The File History is a built-in Windows backup tool for backing up all folders and files in a user’s home directory, including Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, Contacts, and a Desktop. When File History is turned on in Windows 11 and original files are deleted or damaged, you can restore them using the backup versions created by File History.
Windows only backs up the files and folders in a user’s home directory by default (C:\Users\Username). You can, however, backup additional folders from other locations if necessary.
Related: How to Set Graphics Performance Preferences in Windows 10
Turn On or Turn Off File History on Windows 11 using Control Panel
Follow these steps to enable or disable File History in Windows 11 via the Control Panel:
Note: You’ll need an external drive connected to your PC to configure and run File History. If you have a network drive/folder, you can use it instead.
- Open Control Panel.
- Select the System and Security category when the Control Panel appears.
- Select File History from the right-hand sidebar.
- The File History window will scan the available external storage device when it first opens. Then, beneath the external hard disk, click the Turn on button.
When you enable File History, your PC’s files will be automatically backed up.
You can also do a manual backup if your external disk is not permanently connected to your PC. Simply connect the external drive to your computer and click the Run now link in the above window.
If you want to turn off the File History feature at any time, go back to step 4 and click the Turn off button.
Restore Files from File History on Windows 11
If you have File History installed on your computer and need to restore a missing or damaged file, follow the steps below: –
- Open Control Panel.
- Select the System and Security category when the Control Panel appears.
- Select File History from the right-hand sidebar.
- Click the Restore personal files link in the File History window’s left sidebar.
- Once you’ve completed the previous steps, a new window will appear, displaying all of the folders that File History has backed up. By clicking the Previous (CTRL + Left Arrow) or Next (CTRL + Right Arrow) buttons at the bottom, you can navigate through all of the backups.
- After selecting the file or folder you want to restore, click the Restore button to return it to its original location.
File History restores files/folders to their original location by default. If you want to fix them somewhere other than the default, go to the Settings gear icon and choose “Restore to.”
Select the folder on your PC in the file explorer window to restore the selected file(s)/folder (s). That concludes our discussion.
