Windows 10: Deleting File History backups

I turned on file history for a moment and it started backing up my files, before I realized what it backed up, it took about 12GB of my storage leaving me with none on that drive without deleting other files, and I cannot figure out how to delete the backup that was created so I can get my storage back

:)

 

File History never copies anything

Hi,

Temporary system failure is one of the possible reasons why this issue is happening. To help resolve the issue, we suggest deleting the files in the USB drive. Follow the steps below:

• Open Settings > Update & Security > Backup > More Options.
  
• Click Stop using this drive.
  
• Delete the File History folder on your external drive.
  
• Try again to add the USB drive to backup File History.
  

Keep us in the loop with the result.

 

File History restart

Hi Jim,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community forums.



To change the backup drive for File History, the current process should be stopped. I suggest you to try the steps listed below to stop file history on an older drive and restart it on a new drive:



Change File History backup drive:

• Open Settings and navigate to Update & Security > Backup.
  
• Click on More Options, scroll down to locate
  Backup to a different drive section, and choose Stop Using Drive.
  
• Plug in the new storage drive, navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Backup,
  and choose Add a Drive.
  
• Restart File History and configure it by referring to the article
  
  File History in Windows.
  

Hope it helps.

Regards,

 

How to delete files from file history .

Hi,

Thank you for posting on Microsoft Community.

Let’s try with the below steps and check if he issue resolves

• Enter File History settings in the search box, and then tap or click File History settings.
• Tap or click Select a drive, and choose the network or external drive you want to use.
  
• Turn on File History.

You go to the location where file history is saved and delete the file if you want to do so.

Note: check the locations included for file history and check if there is third party back up in any of these locations. Removing file history completely won't affect your system image that you have already created.

I would also suggest you to check with the below link and check if it helps you.

Backup your Files: Backup and Restore in Windows - Microsoft Support

Keep us informed if the issue is resolved. We are glad to help you further