It is possible to create a backup of your file history in Windows.

Losing crucial data as a result of a malfunction in the hardware, deletion by mistake, or malicious software may be very detrimental. Because of this, Windows comes with a built-in backup utility called File History. This program will automatically preserve copies of your personal data and will allow you to restore prior versions of those files whenever they are required. File History, in contrast to a straightforward copy-and-paste backup, continually monitors any changes that occur in your documents, photographs, music, videos, and desktop folders. This ensures that your data is always secured.

Is the History of a File Mean?

One of the features of Windows is called File History, and it is responsible for backing up files that are saved in your Libraries, Desktop, Contacts, Favorites, and OneDrive (if it is on your local computer). In order for it to function, it performs frequent scans for changes and saves updated versions of files to a different device, such as an external hard disk or a network site.

Not only is it possible to recover files that have been lost, but it is also feasible to revert to previous versions of a file in the event that you have made modifications that you do not want to be made.

Connect a backup drive.

Having a storage location is necessary before you can enable the File History feature. This may indicate that:

The use of a USB drive or an external hard disk.
A duplicate of the internal drive.
The network drive, often known as a shared folder or NAS.
It is essential that you check that the disk has sufficient free capacity to accommodate numerous copies of your data.

Open the Settings for the File History

Use the Win key and the I key to launch the Settings menu.

If you are using Windows 10, go to Update & Security > Backup. If you are using Windows 11, navigate to Settings > Accounts > Windows Backup.
On the “Back up using File History” menu, choose the “Add a drive” option.
Choose either the network drive or the external drive that you attached.
Once the option is selected, Windows will immediately activate the File History feature.

Configure the Options for the File History

To make changes to the way File History operates:

Click More choices (Windows 10) or Advanced settings (Windows 11 via Control Panel) under the Backup settings. Windows 10 users may access this option.

Adjustments may be made here:

How often data are saved (every ten minutes to once a day) is referred to as the backup frequency.
What is the retention policy? How long should prior versions be kept? Forever, until space is required, or for a predetermined amount of time?
Included are the following folders: Include or exclude directories that are not part of the default set.
You may be certain that just the data that are important to you will be backed up.

Run your first backup

After it has been setup, File History will start transferring your files to the disk that they are stored on. It may take some time for the first run, depending on the amount of data you have, but subsequent backups will only replicate files that have been updated or newly created.

There is also the option to manually initiate a backup:

Choose Backup choices, then click the Back up now button.

Restoring Files from the File History.

In the event that you ever find yourself in need of recovering a file:

You may access it by pressing Win and S simultaneously, then typing “Restore your files with File History.”
Look through the folders that have been backed up.
Viewing multiple versions of a file may be done by using the arrows at the bottom of the page.
Simply click the Restore option once you have chosen the version you wish to use.
To prevent the data from being overwritten, right-click the Restore button and choose the option to save it somewhere.

Using File History on Multiple Computers.

If you use the same external drive on more than one computer, File History will generate separate backup folders for each of the computers that you use. This makes it possible for you to maintain backups of your personal data across many platforms without causing them to get blended together.

Keep a record of the file history and monitor it.

Maintain a consistent connection to the backup disk in order to enable automated upgrades.
Check the status of the backup on a regular basis by going to Settings > Backup.
If your disk becomes full, you may either clear up space or alter the parameters for the retention.

A Few Advantages to Utilizing File History

The history of versions allows you to revert to prior versions of documents.

The setup process is straightforward in comparison to those of third-party backup programs.
Worked without any problems using File Explorer. Integration Features.
Enhanced security features include protection against ransomware attacks and unintentional deletions (when used in conjunction with Controlled Folder Access).

Constraints imposed by the file history

In default mode, just personal folders are backed up, rather than the full system.
Must be connected to a network or an external disk.
It will not safeguard system data or applications; for complete recovery, you need utilize System Image Backup or other third-party solutions.

File History is one of the most helpful features in Windows, but it is also often underutilized. You may set up an automated backup system that not only safeguards your information but also maintains prior versions of those files with only a few clicks of the mouse. The activation of File History protects your data from being lost in an unforeseen manner, which is beneficial whether you are working on significant projects, saving photographs of your family, or just want to have peace of mind.

Tags: It is possible to create a backup of your file history in Windows.