Where are the Backup Files Stored? How to Locate Windows 10 Backup Files

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Every user is well aware of the significance of regularly backing up data, but often, users simply follow the instructions to back up their desired data without understanding the subsequent process. As a result, a common scenario arises where users are unsure of how to locate their backup files when they need to restore a backup or manually delete them to free up disk space. Today's discussion will center around this topic, guiding you on where backup files are stored in Windows 10.

Answer - Where Are the Windows Backup Files Stored? Windows Backup files, also known as System Image or Backup and Restore files, are stored in a specific location on your hard drive or external storage device, depending on where you configured the backup to save. Here's how you can find them: 1. **Using File Explorer:** - Press `Win + E` to open File Explorer. - In the address bar, type `%SystemRoot%\System32\config\systemprofile\Desktop` and press Enter. - This should open a folder named "Backup and Restore." - Inside this folder, you might find subfolders named after dates and times, which contain your backup files. 2. **Using Command Prompt:** - Press `Win + X` and choose "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)". - Type the following command and press Enter: ``` vssadmin list shadows /for=C: ``` - Replace `C:` with the drive letter of the disk where the backups are stored if it's different. - The command will list all the available shadow copies (backups) on that drive. Note the Volume Shadow Copy ID. - Now, use the following command to explore the contents of a specific backup: ``` explorer.exe "ShadowCopyID:\" ``` - Replace `ShadowCopyID:` with the Volume Shadow Copy ID you noted earlier. 3. **If you used File History:** - If you've enabled File History in Windows 10/11, the backed-up files are stored in a hidden folder named `.FileHistory` within the user's profile folder (`C:\Users\YourUsername\.FileHistory`). 4. **For Windows Backup and Restore (Windows 7 and older):** - Backups created using this feature are typically saved in a folder named `WindowsImageBackup` within the designated backup location, such as an external hard drive. Remember that access to these backup files may be restricted due to system permissions. You might need to run the File Explorer or Command Prompt as an administrator to view them. Also, the exact location and structure may vary depending on the version of Windows you're using.

Once you know how to back up on Windows computers, it's quite simple to find the answer. You would then be aware of where the backup files are stored or how to check their file path.

The backup file's storage location has not been specified. Most backup software, including Windows' built-in backup utility, grants users the ability to choose the destination path for the backup files. If you do not customize the storage path, the system will provide a default location.

So if you want to know where your backup files are, try to recall when you created the backup, where you chose to save it, whether it's on an external hard drive or a local disk. Check the designated backup location to see if you can locate your backup files.

If you can't recall where you saved the backup files, try the following two tips.

Tip 1: Backup Your Files with Windows File History

When using File History to back up files, the system will automatically create a folder named "FileHistory." If you're unsure about the storage location of your backup file, try searching for "FileHistory" within File Explorer to locate the backup files.

Tip 2: Backup Your Data with Third-Party Software for Added Security

Usually, when you create a backup using third-party software, the default folder name for the backup is often "My Backups" or "Backup". To locate it, you can perform a search in File Explorer for these names and examine the results.

How to Backup Files with Windows File History

Upon understanding how to locate your backup files, let's delve into how to create a backup using Windows' built-in utility - File History. File History is an integrated backup and restore feature that was initially introduced in Windows 8.1 and remains a component of Windows to this day. This tool enables users to back up specific folders to either a local drive or a network drive. Below are the steps to utilize File History: 1. **Enable File History**: First, ensure that File History is activated on your system. Go to "Control Panel" > "System and Security" > "File History." 2. **Select Backup Location**: Connect an external drive or choose a network location for your backups. File History will prompt you to select the drive you want to use. 3. **Configure Settings**: In the File History window, click on "More options" to customize your settings. You can choose the frequency of backups, how long to keep backups, and exclude specific folders if needed. 4. **Choose Folders**: To select the folders you wish to back up, click on "Add a folder" and browse through your files. You can add multiple folders to include in the backup process. 5. **Start Backup**: Once you've made your selections, click on "Turn on" to initiate the backup process. File History will begin backing up your chosen folders to the designated location. 6. **Monitor Backup Progress**: You can observe the progress of the backup in the File History window. It may take some time depending on the size of your files. 7. **Restore Files**: In case you need to restore files, simply go to "Control Panel" > "System and Security" > "File History," and follow the prompts to recover your files from a specific point in time. By following these steps, you can effectively use File History to protect your important data with Windows' built-in backup feature.

Step 1. Right-click the Windows icon, select Settings > Update & Security > Backup.

Step 2. Under "Back up using Windows File History," click on "More options" to open the Windows 10 Backup Options.

Click More options

Step 3. Here, you can customize the backup frequency, how long you wish to retain your backups, which folders to include in the backup, and even select a different drive for storing the backups. Configure the backup settings as per your requirements.

Step 4. After setting it up, File History will begin backing up the folders you selected.

Backup Files with Third-Party Software

While both Windows PCs and Mac computers come with their own data backup and restore functionalities, investing in a third-party backup solution is also highly recommended for ensuring the safety of your computer data.

Compared to built-in tools, third-party software typically offers more power and a wider range of features. For instance, it can back up both files and folders (whereas Windows File History only permits folder backups), backup emails, and perform differential or incremental backups. There are numerous excellent backup software options available, and one we recommend is tools Todo Backup.

Main Features:

• Backup and restore files and folders for personal use
• Backup disk/partition at a block-level
• Backup Windows system along with user settings
• Supports creating a smart backup with just a few clicks

You can download the tool Todo Backup from the button above, and follow our guide to see how to back up files with it.

Step 1. To initiate the backup, click on Select backup contents.

Step 2. There are four data backup categories: File, Disk, OS, and Mail.

Step 3. On the left-hand side, you'll see a list of local and network files. Expand the directory to select the files to be backed up.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions and select the location where you want to save the backup.

In the Backup Options, click Options to encrypt the backup with a password, set the backup schedule, and decide whether to initiate the backup at a specific event under Backup Scheme. A range of customizable features are available for you to explore, allowing you to tailor the backup process according to your unique needs.

Step 5. Backups can be stored on a local disk, in the tool's cloud service, or on a network attached storage (NAS) device.

Step 6. Todo Backup enables users to back up their data to a third-party cloud drive or the company's own cloud storage.

If you want to back up your data to a third-party cloud drive, choose Local Drive, scroll down to add Cloud Device, and enter your account information.

You can also use the tool's built-in cloud storage service. Click on Tool Cloud, create an account using your Tool Account, and then log in to your account.

Step 7. To initiate a backup, select Backup Now. Once the backup process is successfully completed, it will be displayed as a card on the left-hand panel. For more detailed management of the backup job, right-click on it.

What's the Difference between Differential and Incremental Backups?

What is the distinction between differential backup and incremental backup? This article delves into the disparities and advantages of these two backup approaches.

Sum Up

In summary, the backup file's storage location relies on the choice you make when creating the backup. Attempt the two suggestions provided in this article to locate your backup files.

FAQ on "Where Are the Backup Files Stored?"

**Where are my backup files in Windows 10?** In Windows 10, backup files can be found in different spots based on how you backed up your data. Here are some typical locations to look for your backups: 1. **File History Backup:** - If you used File History, backups are stored here: - `%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.FileHistory.Core_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Archive` - Replace `%USERPROFILE%` with your user profile folder (like `C:\Users\YourUsername`). 2. **System Image Backup (Backup and Restore):** - If you made a system image via "Backup and Restore," it'll be a VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) file, usually at: - `C:\WindowsImageBackup` - But you might've picked a custom spot during backup. 3. **OneDrive Backup:** - Synced files with OneDrive are online in your OneDrive account. Access them by logging into `onedrive.com`. 4. **Third-party Backup Tools:** - For third-party software, the location depends on the app settings. Check the software's docs or prefs to find backup files. To see hidden files and folders: - Hit `Win + E` to open File Explorer. - Click the "View" tab. - Tick the "Hidden items" box in the "Show/hide" area. Keep in mind, you might need admin rights to access certain folders.

The storage location of the backup file depends on the location you select when creating the backup. Most backup software, including the built-in Windows backup utility, allows users to choose the path for the backup files. If you don't specify a custom storage path, the system will provide a default location.