Does File History backup Changed/Added Files or All Monitored Files?

Thanks Dalchina.

This is useful information. I'll check the Task Schedule later. I guess it's still there/enabled as it's backing up something.

The second part of Post 3 is wrong: REMOVED the ability to ADD folders to file history (through their UI).

This is still there.

"Briefly File History was disabled completely by MS some time back."
It was not, I have been using File History continuously for 5 years from Windows 8.1 thru to the latest Windows 10 version.
A quick look at mine and files do go back 5 years.
I think the intention originally was to merge it with the Timeline functionality, but was delayed due to problems.

When File History is first setup it copies all files. If you change drives it will need to stop using the drive and start it again with a new one. I suppose it registers it.

If you want an instant backup you would have to do a manual "Back up now" or "Run Now" in the older dialogue, or change the schedule to shorter time on mine the option is 10 minutes min, I have it set to 12 hours which gives a daily backup, assuming some files have actually changed.

For important instant backups I manually do those anyway using a different file name, those of course will eventually be done by File History later.

As long as you understand the limits of File History, then it works. It is not a full backup solution, not meant to be.

I use the File History button in the File Explorer toolbar, it lights up on the appropriate Folders.
You do end up with the same screen, just another way.

I use OneDrive or rather the storage area but not for syncing, no conflict as far as I can see.

I use Image backups anyway, so File History going wrong is not the end of the world.

RolandJS said:

"...I don't need OS Recovery though..." bradavon
I hope your computer never needs an OS restore; both of my laptops have needed OS restores for one reason or another.

As said I'd just reinstall Windows and reinstall Apps. It doesn't take that long really and Windows is stable these days. It's overkill for me. It's not like the old days were Windows always became slow over time.

This is off topic though.

dalchina said:

Add or Remove Folders for File History in Windows 10 | Windows 10 Tutorials
This indicates you can add any folder to be backed up. (The default is user folders).

However note the interesting post #3 following. Begs the question - akin to issues related to the deprecated Backup and Restore (Win 7) and MS's own recommendation to go 3rd party as to whether one wishes to rely on a solution provided by MS.

From this link:

• DISABLED the task scheduler for file history, which ensures it won't save ANY MORE data whatsoever (see work-around below).

The Task is Enabled for me but Running it is just the same as clicking "Run Now" in the File History Control Panel applet.

Helmut said:

When File History is first setup it copies all files.

I'm sure it used to but now it's only backing up New Files and Existing Files if I change them. Files (in added Folders) that reside on my C drive at the point File History is first setup haven't been copied across.

Helmut said:

For important instant backups I manually do those anyway using a different file name

What does this mean?

Thanks for the rest of the info.

RolandJS said:

I mentioned this because many of us, and probably including you, have installed many 3rd party programs and utilities, have configured, tweaked, arranged, not only Windows but also the 3rd party stuff -- and a year from now, do you really want to do all of that again, taking hours and days, instead of simply restoring the OS partition from a backup?

You can recover your system from a Reflect backup in a few minutes compared to hours / days for a clean install and configuration. You also need a means of backing up personal files.

Reflect also lets you recover separate files/folders.