Windows 10: How can I get File History to use an external hard drive with the latest upgrade to Windows 11?

I have been using File History on Windows 11 to periodically do a File History backup. Last time I did it appears to have been in March. However, now when I go to Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Backup the only option is to set up OneDrive for File History. I don't want my files on OneDrive. I want them on an external hard drive. How can I do this???

:)

 

File History does not recognize external hard drive since reformat

File History stopped backing up at some point (was a single file name too long for it?). I reformatted my external hard disk, a WD My Book. Now File History will not back up to it, despite it showing up in a list of possible external drives to back up to. I've tried using a free trial version of Backblaze too but it simply isn't backing up. Any suggestions?

 

External Hard Drive

Hi John,

We suggest that you try the troubleshooting steps below:

• Open your External Hard Drive file in File Explorer.
• Type the name of the file you want to search on the search box and click Enter.

The file will show up in Search Results and you will be able to move it to the correct folder.

Let us know if you need further help.

 

File History is off and won't recognize my external drive

Hi,



Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community. Let me help you.

• 
  Have you made any changes in settings prior to the issue?
  
• 
  What is the status when you connect your external driver in your system?
  
• 
  Have you checked with a different external drive? What is the status?
  
• 
  Have you tried connecting the drive in a different USB port? What is the status?
  

I suggest you to disable your third party-software (If any) and check if it resolves the issue.

Important Note: Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable it to install
other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done. If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.

Check if it helps.



You can also try turning on file history by following the below procedure and check if it resolves the issue.

To enable file history on Windows 10, connect an external hard drive and follow the steps below:

• 
  Open Start menu and type
  File History
  
• 
  Click File History (control panel)
  
• 
  Tap or click Select a drive, and choose the network or external drive you want to use.
  
• 
  Turn on File History
  

Note: If the network drive you want isn’t in the list of available drives, tap or click Show all network locations. If the drive you want isn’t listed there either, open File History in Control Panel, tap or click Add
a network location, and follow the instructions on the screen.

Please reply with the details and updated status of the issue. We will be happy to assist you further.