Windows 10: Force Windows 11 to Accept Internal Drive For File History

I purchased a large spinning disk drive to use for various backup/sharing purposes and I want to be able to have windows backup -- ideally with file history -- from my primary SSD to this drive. However, apparently since it's an 'internal drive' windows won't recognize it as an option for file history and since it's a local drive I can't select it via network share option in the control panel File History section. Hopefully, I'm just confused because I really resent the idea that my OS is going to decide what I can and can't use my drives for based on how they are connected. That's the point

:)

 

File History not working with internal backup drives.

Hi PeteComp,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

I'll need a few more details to analyze your concern & provide an accurate solution:

• Did you make any changes to the computer prior to this issue?
  
• How much space is left out on the back up drive?
  

This issue might occur if some system files are not working properly or
if it doesn't have enough space to save temporary versions of your files. To continue saving copies of your files, you'll need to re add your File History drive and check.

I suggest you to follow the troubleshooting steps mentioned below:

Method 1:

1. Press Windows
   and R
   key together on your Keyboard.
   
2. Type Services.msc and hit enter.
   
3. Search for Software Protection, Volume Shadow Copy and Windows BackupDouble click on the service and select
   Automatic under start up type.
   
   
4. Click on Start, Apply and Ok.
   
   
5. Restart the computer and check if is working now.
   
   

Method 2:

1. Go to Control Panel
   > Click on System and Security>
   Click on File History > Turn off.
   
2. Click on Settings >Go to Update & Security > select Backup on the left pane.
   
3. On the right pane, select
   more options > Click on Stop using this drive.
   
4. Delete the File History folder in your drive.
   
   Note: Deleting File history back up will remove all the versions of the Files. Make sure you take the back up on the external drive, before deleting it.
   
   
5. Start using File History again.
   

Try to setup the interval time, make some changes on the file and check if File history back up is working at the mentioned time.

Method 3: Try with External drive

You can connect the external drive and follow the procedure to setup the drive again. Here is the information about
Backup and restore your files

Hope it helps.

Roohi Taj S

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

How to stop File History on the old drive and start File History on a new drive?

I use the external drive
for File History and have a lot of information there. I want to restart the File History process on a new drive and place the previous File History drive off-site.

Please suggest the steps to stop File History on the old drive and start File History on a new drive.

 

How to reconnect file history drive? Windows 10

I cannot reconnect my file history file drive