How to Fix Windows 11 File History Not Working with 5 Ways

Common Scenarios of File History Not Working on Windows 11

File History is a convenient utility that regularly backs up copies of your files in documents, music, pictures, videos, and desktop folders, and the OneDrive files available offline on your device.

However, File History may stop working for some reasons. The common situations include:

How to Fix Windows 11 File History Not Working

Fix 1. Check File History Settings

Ensure File History is configured correctly for file backup first if it doesn’t work.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Type Control Panel in Windows search and open it.

Step 2: Go to find and select System and Security > File History.

Step 3: Verify that you have selected the correct backup drive or network location. You can also click Select drive to choose another storage drive.

Step 4: Click on Turn off, and later click on Turn on on the right side. This step may solve some glitches or conflicts.

Fix 2. Restart File History Service

Step 1: Open the Services app using the same steps as the previous method.

Step 2: Navigate to File History Service, right-click it, and choose Restart from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Double-click the service to open its Properties window and set its Startup type to Manual (Trigger Start) or Automatic.

Step 4: Apply the change and see if your File History can work properly.

If that does not resolve the problem, try the next solution.

Fix 3. Reset Local Configuration Cache

A corrupted File History configuration cache may prevent backups from working properly. Resetting the cache can help resolve the issue.

Step 1: Open Services and stop File History Service.

Step 2: Go to C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\FileHistory in File Explorer.

Step 3: Delete all the files and folders inside that directory.

Step 4: Re-enable the service and turn on File History in the Control Panel to check whether it works.

Fix 4. Decrypt the Encrypted Files or Folders

You may receive the error “File History has found files that are encrypted with Encrypting File System” when backing up certain files. Try encrypting these files.

Step 1: Find and right-click on your encrypted file or folder, then select Properties > General > Advanced.

Step 2: Uncheck Encrypt contents to secure data and click OK to confirm.

Fix 5: Uninstall the Problematic Update or Update Windows

A recent Windows update may cause File History to stop working. In this case, uninstall the problematic update and check if the issue is resolved.

Step 1: Navigate to Settings > Windows Update.

Step 2: Click Update history > Uninstall updates.

Step 3: Locate the recent update and click Uninstall.

Try backing up your files with File History.

If it still doesn’t work, go to Windows Update, check for and install the latest Windows update that may offer bug fixes.

Alternative Backup Tool: MiniTool ShadowMaker

If File History continues to fail, you can use MiniTool ShadowMaker as an alternative backup solution.

It offers comprehensive data protection for your PC. Designed for Windows 11/10, it allows you to create files, folders, disks, partitions, and system backups, to USB flash drives, external hard drives, and network locations.

Additionally, it enables you to customize a variety of advanced settings, like setting an automatic backup or changing backup scheme.

Now, we will show you how to create a file backup using it.

Step 1: Download and install MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial. Then launch it and click on Keep Trial.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 2: Under the Backup section, click on SOURCE > Folders and Files to select the desired files or folders.

Step 3: Go to DESTINATION, choose the target path where you have the backup image saved, and click OK to continue.

Step 4: Click on Back Up Now to start the backup task. You can go to Manage to check the backup process.

Check the following table to know the key differences between these two backup tools.

Bottom Line

To resolve Windows 11 File History not working, pick one suitable solution above based on your situation. Additionally, we also recommend you use MiniTool ShadowMaker as an alternative solution.

If you have any issues with our software, feel free to contact us via [email protected]. We will reply to you as soon as possible.

Windows 11 File History Not Working FAQ