On Windows 10, File History is a great tool to backup your personal files automatically. However, if you use OneDrive to sync your documents, pictures, and videos across devices, you probably noticed that the OneDrive folder isn’t getting backed up when you run the tool.
Luckily, it’s not a problem with File History or OneDrive, instead since the Files On-Demand feature was introduced to help you save space on your device, File History ignores the OneDrive folder because it assumes that all your files reside in the cloud.
Although your OneDrive files are always backed up in the cloud, if you also want to have a backup of your cloud files, you simply need to disable the Files On-Demand feature. (Just note that by disabling Files On-Demand, you’ll force all your files to sync to your device.)
In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to backup your OneDrive folder and its content using File History on Windows 10.
How to include OneDrive folder on File History
To fix the OneDrive folders not getting backed up when you run File History, you need to disable the Files On-Demand feature with these steps:
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Click the OneDrive icon in the notification area of the taskbar.
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Click the More button.
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Click the Settings option.
OneDrive settings menu on Windows 10 -
Click the Settings tab.
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Under the “Files On-Demand” section, clear the Save space and download files as you use them option.
Disable Files On-Demand to allow File History backup -
Click the OK button.
Once you’ve completed the steps, File History will include your OneDrive drive, including its content, the next time it runs.
Of course, after all, your OneDrive files are synced on your device, you can always go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup > More options and click the Back up now button under the Overview section to run File History to make sure your OneDrive files are getting backed up immediately.
Although you can do this on every device, you only need to disable Files On-Demand on the device that you’re backing up your personal cloud files.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He's also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ & Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.