Quick answer
Windows File History automatically backs up files from your locations (Documents, Pictures, etc.) to an external drive or network location. To restore a file, open File History via Control Panel, select the date and version of the file, and click the restore button. If File History was not enabled, restoring this way is not possible.
How to recognize the problem
- A file was deleted or overwritten and you have no other copy.
- You want to restore an older version of a document.
- File History is enabled but you don't know how to access the backups.
- You need to restore multiple files from different dates.
- You can't find the restore option in Windows.
Most common causes
File History is not enabled
If you never enabled File History, Windows does not make automatic backups, so there are no available versions to restore.
External drive is not connected
File History stores backups on an external drive or network location. If the drive is not connected, restoration is not possible.
File was deleted before it was backed up
File History makes backups at specific intervals (by default every hour). If a file was deleted before the first backup, it is not in the history.
Backup was deleted or drive was formatted
If the external drive with backups was formatted or files were manually deleted, File History cannot restore the data.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Check if File History is enabled
Open
Control Panel>System and Security>File History. If it is enabled, you will see aTurn offbutton and a list of backed up locations. If it saysTurn on, the feature is not active and you need to enable it first. - 2
Connect the external drive with backups
If you use an external drive, connect it to the computer. Wait for Windows to recognize it. If you use a network location, check that you are connected to the network.
- 3
Open File History
In
Control Panel>System and Security>File History, clickRestore personal files. A window with backups will open. - 4
Select date and version
Use the navigation arrows to browse through dates and times to select a version. Files and folders that were saved at that time will be displayed.
- 5
Find the file you want to restore
Double-click to open the folder and find the file, then select it.
- 6
Restore the file
Click the green
Restorebutton at the bottom of the window. The file will be restored to its original location. If a file with the same name already exists at that location, Windows will ask for confirmation before replacing it. Read the options carefully, and if you are unsure, first save a copy of the existing file. - 7
Restore multiple files at once
Hold
Ctrland click multiple files, or useCtrl+Ato select all in the folder. Then clickRestoreto restore them all at once. - 8
Check if the restore was successful
Open the location where you restored the files and check that they are there. If not, repeat the procedure and select a different date.
If File History was not enabled
If File History was not enabled, you cannot use it to restore. In that case, check if you have a copy in OneDrive or Google Drive (if you synced files). You can also try Previous Versions if system protection is enabled and that tab is available: right-click the file or folder > Properties > Previous Versions tab. If that doesn't help either, contact IT support or use specialized data recovery tools, but be careful: any new action on the disk can reduce the chance of a successful recovery.
How to prevent it
- Enable File History and regularly check that backups are being made.
- Use an external drive that is always connected or a network location for automatic backups.
- Occasionally test restoring a file to make sure backups work.
- Combine File History with cloud backup for extra safety.
When to call a professional
If File History was not enabled or the backups are damaged, and your files are important, contact an IT professional for data recovery. Attempting it yourself can reduce the chance of a successful recovery.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
Does File History back up all files?
No, by default it only backs up files from user folders such as Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, and Desktop. You can add other folders in File History settings.
How often does File History make backups?
By default every hour, but you can change this in `Control Panel` > `System and Security` > `File History` > `Advanced settings`. There you can also set how long old versions are kept.
Can I restore a file if the external drive with backups is lost?
No, File History backups are located on that drive. If the drive is lost or damaged, the backups are not available. That's why it's important to have another copy, for example in the cloud.