Troubleshooting Guide: Windows 11 File History Not Working

Understanding Windows 11 File History

Before we delve into the troubleshooting steps, let's first understand what Windows 11 File History is and how it functions. File History creates regular backups of your files and stores them on an external storage device such as an external hard drive or a network location. It takes snapshots of your files and keeps track of changes, allowing you to easily restore previous versions or recover deleted files.

Common Issues with Windows 11 File History

Windows 11 File History relies on various components and settings to function properly. Unfortunately, there are instances where users may encounter problems with File History not working as expected. Some common issues include:

1. File History not starting or not turning on.

2. Error messages indicating File History failure.

3. Incomplete or missing file backups.

4. File History not recognizing external storage devices.

5. Slow or erratic File History performance.

Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 11 File History

Step 1: Check File History Settings and Configuration

The first step is to ensure that File History is properly configured and all the necessary settings are in place. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Windows 11 Settings app by pressing Win + I.

2. Navigate to System > Storage > Advanced storage settings.

3. Locate File History and click on it to access the settings.

4. Verify that File History is turned on and the correct backup drive or network location is selected.

5. If necessary, click on Add a drive to choose the appropriate storage device.

Step 2: Restart the File History Service

Sometimes, restarting the File History service can resolve any temporary glitches or conflicts. Here's how to do it:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.

3. Scroll down and locate File History Service.

4. Right-click on it and select Restart from the context menu.

5. Close the Services window and check if File History is working now.

Step 3: Reset File History

If the previous steps didn't resolve the issue, you can try resetting File History. Keep in mind that resetting File History will clear the existing backup history. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Windows 11 Settings app.

2. Go to System > Storage > Advanced storage settings.

3. Click on File History and select More options.

4. Under the Back up files section, click on Reset.

5. Confirm the action and wait for the reset process to complete.

6. Once done, reconfigure File History and check if it's working properly.

Step 4: Update Windows and Device Drivers

Outdated Windows 11 or device drivers can sometimes cause compatibility issues with File History. To ensure smooth operation, make sure your system is up to date:

1. Open the Windows 11 Settings app.

2. Go to Windows Update and click on Check for updates.

3. Install any available updates and restart your computer if prompted.

4. Additionally, update your device drivers by visiting the manufacturer's website and downloading the latest versions compatible with Windows 11.

Step 5: Run Windows Troubleshooters

Windows 11 offers built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix common problems. Use the following steps to run relevant troubleshooters:

1. Open the Windows 11 Settings app.

2. Go to System > Troubleshoot.

3. Select Additional troubleshooters.

4. Look for File History or Backup troubleshooters and click on them.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

Best Practices for Windows 11 File History

To prevent future File History problems, here are some best practices to keep in mind:

1. Regularly monitor File History backups to ensure they are running as expected.

2. Keep your backup storage device connected or accessible to maintain continuous backups.

3. Periodically check the available storage space on your backup device and make sure it's sufficient.

4. Avoid modifying or deleting File History files manually, as it may cause inconsistencies.

5. Create system restore points in addition to File History for comprehensive data protection.

AOMEI Cyber Backup for Your Windows 11 Data Security

AOMEI Cyber Backup is a reliable software for backing up and restoring your Windows system.

Here are the specific steps to back up and restore your Windows 11 system using AOMEI Cyber Backup:

How to Back Up Your Windows 11 System:

1. Download and Install AOMEI Cyber Backup:

Visit the official AOMEI website and download the Cyber Backup software.

Follow the installation instructions to install the software on your Windows 11 system.

2. Open AOMEI Cyber Backup:

Launch the AOMEI Cyber Backup application on your Windows 11 computer.

3. Select "System Backup":

In the main interface, click on the "Backup" tab, and then choose "System Backup" from the options.

4. Choose Backup Destination:

Select a destination to store the backup. This could be an external hard drive, network location, or any other reliable storage device.

5. Configure Backup Settings:

Set up backup settings such as compression, encryption, and splitting if needed.

6. Start the Backup Process:

Click "Start Backup" to initiate the backup process. Wait for the software to complete the system backup.

How to Restore Your Windows 11 System:

1. Open AOMEI Cyber Backup:

Launch the AOMEI Cyber Backup application on your Windows 11 computer.

2. Select "System Restore":

In the main interface, click on the "Restore" tab, and then choose "System Restore" from the options.

3. Choose Backup Image:

Select the backup image that you want to restore. This should be the system backup you created earlier.

4. Select Restoration Destination:

Choose the destination where you want to restore the system. Ensure it is the correct drive.

5. Configure Restore Settings:

Confirm or adjust restore settings based on your preferences.

6. Start the Restore Process:

Click "Start Restore" to begin restoring your Windows 11 system using the selected backup image.

7. Complete the Restoration:

Wait for the software to complete the restoration process. Once done, your Windows 11 system should be restored to the state captured in the backup.

Conclusion

Windows 11 File History is a powerful tool for safeguarding your important files and folders. However, if you encounter issues where File History is not working properly, it can be frustrating. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide and implementing the best practices, you can resolve most File History problems and ensure seamless data backup and recovery on your Windows 11 device. Remember, regular backups are crucial for protecting your valuable data, so make File History a part of your data protection strategy.