Windows 10: Windows11: Selecting files to backup to an external drive with file history

I have seen and followed all the explanations to use file history with windows 11 to backup files to an external drive, But I can't find how to select or add files to backup as it was possible with windows 10. The only option left is exclude files to backup...Anyone knows how to add files?

:)

 

File History drive

Hi Joseph,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community.

I would like to inform you that if your File History drive has been disconnected for too long, or it doesn't have enough space to save temporary versions of your files. To continue saving copies of your files, you'll need to reconnect your File History drive.
Plug in your external File History drive or reselect your network. You can start a backup manually or wait for the next scheduled backup or reselect the drive. Here is the steps:

To manually start a backup

• 
  Open File History by pressing Windows key> type File History
  > Click on File History.
  
• 
  Tap or click Back up now.
  

To reselect your drive

• 
  Open File History by pressing Windows key> type File History
  > Click on File History.
  
• 
  Tap or click Select drive.
  
• 
  On the Select a File History drive page, tap or click your current drive or network location, and then tap or click
  OK.
  

Hope it helps. Let us know if you need more help and we'll be glad to assist.

 

Windows 10 file history will not backup files located on an external drive

I have windows 10 pro. I turned on file history and selected the folders that I want to be backed up. Some of these files are from an external drive. (I have two external USB drives one for storing the file history and the other for large documents. The
file history USB drive has the letter F: the external drive that has the files I want backed up is on Y: I have selected the Y: external USB HD drive from the Select Folder as a folder I want backed up and ran the backup. Windows did not backup the files
on the Y: drive. I then selected a subfolder on the Y: drive to be backed up. The same issue Windows backup will not backup any folders or files on the external Y: drive even when I specifically select the folder to be backed up..

Question is how can I get windows 10 backup to backup folders on the Y: drive. I cannot copy these files to the C: drive because the file size would be too big.

The File History drive is 1.8Terrabytes and the amount of files on the Y: drive is only 650 gig. Therefore there is plenty of space on the F: drive to store the files.

Does anyone know how to get the files backed up from the Y: drive.

If windows 10 cannot backup files from an external drive then why does Windows 10 allow me to even select the Y: drive as a folder to backup without any error message? The Y: drive is selected as a folder to backup and as a further test a subfolder of the
Y: drive is also included however neither is backed up.

Anyone know how to solve this problem?

Best regards

John

 

Trying to backup PC to external hard drive but file history wont turn on.

Hi Larry,

Thank you for your feedback! Can you also try to follow the methods below:

Note: Please ensure that your external hard drive is detected. You may use this guide to troubleshoot issues if you drive does not appear in windows explorer view:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/330140...

Method 1

1. On your search bar, type "File History" and select "Restore your files with File History"

2. If the file history window says "No file history was found", click on "Configure file history settings".

3. Verify if External Drive is shown under "Copy files to:", and select "Turn on"

4. Check if File history will be enabled.

Method 2: Turn on file history service

1. On your search bar type "services", and select "Run as administrator".

2. Look for "File History Service" on the list.

3. Right click on it and select properties

4. Set the Startup type to "Automatic" and click "Start under the Service status ".

5. Click OK and try again.

If the issue persist, I would also suggest selecting another drive for the backup:

1. On your search bar, type "File History" and select "Restore your files with File History"

2. If the file history window says "No file history was found", click on "Configure file history settings".

3. Click on "Select another drive"

4. Select a different drive from the list and click "OK"

Please let me know how it goes.