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2 Ways to Quickly Reset File History in Windows 10 & 11
Quick ways to restore File History to default settings
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Need to empty the File History on your Windows PC quickly? You may want to keep your recently visited locations private, especially if you share the computer with others, so resetting it is an option.
If so, this tutorial will take you through the steps to reset your File History and start off with a clean slate.
Can file history be deleted?
File History is a built-in backup tool that you can use to protect your personal files and folders on your computer.
It creates a copy of the files in your Libraries, Desktop, and Favorites folders and any other files you choose to include. Since this information is kept in a folder on your PC, you can easily locate and delete it.
What happens if I turn off file history?
When file history is turned off, the automatic backup of your personal files stops because the file history service has been disabled. If you havealternative backup solutions, this should not be a problem.
However, if you decide to turn off File History, we recommend that you first create a manual backup of your important files. This will ensure that your files will be safe if something happens to your computer.
Now, let’s look into how you can reset your file history.
How can I reset my file history in Windows 11?
1. Use the Control Panel
2. Use the Command Prompt
How can I reset file history in Windows 10?
When you reset file history in Windows, all of your previous versions of a file will be deleted. If you have any files backed up in the cloud, such as OneDrive or Dropbox, this process will not affect those files.
You can now reconfigure your settings or change the backup location. The File History feature works with both local drives and network shares, so you can switch to a different drive or use a network location in cases whereFile History does not recognize your driveorno usable drives were found.
So that’s how to reset your File History in Windows 10 and 11. We also have aninteresting side-by-side comparison of File History vs Windows Backupso check that out to spot the differences.
We’d love your feedback on this issue, so leave us a comment below.
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products. With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.
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Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11 errors.
