In the digital age, our computers have become the treasure chests that hold all our precious files and memories. But what happens when disaster strikes and we lose all that data?
It’s a nightmare scenario that no one wants to face. That’s where File History comes to the rescue, a built-in feature in Windows 11 that allows you to back up your files and restore them in case of emergency.
However, even this lifesaver can sometimes run into errors that leave us stranded. So, what’s the solution?
In this article, we’ll explore how to resolve Windows 11 File History backup errors and ensure the safety of your cherished files. Keep reading to find out!
1. Enabling File History In Windows 11 And Selecting Backup Options
In Windows 11, File History remains a reliable backup solution for safeguarding your important files. However, the latest operating system introduces some changes, such as the inability to select non-preset folders for backup.
Therefore, users must familiarize themselves with the new backup options to ensure their files are adequately protected.
To enable File History and adjust backup options in Windows 11, follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings application.
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Navigate to System and select Storage.
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Under Advanced storage settings, click on Backup options.
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Here, you can enable File History and specify a drive as the backup destination.
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Turning on automatic backup will ensure that your files are backed up regularly without manual intervention.
It is important to note that Windows 11 does not allow the selection of specific folders for backup like its predecessor, Windows 10. However, a workaround is available, which involves manually editing the XML configuration file to add new directories.
While this solution may prove effective, exercise caution when modifying system files to avoid any unintended consequences.
2. Troubleshooting File History Backup Errors In Windows 11
Despite its usefulness, File History backup errors can occasionally occur in Windows 11. These errors can prevent the successful completion of backups and jeopardize the protection of your valuable data.
To resolve these issues, consider the following troubleshooting tips:
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Check File History event logs: By reviewing the event logs, you can acquire insights into recent events or errors related to File History. Accessing these logs can aid in identifying the root cause of backup failures.
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Simplify filenames and reorganize folders: Complex filenames or folder structures with deep hierarchies can sometimes trigger backup errors. To mitigate these issues, consider simplifying filenames, avoiding special characters, and reorganizing folders to reduce the overall path length.
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EFS files are not supported: It is important to note that File History cannot back up files encrypted with the Encrypted File System (EFS). Ensure that any files you require backup for are not encrypted using this method.
It is worth mentioning that if the native File History backup functionalities in Windows 11 do not meet your requirements, several third-party backup software solutions are available. One highly regarded alternative is AOMEI Backupper Standard.
3. Aomei Backupper: An Alternative Backup Software For Windows 11
AOMEI Backupper Standard is a free backup software tool that can serve as a substitute for Windows 11’s File History. It offers a range of powerful features and functionalities, allowing users to comprehensively protect their data.
Here are some notable features of AOMEI Backupper:
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Backup capabilities: AOMEI Backupper provides the ability to back up individual files, folders, partitions, the operating system, and entire disks. This versatility ensures that your backup needs are fully catered to.
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Automatic scheduling and incremental backup: AOMEI Backupper allows you to schedule automatic backups, ensuring that your data is continuously protected. Additionally, the software supports incremental backups, which only back up changes made since the last backup, saving storage space.
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Higher compression levels: With AOMEI Backupper, you can choose from various compression levels, enabling you to achieve optimal balance between backup size and performance.
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Automatic backup cleanup and file type filtering: To further enhance efficiency, AOMEI Backupper supports automatic backup cleanup, removing older backup versions to save storage space. Additionally, you can specify file types to be backed up, allowing for a tailored backup experience.
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Diverse backup methods: AOMEI Backupper offers different backup methods, including full, incremental, and differential. These options allow you to choose the backup strategy that best suits your needs.
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Additional advanced options: AOMEI Backupper also includes advanced options such as commenting, email notifications, pre/post-commands, intelligent sector backup, and the ability to change compression levels. These features provide greater control over your backup process.
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AOMEI Cloud integration: Users can leverage AOMEI Cloud, which offers 1 TB of free storage for 15 days with an AOMEI account. This cloud integration adds an extra layer of security and convenience to the backup process.
In summary, AOMEI Backupper Standard is a highly recommended backup software tool for Windows 11. Its intuitive interface, powerful features, and compatibility with different backup needs make it an ideal choice.
Whether you require individual file backups or full system backups, AOMEI Backupper can cater to your requirements effectively and efficiently.
