeThumbnailProvider.runtimeconfig.json;PowerToys.GcodeThumbnailProvider.deps.json;PowerToys.StlThumbnailProvider.dll;PowerToys.StlThumbnailProvider.comhost.dll;PowerToys.StlThumbnailProvider.runtimeconfig.json;PowerToys.StlThumbnailProvider.deps.json;HelixToolkit.dll;HelixToolkit.Core.Wpf.dll;Ijwhost.dll;Microsoft.Xaml.Behaviors.dll;System.Text.Json.dll?>
 
-  <?define SettingsV2Files=Ijwhost.dll;ColorCode.Core.dll;ColorCode.WinUI.dll;CommunityToolkit.Common.dll;CommunityToolkit.WinUI.dll;CommunityToolkit.WinUI.UI.Controls.Core.dll;CommunityToolkit.WinUI.UI.Controls.DataGrid.dll;CommunityToolkit.WinUI.UI.Controls.Input.dll;CommunityToolkit.WinUI.UI.Controls.Layout.dll;CommunityToolkit.WinUI.UI.Controls.Markdown.dll;CommunityToolkit.WinUI.UI.Controls.Media.dll;CommunityToolkit.WinUI.UI.Controls.Primitives.dll;CommunityToolkit.WinUI.UI.dll;icon.ico;Microsoft.Graphics.Canvas.Interop.dll;Microsoft.InteractiveExperiences.Projection.dll;Microsoft.Windows.ApplicationModel.DynamicDependency.Projection.dll;Microsoft.Windows.ApplicationModel.Resources.Projection.dll;Microsoft.Windows.ApplicationModel.WindowsAppRuntime.Projection.dll;Microsoft.Windows.AppLifecycle.Projection.dll;Microsoft.Windows.SDK.NET.dll;Microsoft.Windows.System.Power.Projection.dll;Microsoft.WindowsAppRuntime.Bootstrap.Net.dll;Microsoft.WinUI.dll;Microsoft.Xaml.Interactions.dll;Microsoft.Xaml.Interactivity.dll;PowerToys.ManagedCommon.dll;PowerToys.ManagedTelemetry.dll;PowerToys.Settings.deps.json;PowerToys.Settings.dll;PowerToys.Settings.exe;PowerToys.Settings.runtimeconfig.json;PowerToys.Settings.UI.Lib.dll;resources.pri;System.CodeDom.dll;System.IO.Abstractions.dll;System.Text.Json.dll;WinRT.Runtime.dll;Microsoft.Graphics.Canvas.dll;System.Management.dll?>
+  <?define SettingsV2Files=backup_restore_settings.json;Ijwhost.dll;ColorCode.Core.dll;ColorCode.WinUI.dll;CommunityToolkit.Common.dll;CommunityToolkit.WinUI.dll;CommunityToolkit.WinUI.UI.Controls.Core.dll;CommunityToolkit.WinUI.UI.Controls.DataGrid.dll;CommunityToolkit.WinUI.UI.Controls.Input.dll;CommunityToolkit.WinUI.UI.Controls.Layout.dll;CommunityToolkit.WinUI.UI.Controls.Markdown.dll;CommunityToolkit.WinUI.UI.Controls.Media.dll;CommunityToolkit.WinUI.UI.Controls.Primitives.dll;CommunityToolkit.WinUI.UI.dll;icon.ico;Microsoft.Graphics.Canvas.Interop.dll;Microsoft.InteractiveExperiences.Projection.dll;Microsoft.Windows.ApplicationModel.DynamicDependency.Projection.dll;Microsoft.Windows.ApplicationModel.Resources.Projection.dll;Microsoft.Windows.ApplicationModel.WindowsAppRuntime.Projection.dll;Microsoft.Windows.AppLifecycle.Projection.dll;Microsoft.Windows.SDK.NET.dll;Microsoft.Windows.System.Power.Projection.dll;Microsoft.WindowsAppRuntime.Bootstrap.Net.dll;Microsoft.WinUI.dll;Microsoft.Xaml.Interactions.dll;Microsoft.Xaml.Interactivity.dll;PowerToys.ManagedCommon.dll;PowerToys.ManagedTelemetry.dll;PowerToys.Settings.deps.json;PowerToys.Settings.dll;PowerToys.Settings.exe;PowerToys.Settings.runtimeconfig.json;PowerToys.Settings.UI.Lib.dll;resources.pri;System.CodeDom.dll;System.IO.Abstractions.dll;System.Text.Json.dll;WinRT.Runtime.dll;Microsoft.Graphics.Canvas.dll;System.Management.dll?>
 
   <?define SettingsV2AssetsModulesFiles=ColorPicker.png;FancyZones.png;AlwaysOnTop.png;Awake.png;ImageResizer.png;KBM.png;MouseUtils.png;PowerAccent.png;PowerOCR.png;PowerLauncher.png;PowerPreview.png;PowerRename.png;PT.png;ScreenRuler.png;ShortcutGuide.png;VideoConference.png?>
 

src/runner/main.cpp

@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ int runner(bool isProcessElevated, bool openSettings, std::string settingsWindow
             L"modules/ShortcutGuide/ShortcutGuideModuleInterface/PowerToys.ShortcutGuideModuleInterface.dll",
             L"modules/ColorPicker/PowerToys.ColorPicker.dll",
             L"modules/Awake/PowerToys.AwakeModuleInterface.dll",
-            L"modules/MouseUtils/PowerToys.FindMyMouse.dll" ,
+            L"modules/MouseUtils/PowerToys.FindMyMouse.dll",
             L"modules/MouseUtils/PowerToys.MouseHighlighter.dll",
             L"modules/AlwaysOnTop/PowerToys.AlwaysOnTopModuleInterface.dll",
             L"modules/MouseUtils/PowerToys.MousePointerCrosshairs.dll",
@@ -474,10 +474,13 @@ int WINAPI WinMain(HINSTANCE hInstance, HINSTANCE hPrevInstance, LPSTR lpCmdLine
         {
             result = runner(elevated, open_settings, settings_window, openOobe, openScoobe);
 
-            // Save settings on closing
+            if (result == 0)
+            {
+                // Save settings on closing, if closed 'normal'
                 auto general_settings = get_general_settings();
                 PTSettingsHelper::save_general_settings(general_settings.to_json());
             }
+        }
         else
         {
             Logger::info("Scheduling restart as elevated");

src/runner/restart_elevated.cpp

@@ -8,7 +8,8 @@ enum State
     None,
     RestartAsElevated,
     RestartAsElevatedOpenSettings,
-    RestartAsNonElevated
+    RestartAsNonElevated,
+    RestartAsNonElevatedOpenSettings
 };
 static State state = None;
 
@@ -17,12 +18,16 @@ void schedule_restart_as_elevated(bool openSettings)
     state = openSettings ? RestartAsElevatedOpenSettings : RestartAsElevated;
 }
 
-
 void schedule_restart_as_non_elevated()
 {
     state = RestartAsNonElevated;
 }
 
+void schedule_restart_as_non_elevated(bool openSettings)
+{
+    state = openSettings ? RestartAsNonElevatedOpenSettings : RestartAsNonElevated;
+}
+
 bool is_restart_scheduled()
 {
     return state != None;
@@ -40,6 +45,8 @@ bool restart_if_scheduled()
         return run_elevated(exe_path.get(), {});
     case RestartAsElevatedOpenSettings:
         return run_elevated(exe_path.get(), L"--open-settings");
+    case RestartAsNonElevatedOpenSettings:
+        return run_non_elevated(exe_path.get(), L"--open-settings", NULL);
     case RestartAsNonElevated:
         return run_non_elevated(exe_path.get(), L"", NULL);
     default:

src/runner/restart_elevated.h

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 #pragma once
 void schedule_restart_as_elevated(bool openSettings);
 void schedule_restart_as_non_elevated();
+void schedule_restart_as_non_elevated(bool openSettings);
 bool is_restart_scheduled();
 bool restart_if_scheduled();
 bool restart_same_elevation();

src/runner/settings_window.cpp

@@ -83,6 +83,24 @@ std::optional<std::wstring> dispatch_json_action_to_module(const json::JsonObjec
                         PostQuitMessage(0);
                     }
                 }
+                else if (action == L"restart_maintain_elevation")
+                {
+                    // this was added to restart and maintain elevation, which is needed after settings are change from outside the normal process.
+                    // since a normal PostQuitMessage(0) would usually cause this process to save it's in memory settings to disk, we need to 
+                    // send a PostQuitMessage(1) and check for that on exit, and skip the settings-flush.
+                    auto loaded = PTSettingsHelper::load_general_settings();
+
+                    if (is_process_elevated())
+                    {
+                        schedule_restart_as_elevated(true);
+                        PostQuitMessage(1);
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        schedule_restart_as_non_elevated(true);
+                        PostQuitMessage(1);
+                    }
+                }
                 else if (action == L"check_for_updates")
                 {
                     CheckForUpdatesCallback();

src/settings-ui/Settings.UI.Library/Settings.UI.Library.csproj

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@
 		<Product>PowerToys</Product>
 		<Description>PowerToys Settings UI Library</Description>
 		<AssemblyName>PowerToys.Settings.UI.Lib</AssemblyName>
+		<UseWindowsForms>false</UseWindowsForms>
 	</PropertyGroup>
 
 	<PropertyGroup Condition="'$(Configuration)'=='Debug'">
@@ -17,6 +18,12 @@
 		<DebugSymbols>true</DebugSymbols>
 	</PropertyGroup>
 
+	<ItemGroup>
+		<None Include="backup_restore_settings.json">
+			<CopyToOutputDirectory>PreserveNewest</CopyToOutputDirectory>
+		</None>
+	</ItemGroup>
+
 	<ItemGroup>
 		<PackageReference Include="System.IO.Abstractions" Version="12.2.5" />
 		<PackageReference Include="System.Text.Json" Version="6.0.2" />

src/settings-ui/Settings.UI.Library/SettingsUtils.cs

@@ -139,5 +139,30 @@ namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Library
         {
             return _settingsPath.GetSettingsPath(powertoy, fileName);
         }
+
+        /// <summary>
+        /// Method <c>BackupSettings</c> Mostly a wrapper for SettingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.BackupSettings
+        /// </summary>
+        public static (bool success, string message, string severity, bool lastBackupExists) BackupSettings()
+        {
+            var settingsBackupAndRestoreUtilsX = SettingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.Instance;
+            var settingsUtils = new SettingsUtils();
+            var appBasePath = Path.GetDirectoryName(settingsUtils._settingsPath.GetSettingsPath(string.Empty, string.Empty));
+            string settingsBackupAndRestoreDir = settingsBackupAndRestoreUtilsX.GetSettingsBackupAndRestoreDir();
+
+            return settingsBackupAndRestoreUtilsX.BackupSettings(appBasePath, settingsBackupAndRestoreDir, false);
+        }
+
+        /// <summary>
+        /// Method <c>RestoreSettings</c> Mostly a wrapper for SettingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.RestoreSettings
+        /// </summary>
+        public static (bool success, string message, string severity) RestoreSettings()
+        {
+            var settingsBackupAndRestoreUtilsX = SettingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.Instance;
+            var settingsUtils = new SettingsUtils();
+            var appBasePath = Path.GetDirectoryName(settingsUtils._settingsPath.GetSettingsPath(string.Empty, string.Empty));
+            string settingsBackupAndRestoreDir = settingsBackupAndRestoreUtilsX.GetSettingsBackupAndRestoreDir();
+            return settingsBackupAndRestoreUtilsX.RestoreSettings(appBasePath, settingsBackupAndRestoreDir);
+        }
     }
 }

src/settings-ui/Settings.UI.Library/UpdatingSettings.cs

@@ -69,6 +69,11 @@ namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Library
             {
                 try
                 {
+                    if (LastCheckedDate == null)
+                    {
+                        return string.Empty;
+                    }
+
                     long seconds = long.Parse(LastCheckedDate, CultureInfo.CurrentCulture);
                     var date = DateTimeOffset.FromUnixTimeSeconds(seconds).UtcDateTime;
                     return date.ToLocalTime().ToString(CultureInfo.CurrentCulture);

src/settings-ui/Settings.UI.Library/ViewModels/GeneralViewModel.cs

@@ -4,8 +4,13 @@
 
 using System;
 using System.Diagnostics;
+using System.Globalization;
+using System.IO;
 using System.IO.Abstractions;
+using System.Reflection;
 using System.Runtime.CompilerServices;
+using System.Text.Json;
+using System.Threading.Tasks;
 using Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Library.Helpers;
 using Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Library.Interfaces;
 using Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Library.Utilities;
@@ -21,6 +26,20 @@ namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Library.ViewModels
 
         public ButtonClickCommand CheckForUpdatesEventHandler { get; set; }
 
+        public object ResourceLoader { get; set; }
+
+        private Action HideBackupAndRestoreMessageAreaAction { get; set; }
+
+        private Action<int> DoBackupAndRestoreDryRun { get; set; }
+
+        public ButtonClickCommand BackupConfigsEventHandler { get; set; }
+
+        public ButtonClickCommand RestoreConfigsEventHandler { get; set; }
+
+        public ButtonClickCommand RefreshBackupStatusEventHandler { get; set; }
+
+        public ButtonClickCommand SelectSettingBackupDirEventHandler { get; set; }
+
         public ButtonClickCommand RestartElevatedButtonEventHandler { get; set; }
 
         public ButtonClickCommand UpdateNowButtonEventHandler { get; set; }
@@ -41,11 +60,23 @@ namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Library.ViewModels
 
         private IFileSystemWatcher _fileWatcher;
 
-        public GeneralViewModel(ISettingsRepository<GeneralSettings> settingsRepository, string runAsAdminText, string runAsUserText, bool isElevated, bool isAdmin, Func<string, int> updateTheme, Func<string, int> ipcMSGCallBackFunc, Func<string, int> ipcMSGRestartAsAdminMSGCallBackFunc, Func<string, int> ipcMSGCheckForUpdatesCallBackFunc, string configFileSubfolder = "", Action dispatcherAction = null)
+        private Func<Task<string>> PickSingleFolderDialog { get; }
+
+        private SettingsBackupAndRestoreUtils settingsBackupAndRestoreUtils = SettingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.Instance;
+
+        public GeneralViewModel(ISettingsRepository<GeneralSettings> settingsRepository, string runAsAdminText, string runAsUserText, bool isElevated, bool isAdmin, Func<string, int> updateTheme, Func<string, int> ipcMSGCallBackFunc, Func<string, int> ipcMSGRestartAsAdminMSGCallBackFunc, Func<string, int> ipcMSGCheckForUpdatesCallBackFunc, string configFileSubfolder = "", Action dispatcherAction = null, Action hideBackupAndRestoreMessageAreaAction = null, Action<int> doBackupAndRestoreDryRun = null, Func<Task<string>> pickSingleFolderDialog = null, object resourceLoader = null)
         {
             CheckForUpdatesEventHandler = new ButtonClickCommand(CheckForUpdatesClick);
             RestartElevatedButtonEventHandler = new ButtonClickCommand(RestartElevated);
             UpdateNowButtonEventHandler = new ButtonClickCommand(UpdateNowClick);
+            BackupConfigsEventHandler = new ButtonClickCommand(BackupConfigsClick);
+            SelectSettingBackupDirEventHandler = new ButtonClickCommand(SelectSettingBackupDir);
+            RestoreConfigsEventHandler = new ButtonClickCommand(RestoreConfigsClick);
+            RefreshBackupStatusEventHandler = new ButtonClickCommand(RefreshBackupStatusEventHandlerClick);
+            HideBackupAndRestoreMessageAreaAction = hideBackupAndRestoreMessageAreaAction;
+            DoBackupAndRestoreDryRun = doBackupAndRestoreDryRun;
+            PickSingleFolderDialog = pickSingleFolderDialog;
+            ResourceLoader = resourceLoader;
 
             // To obtain the general settings configuration of PowerToys if it exists, else to create a new file and return the default configurations.
             if (settingsRepository == null)
@@ -92,6 +123,7 @@ namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Library.ViewModels
 
             _startup = GeneralSettingsConfig.Startup;
             _autoDownloadUpdates = GeneralSettingsConfig.AutoDownloadUpdates;
+
             _isElevated = isElevated;
             _runElevated = GeneralSettingsConfig.RunElevated;
 
@@ -127,6 +159,10 @@ namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Library.ViewModels
         private bool _isNewVersionDownloading;
         private bool _isNewVersionChecked;
 
+        private bool _settingsBackupRestoreMessageVisible;
+        private string _settingsBackupMessage;
+        private string _backupRestoreMessageSeverity;
+
         // Gets or sets a value indicating whether run powertoys on start-up.
         public bool Startup
         {
@@ -253,6 +289,23 @@ namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Library.ViewModels
             }
         }
 
+        public string SettingsBackupAndRestoreDir
+        {
+            get
+            {
+                return settingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.GetSettingsBackupAndRestoreDir();
+            }
+
+            set
+            {
+                if (settingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.GetSettingsBackupAndRestoreDir() != value)
+                {
+                    SettingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.SetRegSettingsBackupAndRestoreItem("SettingsBackupAndRestoreDir", value);
+                    NotifyPropertyChanged();
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
         public int ThemeIndex
         {
             get
@@ -313,6 +366,155 @@ namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Library.ViewModels
             }
         }
 
+        public string LastSettingsBackupDate
+        {
+            get
+            {
+                try
+                {
+                    var manifest = settingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.GetLatestSettingsBackupManifest();
+                    if (manifest != null)
+                    {
+                        if (manifest["CreateDateTime"] != null)
+                        {
+                            if (DateTime.TryParse(manifest["CreateDateTime"].ToString(), CultureInfo.InvariantCulture, DateTimeStyles.AssumeUniversal, out var theDateTime))
+                            {
+                                return theDateTime.ToString("G", CultureInfo.CurrentCulture);
+                            }
+                            else
+                            {
+                                Logger.LogError("Failed to parse time from backup");
+                                return GetResourceString("General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_FailedToParseTime");
+                            }
+                        }
+                        else
+                        {
+                            return GetResourceString("General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_UnknownBackupTime");
+                        }
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        return GetResourceString("General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_NoBackupFound");
+                    }
+                }
+                catch (Exception e)
+                {
+                    Logger.LogError("Error getting LastSettingsBackupDate", e);
+                    return GetResourceString("General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_UnknownBackupTime");
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        public string CurrentSettingMatchText
+        {
+            get
+            {
+                try
+                {
+                    var results = settingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.GetLastBackupSettingsResults();
+
+                    var resultText = string.Empty;
+
+                    if (!results.lastRan.HasValue)
+                    {
+                        // not ran since started.
+                        return GetResourceString("General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_CurrentSettingsNoChecked"); // "Current Settings Unknown";
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        if (results.success)
+                        {
+                            if (results.lastBackupExists)
+                            {
+                                // if true, it means a backup would have been made
+                                resultText = GetResourceString("General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_CurrentSettingsDiffer"); // "Current Settings Differ";
+                            }
+                            else
+                            {
+                                // would have done the backup, but there also was not an existing one there.
+                                resultText = GetResourceString("General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_NoBackupFound");
+                            }
+                        }
+                        else
+                        {
+                            if (results.hadError)
+                            {
+                                // if false and error we don't really know
+                                resultText = GetResourceString("General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_CurrentSettingsUnknown"); // "Current Settings Unknown";
+                            }
+                            else
+                            {
+                                // if false, it means a backup would not have been needed/made
+                                resultText = GetResourceString("General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_CurrentSettingsMatch"); // "Current Settings Match";
+                            }
+                        }
+
+                        return $"{resultText} {GetResourceString("General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_CurrentSettingsStatusAt")} {results.lastRan.Value.ToLocalTime().ToString("G", CultureInfo.CurrentCulture)}";
+                    }
+                }
+                catch (Exception e)
+                {
+                    Logger.LogError("Error getting CurrentSettingMatchText", e);
+                    return string.Empty;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        public string LastSettingsBackupSource
+        {
+            get
+            {
+                try
+                {
+                    var manifest = settingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.GetLatestSettingsBackupManifest();
+                    if (manifest != null)
+                    {
+                        if (manifest["BackupSource"] != null)
+                        {
+                            if (manifest["BackupSource"].ToString().Equals(Environment.MachineName, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
+                            {
+                                return GetResourceString("General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_ThisMachine");
+                            }
+                            else
+                            {
+                                return manifest["BackupSource"].ToString();
+                            }
+                        }
+                        else
+                        {
+                            return GetResourceString("General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_UnknownBackupSource");
+                        }
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        return GetResourceString("General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_NoBackupFound");
+                    }
+                }
+                catch (Exception e)
+                {
+                    Logger.LogError("Error getting LastSettingsBackupSource", e);
+                    return GetResourceString("General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_UnknownBackupSource");
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        public string LastSettingsBackupFileName
+        {
+            get
+            {
+                try
+                {
+                    var fileName = settingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.GetLatestBackupFileName();
+                    return !string.IsNullOrEmpty(fileName) ? fileName : GetResourceString("General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_NoBackupFound");
+                }
+                catch (Exception e)
+                {
+                    Logger.LogError("Error getting LastSettingsBackupFileName", e);
+                    return string.Empty;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
         public UpdatingSettings.UpdatingState PowerToysUpdatingState
         {
             get
@@ -389,6 +591,30 @@ namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Library.ViewModels
             }
         }
 
+        public bool SettingsBackupRestoreMessageVisible
+        {
+            get
+            {
+                return _settingsBackupRestoreMessageVisible;
+            }
+        }
+
+        public string BackupRestoreMessageSeverity
+        {
+            get
+            {
+                return _backupRestoreMessageSeverity;
+            }
+        }
+
+        public string SettingsBackupMessage
+        {
+            get
+            {
+                return _settingsBackupMessage;
+            }
+        }
+
         public bool IsDownloadAllowed
         {
             get
@@ -397,13 +623,114 @@ namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Library.ViewModels
             }
         }
 
-        public void NotifyPropertyChanged([CallerMemberName] string propertyName = null)
+        public void NotifyPropertyChanged([CallerMemberName] string propertyName = null, bool reDoBackupDryRun = true)
         {
             // Notify UI of property change
             OnPropertyChanged(propertyName);
+
             OutGoingGeneralSettings outsettings = new OutGoingGeneralSettings(GeneralSettingsConfig);
 
             SendConfigMSG(outsettings.ToString());
+
+            if (reDoBackupDryRun && DoBackupAndRestoreDryRun != null)
+            {
+                DoBackupAndRestoreDryRun(500);
+            }
+        }
+
+        /// <summary>
+        /// Method <c>SelectSettingBackupDir</c> opens folder browser to select a backup and retore location.
+        /// </summary>
+        private async void SelectSettingBackupDir()
+        {
+            var currentDir = settingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.GetSettingsBackupAndRestoreDir();
+
+            var newPath = await PickSingleFolderDialog();
+
+            if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(newPath))
+            {
+                SettingsBackupAndRestoreDir = newPath;
+                NotifyAllBackupAndRestoreProperties();
+            }
+        }
+
+        private void RefreshBackupStatusEventHandlerClick()
+        {
+            DoBackupAndRestoreDryRun(0);
+        }
+
+        /// <summary>
+        /// Method <c>RestoreConfigsClick</c> starts the restore.
+        /// </summary>
+        private void RestoreConfigsClick()
+        {
+            string settingsBackupAndRestoreDir = settingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.GetSettingsBackupAndRestoreDir();
+
+            if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(settingsBackupAndRestoreDir))
+            {
+                SelectSettingBackupDir();
+            }
+
+            var results = SettingsUtils.RestoreSettings();
+            _backupRestoreMessageSeverity = results.severity;
+
+            if (!results.success)
+            {
+                _settingsBackupRestoreMessageVisible = true;
+
+                _settingsBackupMessage = GetResourceString(results.message);
+
+                NotifyAllBackupAndRestoreProperties();
+
+                HideBackupAndRestoreMessageAreaAction();
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                // make sure not to do NotifyPropertyChanged here, else it will persist the configs from memory and
+                // undo the settings restore.
+                SettingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.SetRegSettingsBackupAndRestoreItem("LastSettingsRestoreDate", DateTime.UtcNow.ToString("u", CultureInfo.InvariantCulture));
+
+                Restart();
+            }
+        }
+
+        /// <summary>
+        /// Method <c>BackupConfigsClick</c> starts the backup.
+        /// </summary>
+        private void BackupConfigsClick()
+        {
+            string settingsBackupAndRestoreDir = settingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.GetSettingsBackupAndRestoreDir();
+
+            if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(settingsBackupAndRestoreDir))
+            {
+                SelectSettingBackupDir();
+            }
+
+            var results = SettingsUtils.BackupSettings();
+
+            _settingsBackupRestoreMessageVisible = true;
+            _backupRestoreMessageSeverity = results.severity;
+            _settingsBackupMessage = GetResourceString(results.message);
+
+            // now we do a dry run to get the results for "setting match"
+            var settingsUtils = new SettingsUtils();
+            var appBasePath = Path.GetDirectoryName(settingsUtils.GetSettingsFilePath());
+            settingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.BackupSettings(appBasePath, settingsBackupAndRestoreDir, true);
+
+            NotifyAllBackupAndRestoreProperties();
+
+            HideBackupAndRestoreMessageAreaAction();
+        }
+
+        public void NotifyAllBackupAndRestoreProperties()
+        {
+            NotifyPropertyChanged(nameof(LastSettingsBackupDate), false);
+            NotifyPropertyChanged(nameof(LastSettingsBackupSource), false);
+            NotifyPropertyChanged(nameof(LastSettingsBackupFileName), false);
+            NotifyPropertyChanged(nameof(CurrentSettingMatchText), false);
+            NotifyPropertyChanged(nameof(SettingsBackupMessage), false);
+            NotifyPropertyChanged(nameof(BackupRestoreMessageSeverity), false);
+            NotifyPropertyChanged(nameof(SettingsBackupRestoreMessageVisible), false);
         }
 
         // callback function to launch the URL to check for updates.
@@ -435,6 +762,36 @@ namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Library.ViewModels
             Process.Start(new ProcessStartInfo(Helper.GetPowerToysInstallationFolder() + "\\PowerToys.exe") { Arguments = "powertoys://update_now/" });
         }
 
+        /// <summary>
+        /// Class <c>GetResourceString</c> gets a localized text.
+        /// </summary>
+        /// <remarks>
+        /// To do: see if there is a betting way to do this, there should be. It does allow us to return missing localization in a way that makes it obvious they were missed.
+        /// </remarks>
+        public string GetResourceString(string resource)
+        {
+            if (ResourceLoader != null)
+            {
+                var type = ResourceLoader.GetType();
+                MethodInfo methodInfo = type.GetMethod("GetString");
+                object classInstance = Activator.CreateInstance(type, null);
+                object[] parametersArray = new object[] { resource };
+                var result = (string)methodInfo.Invoke(ResourceLoader, parametersArray);
+                if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(result))
+                {
+                    return resource.ToUpperInvariant() + "!!!";
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    return result;
+                }
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                return resource;
+            }
+        }
+
         public void RequestUpdateCheckedDate()
         {
             GeneralSettingsConfig.CustomActionName = "request_update_state_date";
@@ -455,6 +812,36 @@ namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Library.ViewModels
             SendRestartAsAdminConfigMSG(customaction.ToString());
         }
 
+        /// <summary>
+        /// Class <c>Restart</c> begin a restart and signal we want to maintain elevation
+        /// </summary>
+        /// <remarks>
+        /// Other restarts either raised or lowered elevation
+        /// </remarks>
+        public void Restart()
+        {
+            GeneralSettingsConfig.CustomActionName = "restart_maintain_elevation";
+
+            OutGoingGeneralSettings outsettings = new OutGoingGeneralSettings(GeneralSettingsConfig);
+            GeneralSettingsCustomAction customaction = new GeneralSettingsCustomAction(outsettings);
+
+            var dataToSend = customaction.ToString();
+            dataToSend = JsonSerializer.Serialize(new { action = new { general = new { action_name = "restart_maintain_elevation" } } });
+            SendRestartAsAdminConfigMSG(dataToSend);
+        }
+
+        /// <summary>
+        /// Class <c>HideBackupAndRestoreMessageArea</c> hides the backup/restore message area
+        /// </summary>
+        /// <remarks>
+        /// We want to have it go away after a short period.
+        /// </remarks>
+        public void HideBackupAndRestoreMessageArea()
+        {
+            _settingsBackupRestoreMessageVisible = false;
+            NotifyAllBackupAndRestoreProperties();
+        }
+
         public void RefreshUpdatingState()
         {
             object oLock = new object();

src/settings-ui/Settings.UI.Library/backup_restore_settings.json

@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+{
+  "RestartAfterRestore": true,  
+  "IncludeFiles": [
+    "*Keyboard Manager\\default.json",
+    "*settings.json",
+    "*FancyZones\\layout-hotkeys.json",
+    "*FancyZones\\layout-templates.json"
+  ],
+  "IgnoreFiles": [
+    "*PowerToys\\log_settings.json",
+    "*PowerToys\\oobe_settings.json"
+  ],
+  "IgnoredPTRunSettings": [
+    {
+      "Id": "525995402BEF4A8CA860D92F6D108092",
+      "Names": [
+        "IconPathDark",
+        "IconPathLight"
+      ]
+    },
+    {
+      "Id": "5D69806A5A474115821C3E4C56B9C793",
+      "Names": [
+        "Description"
+      ]
+    }
+  ],
+  "IgnoredSettings": {
+    "backup-restore_settings.json": [
+      "RestartAfterRestore"
+    ],
+    "settings.json": [
+      "powertoys_version"
+    ],
+    "PowerToys Run\\Settings\\PowerToysRunSettings.json": [
+      "WindowLeft",
+      "WindowTop",
+      "ActivateTimes"
+    ],
+    "PowerToys Run\\Settings\\Plugins\\Microsoft.Plugin.Program\\ProgramPluginSettings.json": [
+      "LastIndexTime",
+      "WindowTop",
+      "ActivateTimes"
+    ]
+  }
+}

src/settings-ui/Settings.UI/Converters/StringToInfoBarSeverityConverter.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+// Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation
+// The Microsoft Corporation licenses this file to you under the MIT license.
+// See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
+
+using System;
+using Microsoft.UI;
+using Microsoft.UI.Xaml;
+using Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Data;
+
+namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Converters
+{
+    public sealed class StringToInfoBarSeverityConverter : IValueConverter
+    {
+        public object Convert(object value, Type targetType, object parameter, string language)
+        {
+            try
+            {
+                if (value == null)
+                {
+                    return Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.InfoBarSeverity.Informational;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    return (Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.InfoBarSeverity)Enum.Parse(typeof(Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.InfoBarSeverity), (string)value, true);
+                }
+            }
+            catch
+            {
+                return Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls.InfoBarSeverity.Informational;
+            }
+        }
+
+        public object ConvertBack(object value, Type targetType, object parameter, string language)
+        {
+            throw new NotImplementedException();
+        }
+    }
+}

src/settings-ui/Settings.UI/Strings/en-us/Resources.resw

@@ -648,6 +648,24 @@
   <data name="GeneralPage_CheckForUpdates.Content" xml:space="preserve">
     <value>Check for updates</value>
   </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestoreLocationText.Header" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Location</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_ButtonBackup.Content" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Backup</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupInfo_FileNameHeader.Text" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>File name:</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_LinkRefresh.Text" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Refresh</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_ButtonRestore.Content" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Restore</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_ButtonSelectLocation.Content" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Browse</value>
+  </data>
   <data name="GeneralPage_UpdateNow.Content" xml:space="preserve">
     <value>Update now</value>
   </data>
@@ -812,6 +830,12 @@
   <data name="ShortcutGuide_Appearance_Behavior.Header" xml:space="preserve">
     <value>Appearance &amp; behavior</value>
   </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestoreTitle.Header" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Backup &amp; restore</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore.Header" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Backup and restore your settings at any time</value>
+  </data>
   <data name="ShortcutGuide_Enable.Header" xml:space="preserve">
     <value>Enable Shortcut Guide</value>
     <comment>do not loc the Product name.  Do you want this feature on / off</comment>
@@ -1045,6 +1069,21 @@
   <data name="General_VersionLastChecked.Text" xml:space="preserve">
     <value>Last checked: </value>
   </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupInfo_DateHeader.Text" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Created at:</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestoreDescription.Text" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>PowerToys will restart automatically if needed.</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestoreStatusInfo.Header" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Backup information</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupInfo_SourceHeader.Text" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Source machine:</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupInfo_StatusHeader.Text" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Status:</value>
+  </data>
   <data name="General_Version.[using:Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Automation]AutomationProperties.Name" xml:space="preserve">
     <value>Version</value>
   </data>
@@ -2354,6 +2393,64 @@ Activate by holding the key for the character you want to add an accent to, then
   <data name="LearnMore_TextExtractor.Text" xml:space="preserve">
     <value>Learn more about Text Extractor</value>
   </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_NothingToBackup" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>A new backup was not created because no settings have been changed since last backup.</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_NoBackupFound" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>No backup found</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_FailedToParseTime" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Failed to parse time</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_UnknownBackupTime" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Unknown</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_UnknownBackupSource" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Unknown</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_ThisMachine" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>This computer</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_CurrentSettingsMatch" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Current settings match</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_CurrentSettingsStatusAt" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>at</value>
+    <comment>E.g., Food was served 'at' noon.</comment>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_CurrentSettingsDiffer" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Current settings differ</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_CurrentSettingsNoChecked" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Checking...</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_CurrentSettingsUnknown" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Unknown</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_NeverRestored" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Never restored</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_NothingToRestore" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Nothing to restore.</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_NoSettingsFilesFound" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>No settings files found.</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_BackupError" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>There was an error. Try another backup location.</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_BackupComplete" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Backup completed.</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_NoBackupSyncPath" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>No backup location selected.</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_NoBackupsFound" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>No backups found to restore.</value>
+  </data>
+  <data name="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_InvalidBackupLocation" xml:space="preserve">
+    <value>Invalid backup location.</value>
+  </data>
   <data name="TextExtractor.ModuleDescription" xml:space="preserve">
     <value>Text Extractor is a convenient way to copy text from anywhere on screen</value>
   </data>

src/settings-ui/Settings.UI/Styles/TextBlock.xaml

@@ -20,4 +20,11 @@
         <Setter Property="FontSize" Value="{StaticResource SecondaryTextFontSize}"/>
         <Setter Property="Foreground" Value="{ThemeResource TextFillColorSecondaryBrush}"/>
     </Style>
+
+    <x:Double x:Key="HeaderTextFontSize">12</x:Double>
+    <Style x:Key="HeaderTextStyle" TargetType="TextBlock">
+        <Setter Property="FontSize" Value="{StaticResource HeaderTextFontSize}"/>
+        <Setter Property="Foreground" Value="{ThemeResource TextFillColorSecondaryBrush}"/>
+        <Setter Property="FontWeight" Value="Bold" />
+    </Style>
 </ResourceDictionary>

src/settings-ui/Settings.UI/Views/GeneralPage.xaml

@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@
         <converters:BoolToVisibilityConverter x:Key="VisibleIfTrueConverter"/>
         <converters:BoolNegationConverter x:Key="NegationConverter"/>
         <localConverters:UpdateStateToBoolConverter x:Key="UpdateStateToBoolConverter" />
+        <localConverters:StringToInfoBarSeverityConverter x:Key="StringToInfoBarSeverityConverter"/>
     </Page.Resources>
 
     <controls:SettingsPageControl x:Uid="General"
@@ -225,6 +226,159 @@
                         </controls:Setting.ActionContent>
                     </controls:Setting>
                 </controls:SettingsGroup>
+
+                <!-- Start General_SettingsBackupAndRestore -->
+
+                <controls:SettingsGroup x:Uid="General_SettingsBackupAndRestoreTitle" Visibility="Visible">
+                    <controls:SettingExpander IsExpanded="True">
+                        <controls:SettingExpander.Header>
+                            <controls:Setting x:Uid="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore" Icon="&#xE777;" Style="{StaticResource ExpanderHeaderSettingStyle}">
+                                <controls:Setting.Description>
+                                    <TextBlock Style="{StaticResource SecondaryTextStyle}">
+                                                <Run x:Uid="General_SettingsBackupAndRestoreDescription" />
+                                    </TextBlock>
+                                </controls:Setting.Description>
+                                <controls:Setting.ActionContent>
+                                    <Grid Visibility="Visible">
+                                        <Grid.ColumnDefinitions>
+                                            <ColumnDefinition Width="1*" />
+                                            <ColumnDefinition Width="1*" />
+                                        </Grid.ColumnDefinitions>
+                                        <Button Grid.Column="0" x:Uid="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_ButtonBackup"
+                                        Command="{Binding BackupConfigsEventHandler}"
+                                        IsEnabled="True"
+                                        Visibility="Visible"
+                                        HorizontalAlignment="Right"/>
+
+                                        <Button Grid.Column="2" x:Uid="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_ButtonRestore"
+                                        Command="{Binding RestoreConfigsEventHandler}"
+                                        IsEnabled="True"
+                                        Visibility="Visible"
+                                        HorizontalAlignment="Right"/>
+
+                                    </Grid>
+                                </controls:Setting.ActionContent>
+                            </controls:Setting>
+                        </controls:SettingExpander.Header>
+
+                        <controls:SettingExpander.Content>
+
+
+                            <StackPanel Orientation="Vertical">
+
+                                <controls:Setting x:Uid="General_SettingsBackupAndRestoreLocationText" Visibility="Visible" Style="{StaticResource ExpanderContentSettingStyle}">
+
+                                    <controls:Setting.ActionContent>
+
+                                        <Grid Padding="10,5,0,0">
+                                            <Grid.ColumnDefinitions>
+                                                <ColumnDefinition Width="Auto" />
+                                                <ColumnDefinition Width="*" />
+                                                <ColumnDefinition Width="Auto" />
+                                            </Grid.ColumnDefinitions>
+                                            <Grid.RowDefinitions>
+                                                <RowDefinition Height="Auto" />
+                                            </Grid.RowDefinitions>
+                                            <TextBlock MaxWidth="350" Grid.Row="0" Grid.Column="1" Text="{x:Bind Mode=TwoWay, Path=ViewModel.SettingsBackupAndRestoreDir}" IsTextSelectionEnabled="True" MinWidth="350" />
+                                            <Button Grid.Row="0" Grid.Column="2" x:Uid="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_ButtonSelectLocation"
+                                        Command="{Binding SelectSettingBackupDirEventHandler}"
+                                        IsEnabled="True"
+                                        Visibility="Visible"
+                                        HorizontalAlignment="Left"/>
+
+                                        </Grid>
+
+                                    </controls:Setting.ActionContent>
+                                </controls:Setting>
+
+                                <controls:Setting x:Uid="General_SettingsBackupAndRestoreStatusInfo" Visibility="Visible" Style="{StaticResource ExpanderContentSettingStyle}"/>
+                                <StackPanel>
+
+
+
+                                    <Grid Padding="55,0,10,10">
+                                        <Grid.Resources >
+                                            <Style TargetType="Border" >
+                                                <Setter Property="Padding" Value="2,0,5,0" />
+                                            </Style>
+                                        </Grid.Resources>
+                                        <Grid.ColumnDefinitions>
+                                            <ColumnDefinition Width="Auto" />
+                                            <ColumnDefinition Width="Auto" />
+                                        </Grid.ColumnDefinitions>
+                                        <Grid.RowDefinitions>
+                                            <RowDefinition Height="1*" />
+                                            <RowDefinition Height="1*" />
+                                            <RowDefinition Height="1*" />
+                                            <RowDefinition Height="1*" />
+                                        </Grid.RowDefinitions>
+
+                                        <Border Grid.Row="0" Grid.Column="0">
+                                            <TextBlock Style="{StaticResource HeaderTextStyle}">
+                                                <Run x:Uid="General_SettingsBackupInfo_DateHeader" />
+                                            </TextBlock>
+
+                                        </Border>
+                                        <Border Grid.Row="0" Grid.Column="1">
+                                            <TextBlock Style="{StaticResource SecondaryTextStyle}">
+                                                <Run Text="{Binding LastSettingsBackupDate, Mode=OneWay}"/>
+                                            </TextBlock>
+                                        </Border>
+
+                                        <Border Grid.Row="1" Grid.Column="0">
+                                            <TextBlock Style="{StaticResource HeaderTextStyle}">
+                                                <Run x:Uid="General_SettingsBackupInfo_StatusHeader" />
+                                            </TextBlock>
+                                        </Border>
+                                        <Border Grid.Row="1" Grid.Column="1">
+                                            <StackPanel Orientation="Horizontal">
+                                                <TextBlock Style="{StaticResource SecondaryTextStyle}">                                                
+                                                <Run Text="{Binding CurrentSettingMatchText, Mode=OneWay}"/>
+                                                </TextBlock>
+
+                                                <TextBlock Padding="5,0,0,0" Style="{StaticResource SecondaryTextStyle}"><Hyperlink Click="UpdateBackupAndRestoreStatusText" TextDecorations="Underline">
+                                                    <Run x:Uid="General_SettingsBackupAndRestore_LinkRefresh" />
+                                                </Hyperlink></TextBlock>
+
+                                            </StackPanel>
+                                        </Border>
+
+                                        <Border Grid.Row="2" Grid.Column="0">
+                                            <TextBlock Style="{StaticResource HeaderTextStyle}">
+                                                <Run x:Uid="General_SettingsBackupInfo_SourceHeader" />
+                                            </TextBlock>
+                                        </Border>
+                                        <Border Grid.Row="2" Grid.Column="1">
+                                            <TextBlock Style="{StaticResource SecondaryTextStyle}">
+                                                <Run Text="{Binding LastSettingsBackupSource, Mode=OneWay}"/>
+                                            </TextBlock>
+                                        </Border>
+
+                                        <Border Grid.Row="3" Grid.Column="0">
+                                            <TextBlock Style="{StaticResource HeaderTextStyle}">
+                                                <Run x:Uid="General_SettingsBackupInfo_FileNameHeader" />
+                                            </TextBlock>
+                                        </Border>
+                                        <Border Grid.Row="3" Grid.Column="1">
+                                            <TextBlock Style="{StaticResource SecondaryTextStyle}">
+                                                <Run Text="{Binding LastSettingsBackupFileName, Mode=OneWay}"/>
+                                            </TextBlock>
+                                        </Border>
+                                    </Grid>
+                                </StackPanel>
+                            </StackPanel>
+                        </controls:SettingExpander.Content>
+                    </controls:SettingExpander>
+                </controls:SettingsGroup>
+
+                <InfoBar x:Uid="General_SettingsBackupMessageResults"
+                                  IsClosable="False"
+                                  Severity="{Binding BackupRestoreMessageSeverity, Converter={StaticResource StringToInfoBarSeverityConverter}}"                         
+                                  IsTabStop="{Binding SettingsBackupRestoreMessageVisible, Mode=OneWay}"
+                                  IsOpen="{Binding SettingsBackupRestoreMessageVisible, Mode=OneWay}"                                  
+                                  Title="{Binding SettingsBackupMessage}"/>
+                <!-- End General_SettingsBackupAndRestore -->
+
             </StackPanel>
 
         </controls:SettingsPageControl.ModuleContent>

src/settings-ui/Settings.UI/Views/GeneralPage.xaml.cs

@@ -3,12 +3,17 @@
 // See the LICENSE file in the project root for more information.
 
 using System;
+using System.Diagnostics;
+using System.Threading;
+using System.Threading.Tasks;
 using Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Library;
 using Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Library.Utilities;
 using Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Library.ViewModels;
 using Microsoft.UI.Xaml;
 using Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Controls;
 using Windows.ApplicationModel.Resources;
+using Windows.Storage;
+using Windows.Storage.Pickers;
 
 namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Views
 {
@@ -17,6 +22,8 @@ namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Views
     /// </summary>
     public sealed partial class GeneralPage : Page
     {
+        private static DateTime OkToHideBackupAndRestoreMessageTime { get; set; }
+
         /// <summary>
         /// Gets or sets view model.
         /// </summary>
@@ -42,6 +49,25 @@ namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Views
                 });
             };
 
+            Action hideBackupAndRestoreMessageArea = () =>
+            {
+                this.DispatcherQueue.TryEnqueue(async () =>
+                {
+                    const int messageShowTimeIs = 10000;
+
+                    // in order to keep the message for about 5 seconds after the last call
+                    // and not need any lock/thread-synch, use an OK-To-Hide time, and wait just a little longer than that.
+                    OkToHideBackupAndRestoreMessageTime = DateTime.UtcNow.AddMilliseconds(messageShowTimeIs - 16);
+                    await System.Threading.Tasks.Task.Delay(messageShowTimeIs);
+                    if (DateTime.UtcNow > OkToHideBackupAndRestoreMessageTime)
+                    {
+                        ViewModel.HideBackupAndRestoreMessageArea();
+                    }
+                });
+            };
+
+            var doRefreshBackupRestoreStatus = new Action<int>(RefreshBackupRestoreStatus);
+
             ViewModel = new GeneralViewModel(
                 SettingsRepository<GeneralSettings>.GetInstance(settingsUtils),
                 loader.GetString("GeneralSettings_RunningAsAdminText"),
@@ -53,9 +79,15 @@ namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Views
                 ShellPage.SendRestartAdminIPCMessage,
                 ShellPage.SendCheckForUpdatesIPCMessage,
                 string.Empty,
-                stateUpdatingAction);
+                stateUpdatingAction,
+                hideBackupAndRestoreMessageArea,
+                doRefreshBackupRestoreStatus,
+                PickSingleFolderDialog,
+                loader);
 
             DataContext = ViewModel;
+
+            doRefreshBackupRestoreStatus(100);
         }
 
         public static int UpdateUIThemeMethod(string themeName)
@@ -84,5 +116,38 @@ namespace Microsoft.PowerToys.Settings.UI.Views
         {
             Helpers.StartProcessHelper.Start(Helpers.StartProcessHelper.ColorsSettings);
         }
+
+        private void RefreshBackupRestoreStatus(int delayMs = 0)
+        {
+            Task.Run(() =>
+            {
+                if (delayMs > 0)
+                {
+                    Thread.Sleep(delayMs);
+                }
+
+                var settingsBackupAndRestoreUtils = SettingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.Instance;
+                var results = settingsBackupAndRestoreUtils.DryRunBackup();
+                this.DispatcherQueue.TryEnqueue(() =>
+                {
+                    ViewModel.NotifyAllBackupAndRestoreProperties();
+                });
+            });
+        }
+
+        private void UpdateBackupAndRestoreStatusText(Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Documents.Hyperlink sender, Microsoft.UI.Xaml.Documents.HyperlinkClickEventArgs args)
+        {
+            RefreshBackupRestoreStatus();
+        }
+
+        private async Task<string> PickSingleFolderDialog()
+        {
+            var openPicker = new FolderPicker();
+            var hwnd = WinRT.Interop.WindowNative.GetWindowHandle(App.GetSettingsWindow());
+            WinRT.Interop.InitializeWithWindow.Initialize(openPicker, hwnd);
+            openPicker.FileTypeFilter.Add("*");
+            var folder = await openPicker.PickSingleFolderAsync();
+            return folder?.Path;
+        }
     }
 }