In this article we will tell you how to automatically backup files on windows 8. Here’s the procedure.
Although Microsoft has not made any bones about it, its brand new Windows 8 comes equipped with a novel back up feature termed File History, something akin to Time Machine, an Apple feature. File History backs up files automatically in the background, thereby allowing you to restore the files out of a time-based, uncomplicated interface.
File History: a viable option
With the old Crashplan that we are used to, creating a backup is easy, as it is more configurable and lets you back up even to the internet. This is a major factor that helps to maintain the files in a secure condition. Of course, there are some who’d rather make use of built-in tools, or just needs one more backup program to handle smaller and more instant backups. In such a case, File History is sure to be a viable option.
The old Windows Backup is a Windows 8 feature still; the only thing is that it was renamed as ‘Windows 7 File Recovery.’ Thus with Windows 8, you have a choice between the old and new systems, in backing up files.
How does it work?
Chances are that you might be familiar with File History. In Vista 7, it was known as Previous Versions, but it has been given a face-lift, with an easier to use interface that is more focused on backing up files. However, File History in no way backs up the entire system, as it merely backs up your files in Libraries, meaning personal documents, media and files. You have the freedom to include every folder you need to a library, although it will not back up your PC like the File Recovery in Windows 7.
Setting up File History
Setting up Windows 8’s File History is easy enough, you only have to go to the Control Panel > File History. In case you have plugged in an external drive, just click the ‘Turn On’ button. On the other hand, you can connect an external drive and you’ll be asked if you intend to make use of it as backup. Or you might need to back up to any network location, such as an NAS, and you only got to click ‘Change Drive’ located in the sidebar. Then choose the network location, return to the main window and simply click ‘Turn On.’
That’s all and your PC will begin start backing up effortlessly and regularly. If you are curious to see, just how often File History backs up, click on ‘Advanced Settings’ on the left sidebar. From there, you can make changes as to how long to keep files as also a snapshot of all your files. If necessary, you can leave out folders from the backup too.
Restoring files manually
In case you want to manually restore a file that you happened to delete accidentally, or you feel like keeping the old version back after changing a file, it is a quite simple matter: go to the Windows Explorer and move to the folder where that file was, and click Home > File History. To do this, you can also revert to Control Panel > File History > Restore Personal Files.
But one problem
One problem with File History is that its restore feature is not a complete backup tool. The capability to clone as well as restore your entire whole PC, with its plethora of files, applications and settings, by producing a system Image has disappeared.