Windows File History: Back Up Your Data Easily
Understanding File History in Windows 10
File History serves as the primary backup solution within Windows 10, having been initially implemented in Windows 8.
Contrary to its name, File History offers more than just the restoration of prior file versions; it functions as a comprehensive backup utility.
How File History Works
Once configured, File History operates seamlessly with an external storage device.
Simply connecting an external drive to your system enables automatic file backups.
Maintaining a consistent connection to the drive allows Windows to perform backups according to a pre-defined schedule.
Key Features and Benefits
- Automatic Backups: Windows handles the backup process without requiring manual intervention.
- Version History: Multiple versions of your files are preserved, allowing you to revert to earlier states.
- External Drive Support: Utilizes external drives for storing backup data, keeping your system drive free.
File History provides a robust and user-friendly method for safeguarding your important data against loss or corruption.
Activating File History
Related: Utilizing Windows 10's Comprehensive Backup and Recovery Features
Unlike more intricate backup solutions, File History is engineered for straightforward activation. Begin by connecting an external hard drive to your computer system. Subsequently, launch the Settings application from your Start menu. Proceed to Update & Security > Backup.
To designate an external drive for File History backups, click or tap the "Add a drive" selection located under Back up using File History. A list of available external drives will be displayed, offering you the choice to utilize them for backups.
While the Control Panel provides an alternative method, this guide focuses on the modern Settings interface. Should you prefer the Control Panel (particularly if using Windows 8), open it and navigate to System and Security > File History.
Upon selecting a drive, it will be assigned to File History. The option to "Automatically back up my files" will then become visible and will be enabled by default. Your files will be automatically backed up to the chosen drive each time it is connected to your computer.
Configuring File History Settings
Accessing "More options" enables customization of the File History backup process. This includes adjusting the backup frequency, retention duration, and crucially, the selection of files to be included.
By default, files are automatically backed up on an hourly schedule. However, this interval can be modified to suit your needs. Available options include backups every 10, 15, 20, or 30 minutes, as well as 1, 3, 6, 12 hours, or daily.
Backups are typically retained indefinitely, but you can configure automatic deletion based on age. Options range from one month to two years, or allow File History to manage space by deleting older backups as needed.
The system initially backs up essential folders within your user account. These commonly include Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, and Videos. The Roaming folder, containing application data, and your OneDrive folder are also included by default.
A comprehensive list of included folders is displayed, allowing for additions and removals. To add a folder, simply select "Add a folder" and navigate to the desired location. Conversely, the "Remove" button excludes a selected folder from the backup process.
Note: In Windows 8, folder inclusion required adding them to a Library, a step not necessary in later versions.
An "Exclude these folders" section provides granular control, allowing you to prevent specific subfolders from being backed up. This is useful for ignoring temporary files or folders containing unnecessary data.
To switch to a different storage drive, utilize the "Stop using drive" button. This halts backups to the current drive and prepares the system for configuration with a new drive. Existing backups remain untouched, but only one drive can be actively used for File History at a time.
Selecting "See advanced settings" redirects you to the Control Panel, offering an alternative interface for File History configuration. Here, you can access additional options.
These options include viewing recent errors via the Event Viewer, cleaning up older file versions, and enabling backups from other computers within your homegroup to utilize your designated backup drive.
Recovering Files Using Your Backup
File restoration from an external drive is initiated through the Settings application. Navigate to "Update & Security," then select "Backup." Proceed by choosing "More options" and scrolling to the bottom of the window. Finally, click "Restore files from a current backup."
Alternatively, access the Control Panel and select "System and Security." From there, choose "File History" and click the "Restore personal files" option.
Should your backups have been generated on a different computer, simply configure File History on the current machine. Then, designate the drive holding your previous File History backups. These backups will become accessible within the Restore Files interface, enabling file recovery as if they were created on the present computer.
This interface provides access to your backup versions and facilitates file restoration. You can navigate through the available files and select individual files or entire folders. Previewing is possible with a right-click, or restoration can be initiated by selecting the files and clicking the designated restore button.
To select a specific point in time, utilize the arrow buttons or the side panels within the window. The system will also display the total number of backup versions available. For instance, a display of "2 of 3" signifies three backup versions, with the current view showing the second oldest.
Additional backup versions, both older and newer, may be accessible for restoration.
Recovering Files Directly Through File Explorer
A prior iteration of a file can be efficiently recovered utilizing File Explorer. Initiate File Explorer, then right-click on the file intended for reversion. Select the option "Restore previous versions" from the context menu. Alternatively, access the "Properties" dialog and navigate to the "Previous Versions" tab.
Within this interface, any accessible past versions of the file, as maintained by File History, will be displayed. These versions can be previewed before restoration. You have the option to restore a version to its original location or designate an alternate destination on your computer.
It is also possible to examine previous versions and deleted files associated with a particular folder. To accomplish this, navigate to the desired folder within File Explorer. Then, click the "Home" tab located on the ribbon at the top of the window, and select "History."
A listing of restorable files that were formerly contained within that folder will be presented. This interface mirrors the standard file restoration process, but allows initiation directly from within a specific folder, potentially streamlining the process.
File History represents a straightforward and valuable backup solution, and it is provided at no cost. Windows 10 also provides the functionality to generate a system image backup, offering a complete copy of your operating system’s configuration.
While not the primary method for file backups—even with system image backups, regular file backups using File History are recommended—this option may be beneficial for users who frequently modify system settings or the Registry.