Windows 10: How to edit file history settings manually

The file history has been seriously gimped in Windows 11 and has been buggy on me in Windows 10 before I couldn't add a specific folder so I went editing the configuration manually.I found the two XML config files in %localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\FileHistory\Configuration but every time I edit them manually, they get reset to some default state which includes a ton of stuff I don't want to litter my NAS with, while omitting stuff I'd like backed up.Anyone got an idea on how to manually edit the configuration to suit my needs?

:)

 

File history set to run daily - but only runs manually

Hi,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community, we appreciate your interest in Windows 10.

As you have an issues with backing up the data on File History, try the below check if it helps.

I suggest you to change the settings the File History and check if it helps.

• Press Windows key and type File History
  and select File History Settings.
• Click on More option, See advanced settings, wait a while and click on
  Advanced settings.
• Under Versions you will see the options:

• 
  Save copies of files
  
• 
  Keep saved versions
  

Modify them according and check if it helps.

Also, refer: What if something goes wrong in File
History?

(Applies to Windows 10 as well)

Hope it helps. Reply to the post with an updated status of this issue for further assistance.

 

File History not backing up any files

Hello Victor

Thank you for the response. I had already checked that thread, but it hasn't helped me:

• The thread deals with Windows 8's implementation of File History, which is somewhat different to that of Windows 10.
• Most of the thread deals with setting up File History (which I have already done, precisely following the recommended steps). The third link in the thread might have been useful since it appears to link to a page that deals with troubleshooting File History
  (as opposed to setting it up), but unfortunately the link is dead.

Any further suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

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,