Windows 8 101: File History

File History is a new feature in Windows 8 that keeps track on the changes you made with your files in your Libraries, Desktop, Favorites, and Contacts folders.  This is the updated version of the Windows Backup and Restore that was introduced in Windows 7.  This is a great app if you want to track changes of your files, protect, or restore a previous version of your files.  File History will check changes in your files / documents and create a copy of the modified file in another location (external drive or network drive).  By default File history checks your files for any modification every hour and will create a copy of the modified file which you can easily restore anytime.

To Enable File History

• In your Start screen, key in File History > Select on File History to open the File History window.  Make sure that an external media (HDD, USB Flash drive) is already connected to your device to enable File History

• In the File History window, click on Turn on and File History will start to create backups / copy of your personal files

• Alternatively you can manage / configure File History to set it’s behavior in saving your files and the duration of keeping the version of the files.  Click in Advanced settings in the left pane to modify the default settings of File History.