It seems odd that I can't specifically choose files that I'd like to backup. For instance, I have a large "main" folder that I keep on an external SSD drive, but I can't figure out how to add that to the list that File History backs up. I tried adding the "main" folder to my "documents library" (since "libraries" are part of what File History chooses automatically), but it doesn't seem to be working. (Side note: It DID work when I added my "public" folder to my "documents library." That appears to be getting backed up now.)
More frequent saving. Backups run once a day (depending on how you configure). File History can run at something like every 15 minutes. So it saves things since your last traditional backup.
An interesting feature, but pretty limited, as all Microsoft stock applications. Do you know a more capable application, free or paid? Thanks for your videos, Leo, they are always interesting.
Interestingly enough I'm not aware of a direct equivalent. Closest is OneDrive, which will copy files as they change to OneDrive.com. there probably are some out there, but I'm not aware of 'em. (My understanding is that Time Machine, on Macs, comes very close and does more.)
For system image I recommend at least 4 times the amount of data stored on the drive you're backing up. These days drives are so large that's easy to do. File History uses the space you give it, so there's no real rule of thumb.
In Windows 10 it was fairly easy to add or remove folders to be included in the File History backup. Windows 11, not so much. Leo doesn't show which folders are included, but one can infer that from the excluded list. Note that "Desktop" and "Downloads" is *not* included in the file history backup. I'll leave it as a challenge to the reader how to add these two user folders into the file history backup. Again, it was easy in Windows 10. Another reason (of 26, yes I count them) I don't like Windows 11.
Helooo, I don't know if you read this, but I would like to know how to delete the file detected by WinDirStat, it weighs almost 20Gb, and despite all the information, no one clarifies how to delete said file. I would like your help with that, thank you !!
I found your explanation disappointing. You do not cover the wonderful fact that File History saves MULTIPLE VERSIONS with a date-time as part of the file name.
I thought this had been removed from Windows 11. Many thanks for the video Leo
Thanks, Leo, I didn't know about FH, I am a Mac man mainly. But now all done on my new Samsung. Much appreciated.
Was the same in Windows 10, in the CP. (Had to tweak it on a friend's W10 PC today - it had used up 1.24 TB. Reminded me why I steer clear....)
It seems odd that I can't specifically choose files that I'd like to backup. For instance, I have a large "main" folder that I keep on an external SSD drive, but I can't figure out how to add that to the list that File History backs up. I tried adding the "main" folder to my "documents library" (since "libraries" are part of what File History chooses automatically), but it doesn't seem to be working. (Side note: It DID work when I added my "public" folder to my "documents library." That appears to be getting backed up now.)
Same,
I cant choose at all what i want to backup... What a junk
When turned on for the first time will FH do an initial back up all files, or only backup files as they are changed? Thank you
Great explanation, very helpful. Thanks Leo!
Why would I need file history turned on if I'm already using backup software, Leo?
More frequent saving. Backups run once a day (depending on how you configure). File History can run at something like every 15 minutes. So it saves things since your last traditional backup.
An interesting feature, but pretty limited, as all Microsoft stock applications. Do you know a more capable application, free or paid? Thanks for your videos, Leo, they are always interesting.
Interestingly enough I'm not aware of a direct equivalent. Closest is OneDrive, which will copy files as they change to OneDrive.com. there probably are some out there, but I'm not aware of 'em. (My understanding is that Time Machine, on Macs, comes very close and does more.)
Can you direct the history to a mapped NAS drive! How about a separate partition on your primary hard drive?
I don't think you can do it over a network. Local and USB drives should work.
Isn't FH tuned to work with Windows std folders (gulp)?
You mean FH? Yes.
How big of a hard drive do I need for file history and system image backup?
For system image I recommend at least 4 times the amount of data stored on the drive you're backing up. These days drives are so large that's easy to do. File History uses the space you give it, so there's no real rule of thumb.
In Windows 10 it was fairly easy to add or remove folders to be included in the File History backup. Windows 11, not so much. Leo doesn't show which folders are included, but one can infer that from the excluded list. Note that "Desktop" and "Downloads" is *not* included in the file history backup. I'll leave it as a challenge to the reader how to add these two user folders into the file history backup. Again, it was easy in Windows 10. Another reason (of 26, yes I count them) I don't like Windows 11.
When I save changes it still says my file history is still OFF, help!
HEY LEO WHAT FORMAT DOES THE DRIVE NEED TO BE??? EXFAT DOES NOT SEEM TO WORK. IT SAYS "DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE DRIVE"
a) yelling won't help. (askleo.com/1858) - b) NTFS I would assume, but it really depends on WHEN you see that message.
Helooo, I don't know if you read this, but I would like to know how to delete the file detected by WinDirStat, it weighs almost 20Gb, and despite all the information, no one clarifies how to delete said file. I would like your help with that, thank you !!
I'd have to see a screenshot. Post your question to askleo.com/ask and then reply to the auto-response you'll get with a screenshot as an attachment.
What if I don't have an external drive, can I use a partition on my local disk C for file history?? I need an answer please.
I *think* so, but I've not tried it myself.
can you do this on windows 10 also
Yes, you can.
@@ZOly62 good know i have it off i think sides i do backups on wd elements 4tb drive usb here
in Windows 10, it's also in setting app but not Windows 11. In Windows 10 Settings, Updates & Security, Backup.
@@davinp thanks good to know dont need it on have wb elements 4tb external that im using for backups btw you using windows 10 there also or 11
File History was removed from the Windows 11 Settings app because this featured has been depreciated
@@Nick41622 I didn't say it was removed from Windows 11, it just no longer in the settings app as it was in Windows 10
what is the best "automatic" option?
I found your explanation disappointing. You do not cover the wonderful fact that File History saves MULTIPLE VERSIONS with a date-time as part of the file name.