Does File History backup everything? No. Windows File History backs up your libraries (Documents, Pictures, Videos and Music) and any folders you add to a library. Microsoft’s File History page does not list Windows itself, installed programs or settings as covered, so treat it as a file safety net, not a full copy of your PC.
Key takeaways
File History protects files in libraries, not the whole computer.
It saves to an external drive or a network location, so check that the drive is actually there.
For a business, one local copy is a starting point. Add a second copy somewhere else.
No. Microsoft describes File History as a feature that backs up all libraries, including the default ones and any custom libraries you have created. It watches the files in those libraries and keeps copies of them.
That matters for a small office. If a laptop dies, a File History backup can help you get your documents back. The Microsoft page does not say it also brings back Windows, your installed programs or your settings, so do not assume it does.
Try this: list what you would have to rebuild by hand if a computer failed tomorrow (programs, email setup, printer settings). Then ask who would do it and how long it would take.
What does File History back up?
Microsoft’s answer is the default libraries and any custom libraries. The default ones are Documents, Pictures, Videos and Music. Once you turn it on, it keeps watching those files and makes regular backups to an external drive or a network location.
Folders that live outside the libraries
If you keep work in other places, such as a folder on the C: drive or a project folder on a second disk, check whether it sits in a library. Microsoft says that if you have folders elsewhere, you can add them to an existing library or create a new library for them.
What the page does not list
Windows Backup, a separate tool, is the one Microsoft describes as saving installed apps and settings. File History’s page lists libraries only.
Pros
It runs on its own once enabled and keeps monitoring your files.
It keeps previous versions you can browse and restore.
It saves to an external drive or a network location, not the same disk.
It covers custom libraries as well as the default ones.
Cons
It does not list Windows, installed programs or settings as covered.
Folders outside libraries need to be added to a library to be covered.
A restore replaces the current file, and Microsoft says that can’t be undone.
A drive left connected can be reached by ransomware.
Remember: A backup is a copy kept separately from your primary systems, so one copy should not live only on the same machine.
What to check on your PC
Microsoft publishes instructions for backing up and restoring with File History, and the steps start with an external drive or a network location. Run through the list below before you assume you are covered.
Your File History checklist
Confirm the backup drive or network location is connected and reachable.
Open File History and check that it shows as turned on.
Look at which libraries and folders are included.
Add any work folders that sit outside a library.
Open the Previous Versions tab on a test file and see what is listed.
Restore one test file to a different location to prove it works.
File History vs Windows Backup: what is the difference?
The two are easy to mix up. File History is one kind of backup. Windows Backup is another, and it works differently. Here is how Microsoft describes them.
File History compared with Windows Backup
Factor
File History
Windows Backup
What it covers
Default and custom libraries
Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos and Music, plus settings and many installed apps
Where it saves
External drive or network location
OneDrive cloud storage
What you need
A drive or network location
A personal Microsoft account; 5 GB of OneDrive storage is free
What about the rest of the computer?
File History’s page describes libraries, not Windows and your programs. Ask your IT provider how your computers are protected beyond libraries, and what it would take to get a machine working again.
Not sure what your backups really cover?
Ask us what your current setup protects and what it leaves out.
No. It backs up libraries and the folders you add to them. Windows, installed programs and settings are not listed as covered.
Can I add folders to File History?
Yes, indirectly. Microsoft says you can add folders that live elsewhere to an existing library or create a new library for them.
What is the difference between File History and OneDrive backup?
It comes down to where the copy goes. File History saves to an external drive or network location. Windows Backup uses OneDrive and needs a personal Microsoft account, with 5 GB free. A File History drive is an on-site copy, and CISA advises combining on-site and remote backups.
Where does File History save my backups?
To an external drive or a network location, not the same disk. Once it is enabled, it keeps monitoring your files and makes regular backups there.
Is one File History drive enough protection?
For a business, usually not. CISA advises using a combination of on-site and remote backups to protect against threats, hardware failures and physical damage.
The Bottom Line: File History is a start, not the whole plan
File History does not back up everything. It protects libraries and any folders you add to them.
Check what is inside your libraries. Work folders in other places need to be added to a library.
Test a restore. CISA says to test backup procedures on a regular basis, and a restore replaces the current file unless you restore to a different location.
Watch how long the drive stays connected. CISA warns that ransomware can use that connection to delete or corrupt backups. Ask your IT provider how to handle this with File History.
Keep a second copy elsewhere. CISA recommends on-site and remote backups together.
Where to go from here
Start by deciding what your business cannot operate without. CISA’s guidance for small businesses is to identify that data, such as financial records or development files, and protect it first. Then compare that list with what File History covers on each computer. You can read more in CISA’s advice on backing up business data, or in Microsoft’s guide to backup and restore with File History.
Does File History Backup Everything? What It Skips
Does File History backup everything? No. Windows File History backs up your libraries (Documents, Pictures, Videos and Music) and any folders you add to a library. Microsoft’s File History page does not list Windows itself, installed programs or settings as covered, so treat it as a file safety net, not a full copy of your PC.
Key takeaways
In this guide
Does File History backup everything?
No. Microsoft describes File History as a feature that backs up all libraries, including the default ones and any custom libraries you have created. It watches the files in those libraries and keeps copies of them.
That matters for a small office. If a laptop dies, a File History backup can help you get your documents back. The Microsoft page does not say it also brings back Windows, your installed programs or your settings, so do not assume it does.
Try this: list what you would have to rebuild by hand if a computer failed tomorrow (programs, email setup, printer settings). Then ask who would do it and how long it would take.
What does File History back up?
Microsoft’s answer is the default libraries and any custom libraries. The default ones are Documents, Pictures, Videos and Music. Once you turn it on, it keeps watching those files and makes regular backups to an external drive or a network location.
Folders that live outside the libraries
If you keep work in other places, such as a folder on the C: drive or a project folder on a second disk, check whether it sits in a library. Microsoft says that if you have folders elsewhere, you can add them to an existing library or create a new library for them.
What the page does not list
Windows Backup, a separate tool, is the one Microsoft describes as saving installed apps and settings. File History’s page lists libraries only.
Pros
Cons
Remember: A backup is a copy kept separately from your primary systems, so one copy should not live only on the same machine.
What to check on your PC
Microsoft publishes instructions for backing up and restoring with File History, and the steps start with an external drive or a network location. Run through the list below before you assume you are covered.
Your File History checklist
File History vs Windows Backup: what is the difference?
The two are easy to mix up. File History is one kind of backup. Windows Backup is another, and it works differently. Here is how Microsoft describes them.
What about the rest of the computer?
File History’s page describes libraries, not Windows and your programs. Ask your IT provider how your computers are protected beyond libraries, and what it would take to get a machine working again.
Not sure what your backups really cover?
Ask us what your current setup protects and what it leaves out.
Talk to a Local IT Expert
Frequently asked questions
Does File History back up everything on my PC?
No. It backs up libraries and the folders you add to them. Windows, installed programs and settings are not listed as covered.
Can I add folders to File History?
Yes, indirectly. Microsoft says you can add folders that live elsewhere to an existing library or create a new library for them.
What is the difference between File History and OneDrive backup?
It comes down to where the copy goes. File History saves to an external drive or network location. Windows Backup uses OneDrive and needs a personal Microsoft account, with 5 GB free. A File History drive is an on-site copy, and CISA advises combining on-site and remote backups.
Where does File History save my backups?
To an external drive or a network location, not the same disk. Once it is enabled, it keeps monitoring your files and makes regular backups there.
Is one File History drive enough protection?
For a business, usually not. CISA advises using a combination of on-site and remote backups to protect against threats, hardware failures and physical damage.
The Bottom Line: File History is a start, not the whole plan
Where to go from here
Start by deciding what your business cannot operate without. CISA’s guidance for small businesses is to identify that data, such as financial records or development files, and protect it first. Then compare that list with what File History covers on each computer. You can read more in CISA’s advice on backing up business data, or in Microsoft’s guide to backup and restore with File History.
CFL Technology Source helps small and mid-sized businesses in Orlando and Central Florida with backup and disaster recovery. If you want the bigger picture, our guide to what disaster recovery means for a small business is a good next read, and more articles sit in our backup and disaster recovery category.
Make sure your backups cover what matters
Tell us how your office stores its files, and we’ll help you plan a reliable safety net for your business data.
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