File History is a handy feature introduced by Microsoft with Windows 8 and has been improved in subsequent versions, including Windows 10 and 11. It’s a useful tool for backing up and restoring files, but accessing it in Windows 11 can be a bit tricky due to some changes in the Settings app.
This article will guide you through eight different methods to open the File History page in Windows 11.
1. Using the Start Menu
The Start menu is the most obvious place to search for an app or file on a Windows PC. Microsoft has integrated Bing into the Start menu, allowing you to see web results as well. To use this method:
- Press the Win key to open the Start menu.
- Type “File History” in the search box.
- Click on the first relevant search result to open File History in a new window.
2. Using Control Panel
File History was previously available in the Settings app in Windows 10 but is now only present in the System and Security section of the Control Panel. Here’s how to access it:
- Press the Windows key, type “Control Panel” and press the Enter key.
- In the Control Panel window, click on the System and Security option.
- Scroll down and locate the File History option.
- Double-click on it to view and manage the connected devices and backups.
3. Using the Settings App
The Settings app doesn’t have File History as a separate section but can redirect you to its Control Panel page. To use this method:
- Press Win + I to launch the settings app.
- Go to the left-hand side section and click on the search bar.
- Type “File History” and click on the “Restore your files with File History” search result.
- The Control Panel window will open with the File History page.
4. Using the Run Dialog Box
Launching programs and system apps from the Run dialog box is possible if you know the exact file name or the file path. Here’s how:
- Press Win+ R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “control /name Microsoft.FileHistory” in the text box and press the Enter key.
- The File History page will open.
5. Using File Explorer
File History is also present in the System32 folder in the C drive, so you can access it from there in case the Control Panel is not opening or working on your PC. To do this:
- Press Win + E to open the File Explorer.
- Go to the address bar on the top of the File Explorer window and click on it.
- Paste the following path in it and press the Enter key: C:\Windows\System32
- Now, go to the search box present in the top right corner and type “File History”.
- Press the Enter key to initiate a search.
- Double-click on the FileHistory.exe file to open the tool.
6. Using Task Manager
Task Manager isn’t just meant for ending tasks and sub-processes. You can launch any system app or tools, and access file locations using the “Run new task” option. Here’s how:
- Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously to open the Task Manager.
- Click on the “Run new task” button.
- Now, type “FileHistory.exe” in the text box and click on the OK button.
- File History will launch on your system. Close the Task Manager.
7. Using Terminal App
If you love the terminal and don’t like the idea of opening menus or searching for an app or tool, you can open File History using the Terminal app. Here’s how to do it:
- Right-click on the Start button to open the Power User menu.
- Click on the Terminal option.
- Now, type the following command and press the Enter key to execute it:
control /name Microsoft.FileHistory - Close the Terminal app.
8. Using a Desktop Shortcut
The fastest method to access any app is by creating a desktop shortcut. You can switch to the desktop and launch programs with or without administrator privileges. Here’s how:
- Press Win + D to switch to the desktop.
- Right-click on the Desktop.
- Select the New > Shortcut option from the context menu.
- In the Create Shortcut window, go to the textbox.
- Type
"C:\\Windows\\System32\\FileHistory.exe"in the text box and click on the Next button. - Name the shortcut File History and click on the Finish button.
- Switch to the desktop. Double-click on the newly created File History shortcut to launch the tool.
Bottom Line: Access File History Settings In a Jiffy
Microsoft has provided an excellent physical backup option for Windows OS. Now, you know eight easy methods to access File History, run a manual backup session, and tweak its settings. You can even add and remove folders in File History, but that requires a bit more effort.
FAQs
Q: What is File History in Windows 11?
A: File History is a feature in Windows 11 that allows you to back up and restore files. It was introduced in Windows 8 and has been improved in subsequent versions.
Q: How can I access File History in Windows 11?
A: There are several ways to access File History in Windows 11, including through the Start Menu, Control Panel, Settings App, Run Dialog Box, File Explorer, Task Manager, Terminal App, and by creating a Desktop Shortcut.
Q: Can I access File History if the Control Panel is not working on my PC?
A: Yes, you can access File History through other methods such as the Settings App, Run Dialog Box, File Explorer, Task Manager, Terminal App, or by creating a Desktop Shortcut.
Q: Can I run a manual backup session using File History?
A: Yes, once you access File History, you can run a manual backup session and tweak its settings according to your needs.
Q: Can I add and remove folders in File History?
A: Yes, you can add and remove folders in File History, but it requires a bit more effort.
