As a Windows 10 user, the location of your backup files is paramount for ensuring a swift system recovery in times of need. This article is dedicated to unravelling the enigma of storage locations, providing insights based on different backup methods.
Method 1: File History
Setting Up File History:
A Windows 10 built-in tool is the file history, which focuses on securing your files: documents, photos, music and so on:
- Connect an external drive or choose a network location.
- Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
- Click “Add a drive” and select your backup location.
- Enable “Automatically back up my files.”
Accessing Backup Files:
Locating backup files stored by File History involves the following steps:
- Open File Explorer and journey to the designated backup location.
- Discover a folder named “FileHistory” with a subfolder carrying your PC name.
- Dive into this subfolder, revealing another named “Data” containing your backed-up files in a structured layout.
Managing Backup Files:
Effortlessly manage your File History backup files with these steps:
- Access Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
- Beneath “More options,” fine-tune backup frequency, duration, and folder inclusions/exclusions according to your preferences.
Method 2: Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
Configuring Backup and Restore (Windows 7):
Another integral feature within Windows 10 is the Backup and Restore (Windows 7). It caters to comprehensive systems or selective file/folder backups. To set it up:
- Connect an external drive or select a network location.
- First, open Control Panel and then go to System And Security; then locate Backup and Restore options for Windows.
- Click on ‘Set up backup’ and follow the instructions using a wizard that will allow you to ready your personal alternatives for backing up.
Locating Backup Files:
Unearthing your Backup and Restore (Windows 7) files involves the following steps:
- Open File Explorer and traverse to the designated backup location.
- Identify the “WindowsImageBackup” folder or a folder named after your PC, depending on your backup preference.
- Access the subfolder with your PC name, revealing the stored backup file(s).
Restoring from Backup Files:
Effectuating a restore process using Backup and Restore (Windows 7) demands the following steps:
- Go to Control Panel → System and Security → Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
- Choose between ‘Restore my files’ and ‘Restore all users’ files’ to start the restore.
Managing Backup Files:
Maintaining and organising your Backup and Restoring (Windows 7) backup files can be efficiently handled through these steps:
- Visit Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
- Click on “Manage space” or “Change settings” under Backup, enabling you to handle storage and settings adeptly.
Method 3: Third-party tools
Some third-party utilities are also invaluable for people looking to get more functions. Several important ones include EaseUS Todo Backup, Acronis True Image and Macrium Reflect. For each tool, there is a specific way of where their backup files are stored in case documents, which is described in more detail about that topic.
Conclusion
This guide explains Windows 10 backup file locations, which is crucial for data recovery. It covers the built-in features and third-party tools. Knowing where your backups are stored ensures easy recovery in case of emergencies.
