File History is a built-in feature that allows you to create incremental backups of files to an external or network drive at different intervals during the day to prevent data loss. Unlike OneDrive, you can store as many backups as the storage space allows, which could be many terabytes. This option is better suited for users with a large amount of data, such as video, music, software collections, and project files. Since backups are stored locally, the downside is that the data won’t be protected from natural disasters (fire or flood). Also, the external storage must always be connected to your computer. Otherwise, backups won’t work. Windows Backup is the third automatic file backup option on Windows 10. The feature can back up your files to a removable drive or network-shared folder on a NAS server. It works similarly to File History, but Windows Backup offers an option to back up and restore the installation files. However, you can only schedule backups once a day. Since the backups are stored on-site, your files will be protected against accidental deletion, hardware failure, and system corruption, but not from natural disasters. Windows Backup is better suited for long-term archival or creating full backups. OneDrive is perhaps the best option for most users to create a file backup on Windows 10. This is because files are backed up automatically as soon as you sign in and start saving files to the OneDrive folder. Since the data is stored in the cloud, they are also protected against natural disasters, and you can access the files across devices. The only caveat is that you will need a subscription to unlock the 1TB of storage. In this guide, you will learn the different ways to back up your files using one of the various features available on Windows 10.
Create file backup on Windows 10 from File History Create file backup on Windows 10 from Windows Backup Create file backup on Windows 10 from OneDrive
Create file backup on Windows 10 from File History
To create a file backup from Windows 10 File History, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 File History will start backing up files regularly to the selected drive.
Restore files from File History
To restore files from File History on Windows 10, use these steps: After completing the steps, the files will be restored to the specified location.
Create file backup on Windows 10 from Windows Backup
Alternatively, you can also use the Windows Backup feature to create automatic incremental backups of your files. To create automatic file backups from Windows Backup, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the backup process will begin for the first time, and then follow-up backups will be performed on schedule.
Restore files with Windows Backup
To restore files with Windows Backup, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the files and folders will be restored to your specified location.
If you use an external drive, keep it connected to the computer. Otherwise, the file backup will fail, and if something happens, you may not be able to recover your files.
Create file backup on Windows 10 from OneDrive
To create file backups automatically to OneDrive on Windows 10, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the folders you selected will create backups automatically to your OneDrive account as new changes are made on Windows 10.
The above steps help protect your profile folders to OneDrive, but you can always move and save files directly to the OneDrive folder available in File Explorer to keep them backed up in the cloud. OneDrive offers 5GB of free cloud storage, but if you need more, you must purchase a Microsoft 365 subscription to access the full 1TB of storage. In addition to the OneDrive storage, the subscription also includes access to the suite of Office apps and many other benefits.
Recover files from OneDrive
Since the files will sync to the cloud, if something happens to the device, you can always recover the files by signing in to OneDrive on the new installation Windows 10. If you accidentally delete a file or document, you can recover it from OneDrive recycle bin. To recover a file with OneDrive, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the file will sync to your computer again after a few moments.
When using this solution, remember that deleted files are only available for 30 days from the day the file was deleted. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
