How to fix File History

First verify whether the Windows 11 virtual machine has the documented September 2026 File History defect; if it does not, ensure the backup drive is attached to and accessible inside the VMware guest rather than only on the host.

1. Check whether the Windows update fix applies

Inside the virtual machine:

1. Open Settings → Windows Update → Update history.
2. Look for the September 2026 update KB5124008, then run Check for updates.
3. If that update is installed, install the latest available cumulative update and restart the VM. The defect is fixed by updates released on or after September 22, 2026, including KB5124010. The defect can falsely show “Reconnect your drive” even when the destination is working.^1^
4. After restarting, open Control Panel → System and Security → File History and select Run now.

A later cumulative update is sufficient; KB5124010 does not have to be listed separately if it has been superseded. The expected result is an updated Last backup time without the reconnect warning.

2. If that update is not installed, reconnect the destination inside VMware

A USB drive connected to the physical host is not necessarily available to the Windows guest. In the VM:

1. Open File Explorer → This PC and check whether the backup drive appears with a drive letter.
2. Try creating and deleting an ordinary test folder on it. This confirms that the guest can write to the destination.
3. If the drive does not appear, use your VMware product’s removable-device or USB menu to connect the USB device to the running VM. Attaching it to the guest may disconnect it from the host.
4. If you cannot find that option, specify whether this is VMware Workstation, Fusion, or another VMware product, because the exact USB pass-through menu differs.
5. Once the destination appears in the guest, open Control Panel → System and Security → File History → Select drive, select it, and choose OK.
6. Select Turn on, if displayed, followed by Run now. Microsoft documents an external drive or network location as the File History destination.^2^

For a network destination, reselect the reachable network location from Control Panel → System and Security → File History.^3^

3. Prepare and perform the assignment demo

1. Put a disposable test file in Documents or Desktop. These are among the folders File History backs up automatically.^2^
2. Open Control Panel → System and Security → File History → Run now.
3. Wait until Last backup shows the new backup time.
4. Delete the test file and empty the Recycle Bin only if your demonstration requires it.
5. In File Explorer, open the folder that contained the file.
6. Right-click the folder and select Restore previous versions.
7. Select a version created before deletion.
8. Use Open → Open in File History to verify the file first, then select Restore. To avoid replacing current content, use Restore → Restore to… and choose another folder.^2^

Do not delete the assignment’s only copy. Use a newly created test file and confirm that the completed backup contains it before performing the deletion.

References

1. September 8, 2026—KB5124008 (OS Builds 26200.9445 and 26100.9445) | Microsoft Support
2. Backup and restore with File History | Microsoft Support
3. Reconnect Your File History Drive in Windows | Microsoft Support