Windows 10 Backup/File History suddenly says "Your data is not yet backed up."

Hi nsmrb18

The information below I provide is thorough and verbose, but its the truth regarding Backup in Windows 10. and the alternatives you will need to consider.

File History, System Image, Backup and Restore in Windows 10 are partially broken and they are not being actively maintained or developed. Microsoft is planning to remove them in a future release. You are seeing the effects of this. You should switch to a third party solution such as Macrium Reflect (Free).

Learn more: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/create-windows...

Information in the above link is sourced from a trusted Microsoft MVP blog.

Hi NS. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 9 year Windows MVP and Independent Advisor, here to help you.

File History, Windows file and Image backup are dysfunctional and may be phased out in a future version. But they're not the best choices anyway because after ten years in forums I've seen countless times that files are lost trying to restore them, so feel obligated to recommend choices that work much better and are 100% reliable.

The safest and most reliable method is to sort your files into their User Folders (Documents, Desktop, Pictures, Downloads, etc) and periodically drag or copy them to external or another hard drive.

Then have one other Cloud backup so your files are safe from fire and theft and easily accessible via the internet just like email. Some suggestions to help ease into this habit:

You can drag 5gb for free into OneDrive app to store in the cloud where they are safe from fire and theft. You can also choose to sync the Desktop, Pictures and Documents folders (only) in Settings > Autosave.

If you install Google Drive, you can use their new Backup to choose User folders (Documents, Pictures, etc.) to sync up to 15g for free to their cloud.

Or you can drag or copy them to a USB external or flash drive.

Here's how to drag, copy or move large groups of files: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2086566/the-man...

Besides your files you should back up a System Image to use in place of reinstall in 20 minutes. The best free alternative is Macrium: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/7363/macrium-ref....

There is an easy way to mount the System Image to extract files if needed. Some prefer to move their User folders off of C to make the image smaller so they stay current if you need to reimage C. Here's how: http://www.dummies.com/computers/operating-syst...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Windows backup & maybe in the future file history are being deprecated & will eventually be removed, what you’re experiencing may be related to that.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deskto...

Microsoft recommend using third party software:

“System Image Backup (SIB) Solution

We recommend that users use full-disk backup solutions from other vendors.”

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/403482...

I recommend moving to third party imaging software now before it is removed permanently if you prefer backing up your PC rather than using File history.

Many users recommend Macrium Reflect free:

https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.