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.