How to Fix Fix File History Not Running or Backup Failed on Windows
File History stopped working? "File History doesn't recognize this drive"? Backup not running on schedule? Fix File History backup issues on Windows 10 and 11.
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Main Troubleshooting Guide
How to Fix 100% Disk Usage →Complete symptoms, causes, and step-by-step solutions
Symptoms
You might be experiencing this problem if you notice:
- •File History shows "File History doesn't recognize this drive"
- •"Your File History drive was disconnected for too long" warning
- •File History service not running — backup never starts
- •File History backup fails with unspecified error
- •Files not being backed up despite File History being enabled
- •File History drive shows full but old backups not cleaning up
Common Causes
- ⚠Backup drive disconnected, full, or has file system errors
- ⚠File History service (fhsvc) not running
- ⚠File History configuration corrupted
- ⚠NTFS permissions changed on backup drive
- ⚠Network drive path changed or credentials expired
- ⚠VSS (Volume Shadow Copy) service not running
Solutions
Solution 1: Reconnect and Verify Backup Drive
- 1Ensure the backup drive is connected and accessible in File Explorer
- 2Check the drive for errors: right-click drive → Properties → Tools → Check
- 3If the drive is full: open File History → Advanced Settings
- 4Set "Keep saved versions" to a shorter retention (e.g., 3 months)
- 5Click "Clean up versions" to delete old backups
- 6If using a network drive: verify the path is accessible
- 7Open: \\server\share in File Explorer — if it asks for credentials, re-enter them
- 8After fixing the drive: click "Run now" in File History settings
Solution 2: Restart File History Service
- 1Open Services.msc
- 2Find "File History Service" (fhsvc) → set to Automatic (Delayed Start)
- 3Right-click → Start
- 4Also verify "Volume Shadow Copy" service is running
- 5And "Windows Search" service (for indexing backed up files)
- 6If the service won't start:
- 7Open CMD as Admin: sfc /scannow
- 8Then: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Solution 3: Reset File History Configuration
- 1If File History is corrupted, reset its configuration:
- 2Open File Explorer → navigate to: %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Windows\FileHistory
- 3Rename the "Configuration" folder to "Configuration.old"
- 4Open File History settings: Control Panel → File History
- 5Select your backup drive again
- 6Click "Turn on" to reconfigure from scratch
- 7Set your backup frequency and excluded folders as desired
- 8Click "Run now" to start a fresh backup
- 9Verify it completes without errors
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