"File History does not recognize this drive" - Quick Fix for Windows 11

File History is an excellent built-in file backup utility in Windows 11 that helps users automatically save their pictures, videos, music, and desktop items to an external drive or network location. However, users have reported various issues while using it, with the "File History doesn't recognize this drive" error being the most common.

If you're experiencing this problem, read on. We'll tell you what causes it and how to fix it effectively.

Why is File History not recognizing my drive?

There are several reasons why File History might not recognize your hard drive, including:

• The target drive is turned off or disabled
• The connection is unstable
• The File History service is turned off
• The hard disk drive is damaged, corrupted, or contains bad sectors

[Resolved] File History not recognizing this drive on Windows 11

Fix 1: Turn on the target disk

If the drive is turned off, File History won't be able to find the target drive. To turn it on, follow these steps:

Step 1. In Windows 11, access it by typing File History in the search bar and then launching the feature.

Step 2. Click on Profile History Settings.

Step 3: Tap the Turn On button in the bottom right corner.

Click to activate

Fix 2: Reconnect the Hard Drive

An unstable hard disk connection can also cause the drive not to be detected. This could be due to a loose USB connection or a faulty cable. If that's the case, unplug the drive and plug it back in with a working cable or interface.

"Reconnect the drive"

Fix 3: Enable the File History Service

Another option is to turn on the File History service to fix the issue where it doesn't recognize the drive, getting file backup working again.

Step 1: In the search bar on your Windows 11 computer, type “Services,” and open it.

Step 2: Locate and double-click on the File History Service, and set the Startup type to Automatic.

Step 3. Restart your computer to save all the changes. You should now be able to use File History to successfully back up your files to the hard drive.

4. Replace with another regular hard drive

If none of the above solutions work, the issue might lie with the hard drive itself. If it's damaged or failing, it won't be recognized. Try swapping in a known good hard drive for backup purposes.

Step 1: Open File History on your Windows 11 computer.

2. Click Profile History Settings > Choose Another Drive.

Select another drive

Step 3: Select the new disk as the target and click OK.

Easily Back Up Your Files on Windows 11 With a File History Alternative

As mentioned above, there are many problems with backing up files using File History, such as incomplete backups, not all files being backed up, the backup process getting stuck at 97% or 57%, the drive not being recognized, and so on. Therefore, you can turn to an alternative to File History - Todo Backup tool, which has many advanced features that File History doesn't have, such as creating system images, cloning disks and systems, backing up game saves, universal restore, migrating the operating system to another computer without reinstallation, and more.

Todo Backup is a tool designed for Windows 11/10/8/7 computers. This powerful and comprehensive backup software effectively safeguards all files and data stored on your PC. According to user feedback, backups with this tool rarely encounter any issues. With its intuitive user interface, it caters to both beginners and experts alike.

What are you waiting for? Download it now and experience it yourself – you won't be disappointed.

To back up your files using Todo Backup, follow these instructions. This method poses no technical limitations, so you can use it with confidence to safeguard your data.

Step 1: To start the backup process, click on the Select what to backup button.

Step 2: Identify four categories of data to back up: files, disks, operating systems, and mail.

Step 3: A list of local and network files will appear on the left-hand side of the screen. Expand the directories and select the files you want to back up.

Step 4: Choose where you want to save your backup, following the on-screen instructions.

Please make sure the backup is encrypted, and set up your backup schedule by clicking on "Options" within "Backup Options." You can also initiate a backup at a specific time by clicking "Options" and then selecting a time in "Backup Schedule." There are many other customizable options for you to explore.

Step 5: You can store the backup file on your computer, on the tool's cloud service, or on a network-attached storage (NAS) device.

Step Six: Todo Backup, another tool, lets customers store copies of their files on third-party cloud drives or on the company's own cloud storage.

If you want to back up your data to a third-party cloud drive, choose “Local Disk,” and then scroll down and add a “Cloud Device.” Enter your account information.

Click “Cloud Backup” and log in with your AOMEI account if you'd like to store the backup files on AOMEI's cloud storage service.

Step 7. Click Backup Now to start the backup process. When it's done, it'll appear as a card on the left side of the screen. Right-click it for more in-depth info on working with backups.

Conclusions

Encountering the "File History doesn't recognize this drive" issue while backing up your files on a Windows 11 computer can be quite inconvenient. This article will explain the reason behind the error and provide four solutions to fix it. Hopefully, these methods will be of assistance to you.

However, File History has some limitations, such as backing up files only and not the system, disks, or partitions. In this regard, a Todo Backup tool fares better, allowing you to safeguard your computer in various ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why doesn't File History in Windows 11 recognize this drive?

There can be several reasons why File History in Windows 11 fails to detect a specific drive. Some of the most common causes include damaged USB cables, outdated drivers, a corrupted file system, a faulty external hard drive, or disk compatibility issues. To resolve this problem, it's crucial to troubleshoot and identify the root cause. Here's a step-by-step guide: 1. **Check Connections**: Ensure that the USB cable connecting your external drive is securely connected and not damaged. Try using a different cable if possible. 2. **Update Drivers**: Visit the manufacturer's website to download and install the latest drivers for your external drive. This can often resolve issues with compatibility or recognition. 3. **Scan for Errors**: Run the built-in Windows tools to check for any issues on the drive. Use `chkdsk` in Command Prompt to scan for and repair file system errors. 4. **Format the Drive**: If the file system is corrupted, you might need to reformat the drive. Be aware that this will erase all data on the drive. Make sure to back up any important files first. 5. **Check Compatibility**: Ensure that the external drive is compatible with Windows 11. Some older drives may not be supported by the newer operating system. 6. **Use a Different USB Port**: Try plugging the drive into another USB port on your computer to see if the issue lies with the port itself. 7. **Check Disk Management**: In the Computer Management console, see if the drive is recognized in Disk Management. If not, there might be a hardware issue. 8. **System Restore**: If the problem started recently, you can try performing a System Restore to an earlier point when the drive was working correctly. 9. **Contact Support**: If none of the above steps work, it might be best to contact the drive manufacturer's support for further assistance or consider replacing the external drive if it's defective. By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and hopefully resolve the issue with File History not detecting your drive in Windows 11.

How do I reconnect my drive to restore File History?

To reconnect your drive to use File History in Windows 11, do the following:

Connect an external hard drive to your computer. Open File History. Under the "Back up" section, select "More options." Scroll to the bottom and click "Add a drive." Select the external hard drive you want to use for File History backups, then click "OK."

Now, File History should recognize the drive, and you can begin backing up your files.

Does File History require a separate drive?

No, Windows 11 does not require a dedicated drive for storing File History. Users can set up File History backups on any external hard drive, including USB devices. It is recommended to use a separate external hard drive for File History backups to protect against data loss in case of system failure or accidental deletion. Users can also save their File History backups to a network location or a shared folder on another device.