Windows: How to Use File History in Windows

File History in Windows is a powerful feature that allows you to automatically back up your files, ensuring your data is safe and recoverable. We will walk you through the steps to enable and use File History in Windows, helping you protect your important documents, photos, and more.

The Windows File History has nothing related to checking any files’ older versions or something similar. This article will focus on the Methods to Use File History on Windows to Back Up Data.

Table of Contents

• What is the File History in Windows?
• How to Use File History in Windows?
  • Method 1: Use File History in Windows By Windows Settings
  • Method 2: Use File History in Windows Using Control Panel
  • Method 3: Use File History in Windows Using the Group Policy Editor
  • Method 4: Use File History in Windows Using the Registry Editor
  • How to use file history in Windows – FAQs

What is the File History in Windows?

After Releasing the File History Feature for Windows 8, Microsoft has made improvements to the feature throughout time. You may Back Up Important Files and Folders to an External Drive with the File History Feature. It is distinct from a Windows Backup or System Image since it copies only particular files and folders, not the entire C: Drive.

The File History Feature often Creates Backups of Desktop Folders, OneDrive Offline Files, Music, Pictures, Documents, Downloads, and Videos. However, you can use File History to add other directories that you wish to backup.

How to Use File History in Windows?

To Use File History on Windows, the following methods should be executed. We will start with the Windows Settings Process which is very simple to execute.

Method 1: Use File History in Windows By Windows Settings

Step 1: To open Windows Settings, press Windows + I > Click on System > Select Storage

Step 2: Select More Storage Settings > Click on View Backup Options from the system.

Step 3: Check and activate the toggle button Automatically Backup my files > See Add a Drive option > Select External Storage drive to backup the required files.

Step 4: Click on More options > Tap on the Backup Now button. You can click on the toggle button again to disable the feature.

Method 2: Use File History in Windows Using Control Panel

Step 1: Press Windows + R > Type Control Panel > Press Enter

Step 2: Click on System & Security > Adjust the System Settings > Click on the File History option.

Step 3: See File History is off > Click on the “Turn On” button to enable the required file history.

Method 3: Use File History in Windows Using the Group Policy Editor

Step 1: Press Windows + R > Type gpedit.msc > Press Enter

Step 2: Launch the Group Policy Editor > Navigate to System Configuration or Administrative Templates or Windows internal Components.

Step 3: Locate File History policy > Double click on Turn Off File History > Choose Enabled or Disabled as per requirement.

Method 4: Use File History in Windows Using the Registry Editor

Step 1: Press the Windows key > Type Regedit > Right-click on the first required search option > Select Run as Administrator.

Step 2: Go to the internal Address bar and paste the below-mentioned path

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

Step 3: Right-click on Windows > Choose New and Key

Note: Name the new key as FileHistory

Step 4: Click on the File History Key > Navigate the data to the right-hand side pane > Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value option.

Step 5: Double-click the value Disabled to change it after giving it a name. Decide to set the Value Data to 0. Your system will continue to use the functionality as a result.

Step 6: Set the Value Data to 1 to turn off File History.

Conclusion

Windows’s File History is a very useful tool that can protect your Data from Unintentional Loss or Corruption. You can make sure that your digital data are safe and easily recoverable by customizing your backup options, Setting Up File History with an External Disc or Network Location, and understanding How to Restore Files.

How to use file history in Windows – FAQs

How to Use File History on Windows?

To Enable & Use the File History on Windows, the following steps should be executed.

1. Open the Group Policy Editor on Windows.
2. Open the System Configuration Option.
3. Find out the File History Option.
4. Choose the Enable option to use the process.

What is File History on Windows?

File History is a feature on Windows that is related to the Data Backup Process. The File History has nothing related to the Different Versions of any File. If the File History is enabled, the Data present on the Local Drive will get uploaded from time to time to any external device.

Should I use Windows file history for important data?

You can retrieve instant files from your backup by using File History, including those from your documents, desktop, and other system folders. However, not many people use it because it’s not the best tool for creating personal backups.

What is the main disadvantage or drawback of Windows File History?

First of all, by default, it is not enabled because it consumes free disc space. On contemporary portable PCs, which frequently have only one disc and little storage anyhow, this is especially problematic.

What is the main purpose or advantage of File History in Windows?

File History, which is compatible with Windows 10 and 11, may automatically backup files from designated PC folders to an external device or network destination. Depending on the interval you specify, your backups operate in the background.