Windows 10: advantages of File History versus WD software for backup?

What are the advantages of using Windows 10 File History as compared to WD backup software on WD MyBook to back up files? Can one use both to the same WD exterval drive?

:)

 

File History versus Dedicated Backup Software

Is 'File History' an effective replacement to dedicated backup software like
Acronis?

Thanks!

 

File History - my expectations versus reality

I have several observations. Would like a discussion on each, thank you.

1) Managing "Backup these folders"

I assumed I could define the folders to backup at a top level so I wouldn't have to manage new subfolders. I deleted the many entries for c:/users/myname/subfolder in order to add c:/users/myname.

a) I couldn't add a folder after emptying the list. Eventually after repeated attempts I got it to list c:/users and c:/usersmyname.

b) I turned File History on and it suggested it would do a backup. It created the top level folders on my backup drive but did not backup anything.

I had previously turned File History on weeks ago and turned it off. I deleted this on my backup drive before setting the new options today. How can I force File History to backup everything in the list?, and then presumably it will just keep incremental
backups going forward.

2) How does it work?

I assume File History would initiate a backup of everything defined in "Backup these folders" and then perform incremental backups. It kind of suggested it would but it hasnt backed anything. So I created a new file and saved it directly under c:/users/myname and
set file history to backup every 10 minutes. Nothing was backed up.

3) I go to advanced settings and hit Run Now. Nothing happens.

 

File History versus Dedicated Backup Software

No - not even close!

Almost any third-party backup software is easier to use and has more features than Windows' own backup utilities.

Like other Windows utilities - Scan, Reader, Windows Defender, etc. - File History provides a basic level of functionality for people who don't know how or are too afraid to install software.

If you are comfortable with installing software, you will find many great choices in backup software. Acronis True Image is one example. (I used it myself for several years.) And there's no reason why you can't use one application for making disk images
and a different one for making file and folder backups.

Most important is to schedule your backups so they happen automatically, every day. That way, you're never more 24 hours out from your most recent backup.