How do I use File History for backups?

How do I use File History for backups?

File History is a feature in Windows that allows you to create backups of your files to an external drive or network location. To use File History for backups, follow these steps:

1. Connect an External Drive: First, connect an external hard drive to your computer. This drive will be used to store your backups.
2. Open File History: Navigate to the Control Panel, then click on "System and Security," followed by "File History." Alternatively, you can type "File History" into the Windows search bar and select it from the results.
3. Turn On File History: In the File History window, click on "Turn on" to start the backup process. If your external drive is detected, File History will automatically select it as the backup destination.
4. Select Folders to Backup: By default, File History backs up files in your Libraries, Desktop, Contacts, and Favorites. If you want to include additional folders, click on "Select drive," then "Add or exclude folders," and choose the folders you want to include or exclude.
5. Backup Process: Once File History is turned on, it will automatically start backing up your files to the external drive. You can see the status of the backup in the File History window.
6. Restoring Files: To restore files, go to the File History window, click on "Restore personal files," and navigate through your backed-up files. You can search for specific files, and once you've found the file you want to restore, you can preview it, then click the green button to restore it to its original location or a new location.

How can I set up File History on my Windows computer?

Setting up File History on your Windows computer is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Connect an External Drive: Attach an external hard drive to your computer. This drive will serve as the destination for your backups.
2. Access File History Settings: Click on the Start menu, type "File History" in the search bar, and select "Restore your files with File History" from the results.
3. Turn On File History: In the File History window, click on "Turn on" if it is not already enabled. If your external drive is connected, it should be automatically selected as the backup destination. If not, click on "Select drive" to choose your external drive.
4. Customize Backup Settings: If you want to customize which folders are backed up, click on "Select drive," then "Add or exclude folders." Here, you can add additional folders to be backed up or exclude folders that you don't want to back up.
5. Start the Backup: After configuring your settings, File History will begin backing up your files automatically. You can monitor the backup progress in the File History window.

What types of files does File History automatically back up?

File History in Windows is designed to back up a variety of file types from specific default locations. By default, File History automatically backs up the following types of files:

• Documents: Files stored in the Documents library, including text files, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.
• Pictures: Files stored in the Pictures library, such as photos and images.
• Videos: Files stored in the Videos library, including video files.
• Music: Files stored in the Music library, such as audio files.
• Desktop Files: Any files saved on the desktop.
• Contacts: Files stored in the Contacts folder.
• Favorites: Files stored in the Favorites folder, which usually includes bookmarks and shortcuts.

Additionally, File History backs up files stored in any custom folders that you have added to your backup settings. However, it does not back up system files, program files, or temporary files by default.

How often should I schedule File History to run for optimal backup performance?

For optimal backup performance with File History, it's recommended to schedule regular backups to ensure your data is frequently and consistently backed up. Here are some guidelines for scheduling:

• Default Interval: By default, File History runs every hour. This interval is generally sufficient for most users as it provides a good balance between backup frequency and system performance.
• Customizing the Interval: If you need more frequent backups, you can adjust the interval. For example, if you work with critical data that changes frequently, you might set File History to run every 30 minutes. To change the interval, you can use the Registry Editor. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\FileHistory\BackupStatus, and modify the BackupInterval value to set the desired interval in seconds (e.g., 1800 seconds for 30 minutes).
• Daily Backups: If you do not need hourly backups, you can manually start File History less frequently. However, daily backups at a minimum are recommended to ensure recent changes to your files are backed up regularly.
• Considerations: Keep in mind that more frequent backups may slightly impact your system's performance. If you notice slowdowns, consider adjusting the interval to balance performance and backup frequency.

In summary, the default hourly backups are typically optimal for most users, but you can adjust the schedule based on your specific needs and the importance of your data.

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