File History Off

If File History will not turn on in Windows 11, check these items in order:

1. Make sure a backup target is available.
   • Connect an external drive, or use a network location.
   • File History needs a storage location before it can run.
2. Turn on File History from Control Panel.
   • Open Control Panel.
   • Go to System and Security > Save backup copies of your files with File History.
   • Select Turn on.
   • If no drive is selected, choose Select drive, pick the external drive or network location, and select OK.
3. If File History says the drive is disconnected:
   • For an external drive, confirm it is still connected to the PC.
   • For a network location, open Control Panel > System and Security > File History and reselect the network location.
   • After reconnecting, wait for the next scheduled backup, or select Run now.
4. Check whether File History has been disabled by policy.
   • On managed editions, the policy Turn off File History prevents File History from being activated.
   • If this policy is enabled, File History cannot be turned on.
5. Check for a conflict with Windows Backup schedule.
   • File History does not recommend running together with the older Backup and Restore workflow.
   • If an active Backup schedule exists, File History will not let it be turned on until that Windows Backup schedule is deleted.
6. If the problem started after a recent Windows update:
   • A reported File History regression was fixed by the optional update released on September 22, 2026.
   • That fix addresses cases where File History fails to back up or restore to an external drive or network location and incorrectly shows Reconnect your drive even when the drive is connected.

References:

• Backup and restore with File History
• Reconnect Your File History Drive in Windows
• Policy CSP - System
• New File History feature
• File History Backup Problems with last security update - Microsoft Q&A