File History problems after installing KB5124008

Question

File History problems after installing KB5124008

BobH3027 120

Ran Windows Update on two sepearate Windows 11 computers that were all up to date as of Saturday morning - broke File History

Today I ran File History on 2 computers - both ran correctly. Then ran Windows Update and File History on both are now broken. File History panel pops up but will not run - says to connect a drive. (drive was connected and verified that I could read and write to it)

Reached out to support who logged on to one of the computers, but troubleshooting did not provide an answer. Later I connected a drive and configured File History on a 3rd computer - it was working. Then I ran Windows Update and it broke it.

Updated the case number and was told now by two seperate techs that it seems to be an issue with one of the updates and was passing it on to level 2 with the detailed testing notes I provided.

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Alan B 5 Reputation points

2026-09-09T08:30:26.7133333+00:00

I'm having the same issues trying to run my back up to file history on my external drive- failed, same error messages as you. Had to do a manual save to the drive. CHATGPT says likely that what you have highlighted is the problem and microsoft will pick up and solve soon.
La Ma 10 Reputation points

2026-09-10T03:41:21.8066667+00:00

I have just now encountered this same problem. I will try uninstalling the Security Update.
Ezio De Pazzi 141 Reputation points

2026-09-10T05:47:41.74+00:00

exactly what you are expericing.
dotlang 45 Reputation points

2026-09-16T16:04:04.0966667+00:00

.....
Sean Page 10 Reputation points

2026-09-17T17:46:07.8066667+00:00

Thank you so much for that information. Wish I had read it sooner. I installed a fresh Windows 10 onto a PC to give to my parents. After copying all their files and apps across, creating 2 accounts etc, I ran file history and Backup & Restore with no problems. Then (seemingly out of nowhere) file history threw this error, which doesn't even seem to be an error, just telling you that the drive isn't connected. Ended up reinstalling windows from scratch, after doing the sfc/dism/anything, even thinking that my backup drive was faulty, only to come into this same problem again, but only after installing updates. Process of elimination. Deduction, dear Watson. Currently restoring a system image and will not install patch updates afterward. To myself and my parents, having an integral file backup working is more important than a botched security fix. What annoys the most is spending so much time looking in the wrong places online for answers to this seemingly random problem, only for it to be an update bricking features. Just wish I'd seen this before doing a job twice 🤣
林宗昇 8,360 Reputation points

2026-09-23T10:55:13.6733333+00:00

I installed KB5124010, and File History backup functionality has returned to normal. Backups can now be performed successfully.

However, the File History issue caused by KB5101684/KB5120249, installed on July 28, still persists.

After modifying or saving a file, I can click “Run now” in Control Panel → System and Security → File History, and the file is successfully copied to the backup drive. However, the “Last copy” date and time does not update to reflect the latest backup.

In addition, newly created or modified files still show “No previous versions available” under File Properties → Previous Versions, or the previous version does not show the correct latest date and time.

In other words, the backup itself appears to be working, but the File History record/index is not being updated correctly. This problem is still unresolved.
林宗昇 8,360 Reputation points

2026-09-23T10:56:27.0433333+00:00

I installed KB5124010, and File History backup functionality has returned to normal. Backups can now be performed successfully.

However, the File History issue caused by KB5101684/KB5120249, installed on July 28, still persists.

After modifying or saving a file, I can click “Run now” in Control Panel → System and Security → File History, and the file is successfully copied to the backup drive. However, the “Last copy” date and time does not update to reflect the latest backup.

In addition, newly created or modified files still show “No previous versions available” under File Properties → Previous Versions, or the previous version does not show the correct latest date and time.

In other words, the backup itself appears to be working, but the File History record/index is not being updated correctly. This problem is still unresolved.

10 answers

Your answer

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This comment has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The comment was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.
Alan B 5 Reputation points

2026-09-09T08:30:26.7133333+00:00

I'm having the same issues trying to run my back up to file history on my external drive- failed, same error messages as you. Had to do a manual save to the drive. CHATGPT says likely that what you have highlighted is the problem and microsoft will pick up and solve soon.
La Ma 10 Reputation points

2026-09-10T03:41:21.8066667+00:00

I have just now encountered this same problem. I will try uninstalling the Security Update.
Ezio De Pazzi 141 Reputation points

2026-09-10T05:47:41.74+00:00

exactly what you are expericing.
dotlang 45 Reputation points

2026-09-16T16:04:04.0966667+00:00

.....
Sean Page 10 Reputation points

2026-09-17T17:46:07.8066667+00:00

Thank you so much for that information. Wish I had read it sooner. I installed a fresh Windows 10 onto a PC to give to my parents. After copying all their files and apps across, creating 2 accounts etc, I ran file history and Backup & Restore with no problems. Then (seemingly out of nowhere) file history threw this error, which doesn't even seem to be an error, just telling you that the drive isn't connected. Ended up reinstalling windows from scratch, after doing the sfc/dism/anything, even thinking that my backup drive was faulty, only to come into this same problem again, but only after installing updates. Process of elimination. Deduction, dear Watson. Currently restoring a system image and will not install patch updates afterward. To myself and my parents, having an integral file backup working is more important than a botched security fix. What annoys the most is spending so much time looking in the wrong places online for answers to this seemingly random problem, only for it to be an update bricking features. Just wish I'd seen this before doing a job twice 🤣
林宗昇 8,360 Reputation points

2026-09-23T10:55:13.6733333+00:00

I installed KB5124010, and File History backup functionality has returned to normal. Backups can now be performed successfully.

However, the File History issue caused by KB5101684/KB5120249, installed on July 28, still persists.

After modifying or saving a file, I can click “Run now” in Control Panel → System and Security → File History, and the file is successfully copied to the backup drive. However, the “Last copy” date and time does not update to reflect the latest backup.

In addition, newly created or modified files still show “No previous versions available” under File Properties → Previous Versions, or the previous version does not show the correct latest date and time.

In other words, the backup itself appears to be working, but the File History record/index is not being updated correctly. This problem is still unresolved.
林宗昇 8,360 Reputation points

2026-09-23T10:56:27.0433333+00:00

I installed KB5124010, and File History backup functionality has returned to normal. Backups can now be performed successfully.

However, the File History issue caused by KB5101684/KB5120249, installed on July 28, still persists.

After modifying or saving a file, I can click “Run now” in Control Panel → System and Security → File History, and the file is successfully copied to the backup drive. However, the “Last copy” date and time does not update to reflect the latest backup.

In addition, newly created or modified files still show “No previous versions available” under File Properties → Previous Versions, or the previous version does not show the correct latest date and time.

In other words, the backup itself appears to be working, but the File History record/index is not being updated correctly. This problem is still unresolved.

Answer 1

Henrik Mygind 10

Any updates on this.

After installing KB5124008, i have the exact same problem with File History. And the "Reconnect the drive" message.

Have even tried with a fresh SSD drive and renaming Configuration and Data directories on the PC, then selected the new drive in File History, and it will create fresh Configuration and Data directories on both the external SSD and the PC, so it can for sure see the drive. Then Run backup and l get the same message to Reconnect the drive. So this is clearly broken !

BobH3027 120 Reputation points

2026-09-16T11:03:22.0666667+00:00

MS released a new Security Update yesterday but it did not include a fix for the File History issue.
2026-09 Security Update (KB5129195) (26200.9457)

Having removed the KB5124008 update my File History was working until the new KB5129195 udate broke it again - removing that (and blocking it or pausing updates) allows Filre History to work again - at least it does on my computers.
Henrik Mygind 10 Reputation points

2026-09-16T11:40:02.67+00:00

Yes I did also install KB5129195 but it didn't fix it. So crossing my fingers for a new fix soon
Bruin_71 15 Reputation points

2026-09-17T02:58:13.73+00:00

I experienced the same File History problem several days ago. Trouble is, when I tried to uninstall KB5124008 with "Uninstall Updates", it isn't listed. On the other hand, KB5129195, the latest Security Update, is listed (i.e., it can be uninstalled). Do any of you think that I can restore File History functionality by just uninstalling this last one (KB5129195)? Or do both security updates need to be removed?

Second question, if I leave the situation as it stands, is the next scheduled Security Update in October likely to correct the glitch?
dotlang 45 Reputation points

2026-09-17T03:40:26.41+00:00

Same problem. KB5124008 isn't listed in the Uninstall list. Note that it IS listed in the Windows Update History.
Mike_A_P 40 Reputation points

2026-09-17T07:51:30.67+00:00

Just tried rolling back from KB5129195 (Windows version 25H2 26200.9457) and that seems to get back only to version 26200.9445, so File History is still broken - however, KB5124008 then reappears in the list of updates that can be uninstalled. On doing so (oh what fun) the version rolled back to 26200.9168, and File History functionality does then seem to be restored. It has, though, started a new FileHistory folder and would not reconnect with an old, empty, and re-named FileHistory folder that had been created while File History was not working properly, under 26200.9457, so not sure if it will recognise a previous valid folder (I'd not previously been running File History on this device). Good luck.

Answer 2

dotlang 45

Thanks Mike_A_P!! I uninstalled KB5129195, then KB5124008 reappeared as you indicated in the uninstall list. I uninstalled it, and voila! my File History turned on and can run! So now my question is how do I deal with the fact that I removed two Windows updates??

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

Sumit 44,436 Volunteer Moderator

On the Retail channel, it is Fixed with the Optional update released on 22nd September.

https://yourwindowsguide.com/2026/09/file-history-not-working-after-september-update.html

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/servicing/os/windows-11/2026/09/kb5124010-windows-11-24h2-25h2-update

[File History] This update addresses an issue where File History might fail to back up or restore files to an external drive or network location. Affected devices might incorrectly display a “Reconnect your drive” message even when a compatible backup drive is connected and working properly.

Ezio De Pazzi 141 Reputation points

2026-09-23T04:18:28.3133333+00:00

Same here. installed the latest updates on Sep. 23rd, and file history back online.
MollFran88 15 Reputation points

2026-09-23T04:24:41.5333333+00:00

Agreed, all good now.

Answer 5

I installed KB5124010, and File History backup functionality has returned to normal. Backups can now be performed successfully.

However, the File History issue caused by KB5101684/KB5120249, installed on July 28, still persists.

After modifying or saving a file, I can click “Run now” in Control Panel → System and Security → File History, and the file is successfully copied to the backup drive. However, the “Last copy” date and time does not update to reflect the latest backup.

In addition, newly created or modified files still show “No previous versions available” under File Properties → Previous Versions, or the previous version does not show the correct latest date and time.

In other words, the backup itself appears to be working, but the File History record/index is not being updated correctly. This problem is still unresolved.