File History Keeps Crashing? Solve It Easily!

Why Does File History Keep Crashing?

Windows File History is a built-in backup tool designed to automatically save copies of documents, pictures, videos, and desktop itemsto an external drive or network location. Once enabled, it continuously monitors changes and creates versioned backups, allowing you to restore previous copies of files at any time.

Also check: how to enable Windows File History in Windows 10

Even though File History is designed to run smoothly, many users find that File History keeps crashing—especially on Windows 11 and Windows 10due to several common issues:

• A problematic backup drive
• Corrupted File History configuration data
• Damaged File History folders on the target drive
• Incomplete or pending Windows updates

In addition, system file corruption, permission issues, and interference from third-party antivirus tools may prevent File History from scanning, writing, or updating backup versions, resulting in repeated crashes.

How to Repair When File History Keeps Crashing in Windows 10 or 11?

If File History keeps crashing in Windows 10 or Windows 11, you can fix it bythe following effective methods:

1. Check and Reconnect the Backup Drive

Make sure the backup drive is properly connected, has sufficient free space, and isn’t entering sleep mode.

If necessary, try switching to another USB port or change another external drive as the File History backup drive.

2. Run CHKDSK to Fix Drive Errors

Disk file system errors can interrupt File History and cause repeated crashes.

Step 1. Press "Win+X" and choose "Command Prompt (admin)".

Step 2. Run the command: chkdsk x: /f. Replace x: with your backup drive letter(e.g: d).

3. Reset File History Configuration

Corrupted configuration files often trigger sudden failures. You can reset File History by simply turning the feature off and then back on to rebuild a fresh configuration.

Step 1. Turn File History off: In Control Panel, go to "Control Panel > System and Security > Save backup copies of your file with File History", and click "Turn off".

Step 2. Manually delete the FileHistory folder from the backup drive: access the folder in the backup drive in Windows File Explorer; right-click the folder and choose "Delete".

Step 3. Turn it back on in Control Panel (click the "Turn on"button) to create a fresh configuration.

4. Repair System Files (SFC and DISM)

System corruption may prevent File History from running properlyand then the File History might keep crashing. Run these commands in Command Prompt (Admin):

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth(This command repairs the Windows system image by fixing component store corruption that can cause features like File History to malfunction.)

Then:

sfc /scannow(This command scans all protected system files and automatically replaces any corrupted or missing files with clean versions, helping Windows run properly again.)

5. Install Pending Windows Updates

Incomplete or outdated updates can disrupt File History. Go to: "Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates". Install everything available and restart your PC.

Further reading: Desktop Files Missing After Windows 10 Update

6. Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus

Why File History keeps crashing in Windows 11 or Windows 10?Acommon culprit is third-party antivirus software. Security programs can sometimes interfere with the backup process, causing it to fail.

So, temporarily disable or turn off the protection. With protection paused, immediately try running File History again. If the backup completes without crashing, you've identified the cause. Check your antivirus settings for a whitelist or exclusion list. Adding the File History process or its target drive to this list can provide a permanent fix without disabling your security. Don't forget to turn your antivirus protection back on then!

Switch to A More Robust Backup Solution- Backup and Restore Windows 7

If you've exhausted all the fixes and File History continues to crash, it's time to consider a more stable, Windows built-in alternative called "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)". Despite the "Windows 7" label, this utility is fully functional in both Windows 10 and 11 and offers a fundamentally different, image-based approach to safeguarding your data.

Unlike File History, which focuses on backing up personal files and creating complete system image backups. This means it captures everything: your operating system, installed programs, system settings, and all your personal files. It’s a comprehensive solution for recovering from a major system failure.

Further reading: File History vs Backup and Restore

How to Use Windows 7 Backup and Restore?

Step 1: Open the "Control Panel". Navigate to "System and Security" and then select "Backup and Restore(Windows 7)".

Step 2: If you've never used it before, click "Set up backup".

Step 3: Choose an external hard drive or network location to save your backup. It's highly recommended not to save the backup on the same physical drive where Windows is installed. Select your drive and click "Next".

Step 4: Windows will ask what to back up. You can choose "Let Windows choose (recommended)", which backs up key folders and creates a system image, or "Let me choose" for more control over the folders .

Step 5: Review your settings. You can also click "Change schedule" to set up automatic backups at regular intervals (e.g., every Sunday). Finally, click "Save settings and run backup". The backup process will begin.

Skip the Backup Hassle: Effortless Data Recovery with MyRecover

When you've struggled with persistent issues where File History keeps crashing, and even legacy tools like Windows 7 Backup and Restore feel cumbersome, it's clear that traditional backup solutions aren't always the answer. What if you could recover your important files and photos without relying on a pre-configured backup at all?

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Summary

When Windows File History keeps crashing, it can be frustrating. You can try the above methods one by one to check if it can work normally. Even if you’ve tried multiple fixes with no success, your data isn’t lost. MyRecover offers a dependable solution to recover files directly from your drives without relying on backups.

Beyond simple data loss cases like emptied Recycle Bin, file transfer failure or formatted drives, MyRecover can also restore files from lost or deleted partitions, corrupted drives, system errors, and more complex data loss situations. For unlimited data recovery and the ability to preview files before recovery, you can upgrade to Professional edition.