Backup & Restore Your Files Using Window 8’s File History

Microsoft has released its new version of its primary product Window 8 by replacing Window 7. Window 8 has some features, which are still hidden from users.Window 8 is distinct operating system than Microsoft’s previous versions. One of hidden feature of Window 8 is File History about which I come to know and I would like to share it with you in this article.

You have heard about Apple’s Time Machine, the same working pattern is followed by window 8 file history feature. It is like a built in tools that instant take backup of your files. File History does not backup your whole system but considers only your documents, photos, media files, libraries. You can add any file at any time. In addition, instead of doing large backups every week or month, it takes an image of your files every hour, so you can restore your files in a much fine position. If you have any problem with window system, you can reinstall window 8 and restore files with this features.

How to set up File History

• Go to control panel


• Click on ”System and Security”

• Access File History

• In case of external drive just click “Turn On” (you can use external disk for backup in file history)

File History is useful for your network location like NAS. For that, you have to click on “change drive” in the left sidebar and pick your network location. Now go to File History and click on “Turn On.”

In Advance setting option, you can select the time for a backup file.

How to restore deleted files

Sometimes accidentally, we delete some necessary file or change existing file and want its old file version. Below is the process to restore your old, deleted files.

In File History, you have to open up window explorer.

• Open the file folder


• Then click on Home button


• Click on the file history icon.

Alternatively, you can access to the control panel and click on File History and finally click on “Restore Personal File.”

File History needs external storage: a USB flash drive, USB hard drive, or network drive. The more space you give to File History, the depth your backup will go.In Window 8, File History changed backup ideal and makes you free from backup hurdle.