How to enable or disable file history in Windows 11

Contents hide

1 How to turn off file history in Windows 11

2 How to disable file history through local group policy

3 How to enable file history in Windows 11

This post shows students and new users the steps to enable or disable File History when using Windows 11. File History is a built-in Windows backup tool to back up folders in your home folder and files within including Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, and desktop.

In cases where the original files are lost or damaged, you can use the backup versions created by File History to restore them. The file history also allows you to navigate through a timeline, select the version you want, and restore it.

By default, File History backs up all files and folders to a user home directory (C: Users Username). You can also include additional folders and locations for backing up.

File history is not automatically enabled when there are no suitable backup locations. You can only back up to an externally connected drive, such as a USB drive, or you can save it to a drive on a network. If neither of these locations is available, the file history will not be used.

Read our previous post on How to Backup Windows 11.

The new Windows 11 comes with many new features and a new user desktop, including a centered start menu and taskbar, rounded corner windows, themes and colors that will make any computer look and feel modern.

If you’re excited about Windows 11, keep reading our posts about it.

To start enabling or disabling File History in Windows 11, follow the steps below.

YOU CAN ALSO READ: How to change the Windows updates folder in Windows 11

How to turn off file history in Windows 11

If you want to disable File History in Windows 11, follow the steps below.

Go to the Start Menu, then search Control Panel app and open it.

When Control Panel opens, go to the System and Security category group.

Then click on File History as highlighted below.

In the File History settings panel, click the button to To turn off File history.

How to disable file history through local group policy

Users can also disable file history through the local group policy editor. To get there, click on the Start menu, then find and open Edit group policy.

When the local group policy editor opens, navigate to the folder paths below:

Computer ConfigurationAdministrative TemplatesWindows ComponentsFile History

Double-click the Disable File History setting on the right to open. When the settings opens, check the box next to Enable to disable file history.

How to enable file history in Windows 11

If you change your mind about File History and want to re-enable File History, just reverse the steps above. If disabled in group policy, navigate to File History settings and check the box next to Not configured.

Then go to Control Panel, System and Security Category ==> File History and click the button to Turn on File history.

You should do that!

Conclusion:

In this tutorial we have seen how to enable or disable File History in Windows 11. If you encounter any errors above, have something to add, use the comment form below.