You can create backups of crucial files and folders on an external storage device using the File History function. In general, this feature functions well, although occasionally bugs in the software or a faulty database can create problems. The best course of action in such cases is to reset the File History. So let’s look at some easy methods for Windows 11’s File History to be reset.
Also Read: How To Fix “File History Does Not Recognize This Drive” Error
Prerequisite: How To Restore Files With File History?
Before you consider resetting your file history, it is recommended to check the existing file history and restore files if required. Here are the steps to do that:
Step 1: Connect the storage device holding your backup files, if it is an external one.
Step 2: Type Control Panel into the taskbar search box, then choose it from the list of results.
Step 3: Type “File History” into the Control Panel’s search bar.
Step 4: From the list of results, choose Save backup copies of your files with File History. To restore your files, adhere to the instructions.
When you sign in with your Microsoft account on your new PC, settings from a Windows 11 device that you have opted to sync will be instantly restored. You can also get your OneDrive folders and Microsoft Store apps back in Windows 11.
Also Read: 6 Ways To Fix “We Found Errors In File History Settings“ Error
How To Use The File Explorer To Reset File History?
To access files and directories on your computer, you typically utilize Windows File Explorer. However, if you take the proper steps, you can also use it to reset the File History. The steps are as follows:
Step 1: To launch the File Explorer, press the Win + E key.
Step 2: Next use the mouse to click on the View dropdown on the top tab. Bring your mouse cursor on Show and then select Hidden Items.
Step 3: Press the Enter key after pasting the following address into the File Explorer’s address field.
%UserProfile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows
Step 4: To choose all the continents in this folder, you need to click on Ctrl + A. Press the Delete button on your keyboard to delete the contents of this folder.
Also Read: Best Ways To Fix Your File History Drive Was Disconnected For Too Long on Windows 11/10
How To Use The Command Prompt To Reset File History?
You may utilize the Command Prompt, a crucial Windows tool, to correct damaged files, carry out administrative procedures, delete file histories, and much more. Here is how to reset File History on Windows 11 using this tool:
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN command.
Step 2: Type “CMD” in the text space and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the Command Prompt window in elevated mode.
Step 3: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and hit Enter.
if exist "%UserProfile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\FileHistory" RD /S /Q "%UserProfile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\FileHistory"
Also Read: How To Disable File Explorer Search History In Windows 11
Bonus Feature: Backup System Files Using Advanced System Optimizer
If you want to take a back of the important settings and files of your system then the main issue would be to identify those files. In this case, Advanced System Optimizer can help auto-detect the important system files and take a backup. You can take a backup of your system files when your system is running in an optimal state. Later on, this backup can be used to restore the system files if there arises issues with your PC.
Advanced System Optimizer is a complete PC Optimization tool that helps remove junk files, temp files, uninstall programs completely, optimize registry, and much more. It also has separate modules for finding duplicate files and updating your drivers as well. The Undelete module helps users recover their accidentally deleted files provided they have not been overwritten.
Also Read: How To Fix Common Computer Errors On Your Computer Using Advanced System Optimizer?
The Final Word On How To Reset The File History On Windows 11?
These were all available techniques for Windows 11’s File History Reset. Despite the fact that either technique is helpful, we advise customers who are new to the OS to choose the first one because it does not require command-line tools like Command Prompt, which may be a bit difficult to follow.
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