Windows 10: backup and "file history drive is disconnected"

Cannot backup due to "file history drive is disconnected", cannot even manual backup even though File Explorer shows external drive is active.

:)

 

Disconnect and reconnect File History drive

Hi David,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



To stop file history using a drive, you can try the steps listed below.



Ideally, File History will save copies of your files every hour, so disconnecting and reconnecting the backup drive every hour would be a tedious task. However, if you still would like to go for it, you may try the steps listed
below.

• Open Settings and go to Update & Security > Backup using File History.
  
• Scroll down to Backup to a different drive
  and choose Stop using the drive to disconnect the drive.
  
• Later, when you would like to reconnect, go to
  Settings>
  Update & security>
  Backup>
  Add a drive to reconnect the drive.
  

Additional Info: Use File History to backup and restore
in Windows 10



Let us know how it goes.

Regards,

 

File History drive

Hi Joseph,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community.

I would like to inform you that if your File History drive has been disconnected for too long, or it doesn't have enough space to save temporary versions of your files. To continue saving copies of your files, you'll need to reconnect your File History drive.
Plug in your external File History drive or reselect your network. You can start a backup manually or wait for the next scheduled backup or reselect the drive. Here is the steps:

To manually start a backup

• 
  Open File History by pressing Windows key> type File History
  > Click on File History.
  
• 
  Tap or click Back up now.
  

To reselect your drive

• 
  Open File History by pressing Windows key> type File History
  > Click on File History.
  
• 
  Tap or click Select drive.
  
• 
  On the Select a File History drive page, tap or click your current drive or network location, and then tap or click
  OK.
  

Hope it helps. Let us know if you need more help and we'll be glad to assist.

 

How do I reconnect my file history drive

Hi Mattie,



I realize the inconvenience you are experiencing with Windows 10. I will certainly help you.



This issue might occur if File History drive has been disconnected for too long.



I suggest you to follow the steps below to reconnect the File history drive.

Reconnect your File History drive:

• You’ll see this message if your File History drive has been disconnected for too long. If you’re backing up to an external drive (such as a USB drive), make sure that it’s connected to your PC. If you’re backing up to a network location, go to
  Settings > Update & security > Backup and reselect the network.
• After you’ve reconnected, wait for the next scheduled backup or start a backup manually by selecting
  Settings > Update & security > Backup > More options > Back up now.

Please get back to us with an update on issue with reconnecting File History, we will be happy to help.



Thank you.