Share via

Windows 11 says it is saving backups on my hard drive. Where?

Anonymous
2022-03-15T13:21:34+00:00

I am looking for the folder where Windows 11 stores temporary backups on the HD when the external drive is not available. I want to make sure these files disappear after the backup drive has been attached and the proper backup to the external drive has been performed.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

6 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Sumit D - IA 168.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-03-16T04:15:36+00:00

    Okkay, this is File History, not Backup and Restore. That clarifies things.

    For FH, the temporary backups are stored in this location. To access it, simply paste the path in Run dialog box(Win+R keys) and press Enter.

    %localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\FileHistory\data

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2022-03-15T16:29:57+00:00

    Screenshot:

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Sumit D - IA 168.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-03-15T15:26:25+00:00

    Thank you for the reply.

    Can you share the screenshot?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2022-03-15T14:45:08+00:00

    Thank you for the information - I can now stop looking. I do back-up daily, but I don't want to carry around an external drive with my laptop.

    I am curious, though, as to why Win 11 is still popping up that message.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Sumit D - IA 168.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-03-15T13:55:33+00:00

    Hi Elizabeth,

    I am Sumit here to assist you with this question.

    The backup simply fails and is run when you plug in the external drive the next time. There is no temporary location. Because these backup tools are deprecated, I suggest using a 3rd party program:

    Backup tools in Windows 10 are deprecated and are not being actively maintained. I recommend switching to a 3rd party solution like Reflect, which is more flexible and is reliable.

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/61026-backu...;

    Content on the above blog is written by a Windows MVP so it is safe. However, do watch out for the ads.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments