Test File History by restoring one folder

What you will achieve

Prove File History actually works by restoring one test folder to a scratch location, comparing contents, and establishing a repeatable backup drill before you need it in an emergency.

1) Verify File History is running

1. Open Settings → System → Storage → Advanced storage settings → Backup options (Windows 10: Settings → Update & Security → Backup).
2. Under Back up using File History, confirm a drive is selected and Automatically back up my files is on.
3. Note the backup drive letter — external USB or network share.

2) Create a test folder

1. Create C:\Users\YourName\Documents\BackupTest.
2. Add a few small files — a text document, image, and spreadsheet.
3. Wait for the next scheduled backup (default hourly) or click Back up now on the Backup options page.
4. Edit one file and save — this gives you two versions to restore from.

3) Restore the folder to a scratch location

1. In File Explorer, navigate to BackupTest.
2. Click the History button on the ribbon (or search Start for Restore your files with File History).
3. Use arrow buttons to pick a backup time when all test files existed.
4. Select the folder → click the green restore button → choose Restore to and pick Desktop\RestoreTest — never restore over the live folder during a drill.

4) Compare restored files

Open restored files and confirm content matches expectations. Optionally verify integrity with PowerShell:

Get-FileHash "Desktop\RestoreTest\BackupTest\test.txt"
Get-FileHash "Documents\BackupTest\test.txt"

Hashes should match for unchanged files. If restore fails or files are missing, check backup drive health and excluded folders in File History settings.

5) Schedule regular drills

Repeat quarterly: change one file, restore to a scratch path, confirm version history shows multiple timestamps. Log the date in your IT notebook. Backups you have never tested are wishful thinking — this five-minute drill catches dead drives and misconfigured exclusions early.

6) Fix a failed drill

If restore is greyed out or the backup drive is missing:

1. Reconnect the USB drive used for File History — letter must match original if possible.
2. Open Control Panel → File History (legacy) and confirm backups listed.
3. Run chkdsk X: /f on the backup drive (replace X) to rule out filesystem errors.

Related guides

• Test backup restore regularly
• Restore files with File History