Windows 10: Why is File History only backing up two folders?

Hello! I'm running Windows 11 and I'm attempting to back up my files to an external hard drive using File History.I turned on File History and ran my first backup.However, when I enter the "Restore personal files" menu, only two seemingly random folders appear to be backed up:I checked to make sure I didn't have any excluded folders, but I didn't find any:I've deleted the FileHistory folder on the external drive, disabled File History, re-enabled it, and ran a new backup. Unfortunately, this didn't change the outcome.Why is File History only backing up two folders on this machine?

:)

 

How to remove folders from File History

That does not work. Even though I do the delete from the "Back up these folders" from the list, it still backs it up - and when I close out of Settings and then go back in, the folder re-appears in the list.

However, Mila's suggestion worked. Is it possible that folders in my Library cannot be removed from the "Back up these folders" list?

 

Cannot Add Folders in File History — Back up

Hi Jonjie,

One of the possible reason why you can’t add folders in File History are missing and corrupted files. To narrow down the possibilities why your PC encountered this error, follow the troubleshooting steps below:

• Visit the article on
  how to perform a clean boot in Windows.
• Temporarily disable your antivirus program before running the Back up using File History.
• Turn off the File History to reset and reconfigure it.
• If you are using an external device, make sure that it's formatted.

Note: After doing the steps above, you can enable your antivirus program again.

Keep us posted if you encounter any challenges along the process.

 

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