Backup in Windows 11: OneDrive and File History

When a disk fails or a laptop is lost, photos and documents without a backup are gone. Windows 11 has two built-in ways to prevent this: a cloud backup with OneDrive and File History on an external drive.

Method 1: Backup to OneDrive

1. Check if you are logged in with a Microsoft account: Settings (Ustawienia) › Accounts (Konta) › Your info (Twoje informacje). If you see the option to log in with a Microsoft account, it means you are using a local account. A work or school account will not work here.
2. Click Start, type "backup" and open Windows Backup (Kopia zapasowa systemu Windows).
3. Expand Folders (Foldery) and enable those you want to protect: Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music.
4. Expand the other items and enable what you need: installed applications, accessibility settings, Wi-Fi networks and passwords, personalization, language preferences, other settings.
5. Click Back up (Wykonaj kopię zapasową).

Method 2: File History on an External Drive

1. Connect a USB external drive.
2. Click Start, type "control panel" and open Control Panel (Panel sterowania) › System and Security (System i zabezpieczenia) › File History (Historia plików).
3. Click Turn on (Włącz). If the drive is not selected, use the Select drive (Wybierz dysk) option.
4. File History backs up libraries (Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music) and the Desktop. To add another folder, right-click on the folder › Show more options (Pokaż więcej opcji) › Include in library (Dołącz do biblioteki).

Backups are created when the drive is connected. Connect it regularly, for example, once a week.

How to Check if the Backup is Working

• Open the Windows Backup app: it shows the current status of the backup. The same can be seen in Settings › Accounts › Windows backup (Kopia zapasowa systemu Windows).
• In the File History window, check the date of the last backup.
• Occasionally, restore a test file. Only then will you know that the backup is really working.

In September 2026, update KB5124008 broke File History for some users: a message appeared to reconnect the drive, and the date of the last backup remained unchanged. Microsoft fixed this in updates from September 22, 2026 (e.g., KB5124010), so install the latest updates.

How to Restore Files

1. From File History: open File Explorer, right-click the folder where the file was, and select Restore previous versions (Przywróć poprzednie wersje). Choose the version from before the file was lost.
2. Click the arrow next to Restore (Przywróć) and select Restore to (Przywróć do) to save the file in a different location. A regular restore replaces the current version and cannot be undone.
3. From OneDrive: on a new computer during setup, log in with the same Microsoft account. Windows will suggest restoring the backup. You will also see the files after logging into OneDrive.

If This Didn't Help

• OneDrive backup error usually means you are not logged into OneDrive or there is no space.
• Are you logged in with a local account and do not want to change it? Use File History.
• Seek help in the Get Help (Uzyskaj pomoc) app or from a trusted person. Microsoft does not call anyone directly. More in the guide on technical support scams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the OneDrive backup replace the external drive?

Not entirely. Folders in OneDrive are synchronized, and a file available only online deleted from the computer disappears from OneDrive on all devices. A second copy on a USB drive provides additional security.

Do I have to pay for OneDrive?

No, if you fit within the free 5 GB. More space can be purchased.

Sources

Status as of October 24, 2026. Menu names may vary depending on the version of Windows and system language. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace the manufacturer's technical support.