Just as Windows includes an option that allows us to revert all the changes made to the system when installing a new update or application, it also provides us with an option that allows us to back up all elements from time to time. takes care of making We have created, modified or deleted from our device. We are talking about the File History feature.
What is Windows File History and how does it work?
This Windows function, which is disabled by default, is available through the Control Panel in Windows 10 and Windows 11. To activate it, we have to access the System and Security section and then click on File History.
After that, we have to click on Activate and the computer will start making automatic backups of all the files that are found in the user’s folders including My Documents, Pictures, Videos and the files that we store on the desktop. Within the configuration options, we can choose which folders we want to synchronize and which we want to exclude.
Backup copies created through this function can only be stored on another drive connected to the computer or network drive, because in this way, it is avoided that the backup copies may cause storage problems for the user rather than a Additional benefits.
Each of the backup copies includes the day and time it was created, which will allow us to quickly and easily identify where we can find the copy of the missing file in order to recover it. To access the backup copies, from the same section where we have activated this function, we will have to click on Restore personal files and access the location where to select it and restore it to the computer.
To change how often we want Windows to make an automatic copy of all changes made to the system from where we have activated this function, we have to click on Advanced settings and save copies of files. Right after this option, we also have the option to set how long we want to keep the copies in order to prevent the drive we are using from filling up quickly with files, especially when they are too many. take place.
The first time we turn on this feature, it takes longer than usual because it has to copy all the files. Successive backups are incremental, so only files that have been created, modified, or deleted are added.