By default, File History backs up your files stored in Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, and Desktop folders, including the OneDrive files locally stored on the device. If you have files on a different location, you have to add those locations in the File History settings to ensure they get backed up. On Windows 10, this file backup feature remains pretty much unchanged, but now you can also configure it using the Settings app. Using Settings, you can turn on automatic backup and access many options, such as how often file backups are made, how long data should be kept, include and exclude folders, and configure a different drive to create automatic backups with File History. Once the feature is configured, it will create a copy of your personal files that have changed since the last time the backup was performed. Over time, these incremental backups will pile up for you to recover any of them as needed, and you can even restore different versions of each file. In this guide, you will learn the steps to set up File History on an external drive, or network folder, using the Settings app on Windows 10. In addition, you’ll see the steps to recover files as needed.
Enable File History on external drive on Windows 10
To start using File History, connect an external drive to the computer, and use these steps: Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 File History will start backing up files regularly to the drive you selected. File History select backup destination File History more options File History configuration Add folder to backup Exclude folder from backup Remove folder from File History If you are using an external drive, make sure to 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.
Enable File History in network folder on Windows 10
To configure File History using a network folder, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the files will automatically backup on the shared folder that you specified. File History network locations File History select network shared folder File History more options File History configuration Add folder to backup Exclude folder from backup Remove folder from File History
Use File History to restore files on Windows 10
To restore files with File History on Windows 10, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the files will restore to the location that you specified. File History restore files from backup Finally, it is important to note that File History is just that. It is a feature to backup your files. It is not a feature designed to backup programs, settings, or the operating system. If you want to create a full system backup, you should be using the System Image Backup utility or a third-party tool, such as Macrium Reflect. Update February 9, 2021: This guide was originally published in January 2016, and it’s been revised for the latest version of Windows 10. 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.
