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To set up File History in Windows 11, connect an external drive or prepare a reachable network location, then open Control Panel > System and Security > Save backup copies of your files with File History and select Turn on. File History keeps versions of selected personal files; it is not a full-PC backup.
What you need before turning on File History
File History needs a destination: either an external drive connected to the PC or a network location it can reach. It periodically checks selected files and saves copies when they change. Microsoft does not specify a required drive brand, model, or capacity.
By default, File History backs up libraries such as Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music. Microsoft’s Windows 11 guidance also identifies Desktop among essential folders. It does not automatically cover every folder on the PC or the entire Windows installation. To include another folder, add it to a library or create a library for it.
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Use an external drive
Connect the drive to your PC before opening File History. The drive must remain available for backups to run. If Windows does not select it automatically, you can choose it in the File History settings.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Use a network location
You can use a reachable network share as the destination. If you need to map the share in File Explorer, go to This PC > More > Map network drive, choose a drive letter, then browse to or enter the folder path. Select Reconnect at sign-in if you want Windows to reconnect the mapped drive when you sign in. You also need access permissions for the share; a host that is turned off or a permissions issue can make it unavailable. Microsoft’s general guidance does not define one universal setup or security configuration for every home NAS or network.
Turn on File History in Windows 11
- Connect your external drive or make sure your network destination is available.
- Open Control Panel, then select System and Security > Save backup copies of your files with File History.
- Select Turn on. If Windows has not chosen a destination, select Select drive, choose the external drive or network location, and confirm.
- If prompted, choose whether to move existing files to the destination or start fresh.
To include a folder stored outside the existing libraries, open File Explorer, right-click the folder, select Show more options > Include in library, and choose a library. You can also create a new library for that folder.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Restore a deleted file or an earlier version
- In File Explorer, open the folder that contained the file.
- Right-click the folder and select Restore previous versions. If the folder was at the root of a drive, right-click the drive instead.
- Choose a previous version that contains the file or content you need. Select Open in File History if you want to preview it.
- Select Restore to put it back in the original location, or choose Restore to… to save the recovered copy elsewhere.
If the item is included in a library, right-click it at its saved location in File Explorer rather than from within the library. Restoring directly over a current file replaces it. Microsoft Support warns: “The file or folder replaces the current version on your computer, and the replacement can’t be undone.”
Fix “Reconnect Your File History Drive”
- For an external drive: Reconnect the drive to the PC.
- For a network destination: Open Control Panel > System and Security > File History and reselect the network location.
- After the destination is available again, wait for the next scheduled backup or select Run now.
File History versus other Windows backup and recovery tools
| Tool | What it is for |
|---|---|
| File History | Copies personal files to an external drive or network location so you can restore earlier versions. |
| Windows Backup | Backs up selected folders and items such as themes, settings, apps, and Wi-Fi information to OneDrive using a Microsoft account. |
| System Protection | Creates restore points for Windows system files and settings. |
| Recovery Drive | Creates USB recovery media for Windows recovery; it does not include personal files. |
Use File History when your goal is recovering personal files or their earlier versions. For device settings or Windows recovery, use the corresponding Windows tool; File History is not a complete PC backup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- World’s First 6TB 2.5” Portable Hard Drive
- Plug-and-play expandability
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #3
- High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
- Plug-and-play expandability
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
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