Exclude folders from the snapshot process.Turn File History on, and where to target its snapshots.In the sections that follow I explain how to: It provides an interface to review and retrieve previous versions of files from such snapshots. What File History does is take a snapshot of all files in the aforementioned folders and local OneDrive contents at regular intervals. Such coverage comes from whole-system backup and restore tools see “ How to make a Windows 10 or 11 image backup” for details. Nor can File History restore an entire Windows installation.

It cannot, for example, back up entire drives. But it’s important to understand that File History backs up only certain files.

To some extent, this description is justified. You’ll see some references refer to File History as a backup and restore tool. Also included are offline files associated with the user’s OneDrive account.

Formerly known as Libraries, these folders include Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, and Desktop. Simply put, File History is a snapshot mechanism for all files that users store in the primary folders or directories associated with their user accounts. Still available in both Windows 10 and 11, it can help you make sure you never lose an important file. When Windows 8 made its public debut in October 2012, one of the new features it introduced to users was called File History.

Windows file recovery