Use Windows 8 File History

How to Use Windows 8 File History Backup

Nov. 13, 2013 11:23 am / Updated by Bobby Hills to Computer Tips
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We're sure you are advised over and over: Backup your files. Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 actually come with a brand-new backup features called File History. It automatically back up files in the background and lets you restore them if your computer crashes.

What is Windows 8 File History?

In Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, File History, that works similar to Apple's Time Machine, continuously monitors files stored in Libraries, Desktop, Contacts, and Favorites folders and when it detects changes in any file, it then makes a backup of that file.

The Different Between File History and Windows Backup

If truth be told, File History is really just a refinement of the Windows Backup. Here are differences between File History and the Windows Backup.

• 1. With Windows Backup, you can back up any files on your computer – not only personal files, but program files, system files, and anything else. You can also create full system images that can be used to restore your computer to its current state in the future. While File History can only back up files in your libraries, files on your desktop, your contacts, and your browser favorites.
• 2. When setting up a backup with Windows 7's Windows Backup, the default schedule is to run a backup once per month. When setting up a backup in Windows 8, the default is a continuous backup that automatically takes a snapshot of the latest versions of your files every hour.

• 3. File History allows you to quickly restore previous versions of a file. You can do it right from File Explorer (formerly known as Windows Explorer) – just click the History button on the ribbon. For Windows Backup, you have to open the Windows Backup control panel and use the Restore My Files wizard to restore files from a backup.

How to Set up File History?

Unlike, Previous Versions, File History isn't enabled by default. Fortunately, doing so is a pretty straightforward operation. Here's how to get started with it:

Firstly, File History requires some kind of external storage: a USB flash drive, USB hard drive, or network drive.

• 1. Just press the [Windows] + W to access the Search Settings page, type "File History" in the text box, and click "File History".

  

• 2. Once the screen appears, click the "Turn on" button if you have an external drive plugged in. Alternatively, you can plug in an external drive and Windows will ask you if you want to use it for backup.

  For Windows 8.1: Note that "System Image Backup" in Windows 8.1 has been moved to the lower left corner of the "File History" tool in "Control Panel".

  

  

How to Restore Your Files?

If your files have been corrupted or inadvertently deleted, you can use File History to restore them.

• 1. Open up Windows Explorer and head to the folder where that file used to reside.
• 2. You can then click the "Home" button and click the "History" icon on the right side of the Ribbon. Alternatively, you can head back to Control Panel > File History and click "Restore Personal Files" on the left sidebar.
• 3. The big green circular arrow will restore them to their original location, but you can also choose "Restore to" from a right-click menu or from the Settings gear to specify a target folder for the restored files.

  

One caveat, though: It's not a full-system backup tool; by default it preserves only those files in your Libraries: documents, music, photos, and other media. Lost files outside your library, resort to Card Data Recovery, an all-in-one data recovery software program. Don't be confused by its name, it can recover any deleted, formatted, lost files including photos, documents, music, videos from computer's hard drive, and of course portable devices. Try it right now, it won't let you down.

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