Back up files and directories
Verified with Windows Security Options 25H2 — updated on July 25, 2026
Security policy
This is a Security Options policy (Windows Settings > Security Settings), applied by the security engine — not an Administrative Template (ADMX). In GPMC/gpedit it is configured under Local Policies > Security Options.
Path in the GPO console
Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\User Rights Assignment Description
This user right determines which users can bypass file and directory, registry, and other persistent object permissions for the purposes of backing up the system. Specifically, this user right is similar to granting the following permissions to the user or group in question on all files and folders on the system: Traverse Folder/Execute File List Folder/Read Data Read Attributes Read Extended Attributes Read Permissions Caution Assigning this user right can be a security risk. Since there is no way to be sure that a user is backing up data, stealing data, or copying data to be distributed, only assign this user right to trusted users. Default on workstations and servers: Administrators Backup Operators. Default on domain controllers:Administrators Backup Operators Server Operators
Local security policy
SeBackupPrivilege This setting has no registry key. It is stored in the local security database (LSA) and is configured through the Group Policy console or secpol.msc.