Does File History Suck? What am I doing wrong?

This is somewhat of a follow-up to a previous question of mine about Windows 10 File History, but it's really a new issue/question.

I have File History configured on a "daily" save schedule. I really only want to backup files manually, because I only connect the external hard drive when I wish to backup my data (whenever I feel like it). There is no "manual" setting for file history, so I keep it on the "daily" save schedule.

The problem is, when I connect the external hard drive, and go to control panel/system and security/File History/and click "run now", it does NOT seem to save files. It's been a few days since the last file history save, so there are plenty of new files on the computer, but File History will not create a new "save point" for today. I am assuming, if there is ANY change from the previous File History save point, (even one new text file), that File History will create another save point?

For just a few seconds, it will show "File History is saving copies of your records" but then stops, without creating a "save point" for that time/day.


Sometimes, if I click "run now" several times, it will eventually run. Or, if I go to Settings/Update&Security/Backup/ choose "more options"/ I get to the following place, and click "back up now". That seems to work.


I don't feel like using a third party software for backups, its just frustrating that Windows file history seems to be glitchy, or I am an idiot or something I may just go back to Windows backup and Restore, and do manual backups with it, but File History seems easier to restore old files.

Any feedback is appreciated. thanks

How to use File History in Windows 10 and 11 | Computerworld.

You may have already had a look here...if not, there could be some tips.

The problem is that you keep disconnecting the drive.

You probably do not Stop using drive before disconnecting, easy mistake.

It is just not suitable for your way of working.

For daily backups you need to set to 12 hours, I found that out early on, and have been using File History for 7 years.

I use a NAS box which is always connected so never get your problem.

The "Run Now"/"Back up now" always works.

As another check look in the Event Viewer.

Applications and services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > File History-Engine > File History backup log.

Look for Errors

As an example on mine the FeedbackHub folder was generating an error so was put on the File History exclusions.

Helmut said:

The problem is that you keep disconnecting the drive.

I use a NAS box which is always connected so never get your problem..

Hello, thanks for the response. This is my laptop which I am backing up, and the external hard drive is inches from the laptop. Since I have heard that it's not the best idea to keep your backup destination drive always connected (because in case of virus, it could be infected also), I simply and easily plug in the usb cable. I only need to back up every few days, or when I save something extra important.
I had read online, (it could be erroneous), that if the external destination backup drive is re-connected (after a few days or whatever), the file history would immediately "retroactively" save the incremental saves. So far, that is not the case. I have not experimented with file history enough to know really. I will continue experimenting, I'm just dumbfounded as to why File History will not save a "snapshot" when I click "run now" through control panel. Multiple clicks, and it starts running and stops after a few seconds with no snapshot saved. As you said, maybe it's because the external HDD is not always connected, but seems weird that would cause file history to not run.

Helmut said:

The problem is that you keep disconnecting the drive.

older was generating an error so was put on the File History exclusions.

I'm starting to think you are correct about the "disconnecting the drive" as the reason why "run now" command will not initiate. I just tried connecting the external drive, then restarted the computer. I went to control panel/system and security/File History and clicked run now, and it worked first time. Hmm. Maybe at start up, the computer recognizes the drive as the File History destination drive, but not if it's connected afterward. Not sure yet.

I also changed the file history save interval to 12 hours, so maybe that played a role lol.

I will keep experimenting. It seems like a potential security risk if Windows File History requires an "external" hard drive to be continuously connected in order to function properly. If computer gets hit with a virus, it seems like a good possibility all connected drives would be vulnerable. I was using Windows "backup & Restore" for years, just backing up once per week, and only had it connected for that backup process, then disconnected all week.