To back up personal files from a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC to an external hard drive, use File History: connect the drive, open Control Panel > System and Security > File History, select the drive if prompted, and turn File History on. Check that the folders you care about are included, then leave the drive connected so Windows can save changed files periodically.
Before you start
Connect an external hard drive with enough usable space for the files you intend to protect. Microsoft does not specify a universal capacity, speed, interface, or brand; the right size depends on the amount of data you choose to back up. Microsoft says external storage or a network drive may be useful when internet access is unavailable or when you have large or many files to protect (Choose a backup solution in Windows).
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The steps below apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11, though labels can differ slightly by version or update. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, according to Microsoft; this guide may still help people using existing Windows 10 installations, but it does not change that support status.
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- Connect the external hard drive you want to use.
- Open Control Panel > System and Security > Save backup copies of your files with File History.
- Select Turn on. If no destination is selected, choose Select drive, choose the external drive, and confirm.
- Review the folders File History will include before relying on it. Microsoft identifies Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, and Desktop among the folders it backs up. File History does not automatically cover every folder on every disk; if a needed folder is elsewhere, add it to an existing library or create a library that includes it. See Microsoft’s File History setup and restore guidance.
- Leave the drive connected for recurring backups. File History periodically saves changed files; Microsoft’s guidance does not establish one dependable interval for every setup.
After setup, make a small restore check: choose a noncritical file that has a previous version, browse its available versions, and confirm you can retrieve it. This helps verify that the folders you care about are being protected and that you can find the restore controls.
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- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
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Restore an earlier file or folder
- In File Explorer, open the folder that used to contain the missing or changed item.
- Right-click the folder and choose Restore previous versions.
- Select the version you want and preview it if needed.
- Choose Restore to replace the current item, or expand the Restore option and choose Restore to another location to preserve the current copy while retrieving the older one.
Microsoft warns that a direct restore replaces the current file or folder and cannot be undone. Use the other-location option when you are unsure which version you need.
How File History differs from other Windows backup options
| Option | Destination and purpose | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| File History | External drive or network location; stores personal files and previous versions. | You must ensure wanted folders are in supported libraries or add them. Microsoft File History guidance. |
| Windows Backup | OneDrive cloud backup for selected folders, along with supported Windows settings and app information for account-based restoration. | Requires a personal Microsoft account and uses OneDrive rather than an external-drive destination. A free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage, as described in Microsoft’s Windows Backup guidance. |
| Recovery Drive | USB recovery media for reinstalling or restoring Windows, including system files and manufacturer customizations available when created. | It does not include personal files, and creating it erases the selected USB drive. Use an empty USB drive and keep a separate file backup. See Microsoft’s Windows recovery overview and Recovery Drive instructions. |
If File History says the drive is disconnected
Reconnect the external drive. You can wait for the next scheduled backup or open Control Panel > System and Security > File History and choose Run now. Microsoft’s reconnection guidance covers this situation.
Quick Recap
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- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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