How to Fix File History Not Working after the September 2026 Update

1. What is File History and How Does It Work?

Windows File History is a built-in backup feature designed to save repeated copies of files in selected user folders. Depending on your settings, it can protect content in Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, Desktop, and other included locations. It usually stores these copies on an external drive, another internal drive, or a network location.

After you turn it on, File History checks the included folders at regular intervals and copies changed files to the selected destination. It keeps versions according to the retention setting, allowing you to open an earlier copy instead of relying only on the current file.

✔ How to Backup and Restore Files with File History in Windows 10 and 11?

2. Common Symptoms of File History Not Working

The failure may appear differently from one PC to another. Check the following symptoms before changing settings:

• File History shows that it is turned on, but the “Last backup” time does not change.
• Windows repeatedly asks you to reconnect the File History drive even though it is plugged in.
• New files are missing from the backup destination.
• Earlier versions or Windows history files cannot be found when you try to restore them.
• The problem begins immediately after installing the September 2026 update, while the drive and folders worked previously.

Before assuming that the update caused the problem, check whether the destination drive appears in File Explorer, whether it has free space, and whether you can manually create a test folder on it.

3. How to Fix File History Not Working?

Fix 1: Install the Windows KB5124010 Update

If your Windows Update page offers KB5124010, install it before removing other updates.

• Press Win + I to open Settings. Select Windows Update.

• Click Check for updates and allow Windows to search for available packages.

  

• Install KB5124010 if it is offered for your device.

• Restart the computer when prompted.

• Connect the File History destination and check the Last backup time.

After restarting, create or modify a small test file inside an included folder. Wait for the next backup cycle, then check whether a new version appears.

Fix 2: Uninstall the Problematic Update

If Windows File History broken behavior started immediately after KB5124008 and KB5124010 is not available, you can temporarily remove the recent update. This is a troubleshooting step, not a permanent recommendation.

• Open Settings and select Windows Update.

• Choose Update history, then select Uninstall updates.

  

• Find the September update associated with KB5124008.

• Select Uninstall and follow the on-screen instructions.

• Restart Windows and test File History again.

Before doing this, copy important files to another location if possible. If the update is not the only cause, uninstalling it may not restore older versions or repair a damaged destination drive.

Check the File History Drive and Included Folders

If the update fixes do not help, verify the backup target itself.

• Go to Control Panel > System and Security> File History.

  

• Confirm the listed drive and review Advanced settings.

• Reconnect the external drive directly to the PC instead of through a hub.
• Try another USB port and check whether the drive appears in File Explorer.
• Confirm that the destination has free space and is not read-only.

⚡ 4DDiG Windows Backup: An Alternative When File History Isn’t Working

When File History cannot maintain a usable backup, switching to a separate backup workflow may be more practical than repeatedly toggling the same setting. 4DDiG Windows Backup can be used to create backups of important files or a broader Windows environment, depending on the protection level you need.

This gives you a recovery option even if File History remains unavailable or the system later develops a boot problem.

• Download and install 4DDiG Windows Backup. Connect an external drive or select another safe destination with sufficient free space.

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• Launch the program and choose “Create a backup task.”

  

• Select the partitions you want to include. Click the folder icon to set the destination. Click “Start backup” and confirm.

  

• Wait for the process to finish. You can enable the option to shut down the PC automatically once the backup completes.

  

FAQs About File History

1. How can I view deleted File History files?

Open Control Panel > System and Security > File History, then select Restore personal files. Browse through the available folders and versions.

2. Can I delete the File History folder?

You can delete old File History data, but do not remove the folder casually if it contains the only available copies of your files. First confirm that you no longer need those versions or create a separate backup.

3. How can I restore deleted File History files?

Use Restore personal files in the File History control panel, select the required version, and restore it to its original location or choose a different location. If no versions appear, check the correct drive, included folders, and backup date.

Conclusion

When File History not working begins after the September 2026 update, first confirm whether the destination drive is connected and writable. Then install KB5124010 if it is offered; if the failure started after KB5124008 and no replacement is available, consider uninstalling the problematic update temporarily. If the issue continues, check included folders and the health of the backup drive instead of repeatedly switching File History on and off.

For a separate recovery plan, 4DDiG Windows Backup provides an alternative to File History for protecting important files or broader system data before further repairs. Always verify that a backup can be recognized before relying on it.