Windows 10: How do I stop sub folders being automatically added to my Windows 10 file history back up list?

On the backup options page (Settings>Update & Security>Backup>More Options), there is a list of folders to include when performing a backup. For example, Pictures C:\Users\me backups all the folders in my pictures folder. This works well.


However, all the new sub-folders in my picture folder are automatically added to the list. I've already set the backup to save my pictures folder and all its sub folders so I don't need all my new sub folders on the list.


To make matters worse, after I go through and remove all the sub folders, they are then automatically added to the exclude list so then I have to go through and remove all of them from my exclude list.


How do I stop sub folders being automatically added to my Windows 10 file history back up list?

I have tried Windows File History Backup internet searches but the info was so basic, backup and restore was one topic. In my opinion they are two activities performed at different times and should be separate topics.

I tried the support chat where I read the last question was answered in a few seconds but gave up waiting after 10 minutes.


I requested a customer support call back but the lady wanted to talk about doing a windows update. It seemed like we were about to enter into an hour long process of eliminating every windows problem to correct my "concern".

:)

 

file history is not backing up select sub-folders in Windows 10

Well, since 10/2/2016 this computer has gone through a huge number of changes; Microsoft Update, PC Reset, Op System repair, Op System rebuild....

I added a critical sub-folder to the 'Back up these folders' list and it started to backup that folder and it's sub-folders.

Due to the fact that I did not have a backup of a given file when I needed it, I learned how to use FileTables in SQL Server Express and have moved all of my source file into the Share and learned how to schedule a daily backup of the databases.

Therefore, I cannot give you a screen shot of the Parent folder in the 'Back up these folders' list because it no longer is part of the File History process.

 

Windows 10 Tweaks

Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

• Open a new Explorer window.
• Click View in the ribbon.
• Click Options.
• Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
• Click OK

credit to Lifehacker.

 

How to remove folders from File History

• I had the same problem, and I solved in this way:
  Control Panel -> System and Security-> File History -> Turn off
  Settings -> Update & Security -> Backup -> More options -> Stop using this drive
  Delete the File History folder in your external drive.
  Start using File History again.
  After performing these steps, I can easily add folders to "Excluded Folders" and they remain excluded. I checked in the actual files and folders saved on the external disk, and it works.
  I did not modify the default settings about how often and how long backup is saved, File History is working ok now. So I guess it is important to click "Stop using this drive" in order to reset File History.
  Hope this will be helpful