Windows 10: Backup only new or changed files?

As I understand it, Windows 10 backup writes every file from every folder you select to the backup drive. Is there any option, or other backup software, that uses the file status bit (if that's what it's called) to only backup those files that are new, or changed, since the last backup?

My objective is have an external drive that is essentially an updated version of my internal drive, but not to create complete backup sets of everything - and therefore taking much longer to backup, as well as using up external drive space much faster, and having to delete past complete backup sets.

Thanks!
Don

:)

 

Does Windows Backup Start A Completely New File System Every Time?

Hi Keifer, Initially Windows backup will backup all your files and there after create incremental backups - backup only the files that have been created or changed

Windows Backup will add new or changed information to your subsequent backups.

If you're saving your backups on a hard drive, Windows Backup will create a new, full backup for you automatically when required

 

Make a back up from my Mobile 8.1 on my laptop Windows 10

Adding or replacing a SIM just changes the provider and does not require a new backup.

Your phone will continue to do auto backups to your OneDrive as before.

The only thing you need to backup to the PC is documents, videos, pictures and music. These are not part of phone backup.

 

Windows 10 File History:
How to use Windows 10's File History backup feature | PCWorld

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Free File Sync:
FreeFileSync - Free Backup and File Synchronization Software

 

I found nothing in the linked video on File History that answers my question. My past use of Win 10 backup has always created a new backup set equal in size to the last one, and telling me not enough space on backup drive to complete. So I had to delete the prior backup set and start again. 2TB backup drive, and 900GB backup set. I am backing up a primary external drive, also 2TB in size with about 900GB on it. Hence my belief it is coping all files, not just new ones or changed ones, which would only be about 10-20MB in size.

I could not find any similar explanation on how FreeFileSync handles their copies.

 

I'm sorry, I misunderstood what you wanted to do. What you want is called incremental backup. Macrium Reflect Free offers that function:

Macrium Reflect Free

 

Bingo! That's what I want. Setup under way. THANKS

 

In order to copy only changed files in a folder or a directory I personally use GS RichCopy 360 Enterprise. It copies all the files, folders, directories in any way you desire to. Be it either copying modified files only or keeping the time-stamp same as the source file etc. some of the additional features, like task scheduling & email notification on task completion, of this software makes any kind of data related task pretty enjoyable and easy. Even the UI is so easy to understand the you will not need to opt for any modifications to get your job done.It is easy for people for people with less technical knowledge and less experience with complex computers software . this software is a complete rescue package. hope this might be helpful

 

Thread is a year old!

 

NavyLCDR said in post 2:
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Windows 10 File History:
How to use Windows 10's File History backup feature | PCWorld

-or-

Free File Sync:
FreeFileSync - Free Backup and File Synchronization Software
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In my experience File History will not copy all files. It refuses to copy any files with special characters in their names such as &amp, . (a full stop other than just before the file type), etc. Furthermore, it does not tell you. I discovered by checking, and confirmed their absence by looking at File History's log. When I deleted the offending characters File History did then copy them.

It is unforgivable for such a software to fail to alert the user about such an important thing.
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dsttexas said in post 3:

I could not find any similar explanation on how FreeFileSync handles their copies.
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Free File Syne will copy (backup) only changed files if it is set to "Mirror" (and also perhaps with some other settings). It is very reliable and easy to use.