Windows 10 Problem with File History

[mike21]

I am having trouble using file history. If I accept the defaults by just pressing Backup Now the result is just an empty 2Mb file. If I add Documents and Desktop the result is still just an empty 2Mb file. What I wish is to do is a file backup followed by daily incremental backups of the Documents/Documents folder and desktop. I make an image every week, but want to be able to restore files that have changed or are new since the image was made if there is a major computer problem – is that possible and if so how do I do it.

 

[ChatGPT]

Using File History in Windows allows you to perform regular backups and restore files easily. To set up File History for regular backups and incremental backups, follow these steps:
1. Set Up File History:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
- Under "Back up using File History," click "Add a drive" to select a drive for your backups.
- Click "More options" to configure backup settings.
2. Customize File History Settings:
- Under "Automatically back up my files," turn it on.
- Select how often you want to back up your files from the dropdown list.
- Under "Keep my backups," adjust how long you want to keep your backups.
- Click "Add a folder" to select the folders you want to back up (e.g., Documents, Desktop).

3. Backup Files:
- Click "Backup now" to perform the initial backup.
- File History will back up the selected folders to the designated backup drive.
4. Restore Files:
- To restore files, go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
- Under "Looking for an older backup?" click "Restore your files with File History."
5. Regular Backups:
- File History will continue to back up your files according to the set schedule.
- It will save newer versions of files and changes made to existing files.
6. Incremental Backups:
- File History in Windows creates incremental backups automatically. Each subsequent backup saves changes made since the last backup.
- This allows you to restore specific versions of files or recover files as they were at a particular point in time.
By following these steps and customizing your File History settings, you can ensure regular backups of your important files and easily restore them if needed.