Where Does Windows File History Store Backups?
File History backup layout on the target drive, the local config that controls it, and moving history over.
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File History writes versioned copies of your libraries to a FileHistory folder on whatever drive you pointed it at, organized by user and computer name. The schedule, scope and drive choice live in a local Configuration folder, separate from the backups themselves.
That split matters for restores. Moving the backup drive to a new PC works, but the new machine only adopts it once you reselect the drive in Settings. Check the local config first when backups silently stop: a disconnected drive pauses everything without an error you will notice.
Where Windows stores this, by platform
%localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\FileHistory\Configuration
Config files name the target drive and scope. The backups themselves live in \FileHistory\[User]\[Computer] on that drive. Copy both sides with File History paused when migrating.
Frequently asked questions
File History stopped backing up. Where do I look?
Open the File History control panel and check the drive status first, since a disconnected or full drive pauses silently. The Configuration folder logs what it last attempted, which narrows down scope versus drive problems.
How do I move File History to a new computer?
Connect the old backup drive, open File History settings on the new PC, and reselect the drive to adopt the existing history. Keep the old config until the first successful run confirms the handoff.
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