In Windows 11, you can restore files from a backup created with Backup and Restore or File History.
Restore files with File History
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Connect the external storage device that contains your backup files.
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In the search box on the taskbar, type Control Panel, then select it from the list of results.
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In the search box in Control Panel, type File History. Select Save backup copies of your files with File History from the list of results.
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Follow the instructions to restore your files.
Restore files with Backup and Restore
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Connect the external storage device that contains your backup files.
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In the search box on the taskbar, type Control Panel.
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Select it from the list of results, then select Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
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Select another backup to restore files from, select the location of your external storage device, and follow the instructions to restore your files.
Restore Windows files and settings
If you’ve chosen to sync settings from a Windows 10 or 11 device, they’ll be automatically restored on your new PC when you sign in with your Microsoft account. In Windows 11, you can also restore your Microsoft Store apps and OneDrive folders. For more info on syncing settings, see About Windows backup and sync settings.
Back up your PC with File History
Use File History to back up to an external drive or network location. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Add a drive , and then choose an external drive or network location for your backups.
Restore your files with File History
If you're missing an important file or folder that you've backed up, here's how to get it back:
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In the search box on the taskbar, type restore files, and then select Restore your files with File History.
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Look for the file you need, then use the arrows to see all its versions.
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When you find the version you want, select Restore to save it in its original location. To save it in a different place, right-click Restore, select Restore to, and then choose a new location.
Find your backups created on previous versions of Windows
If you used Backup and Restore to back up files or create system image backups in previous versions of Windows, your old backup is still available in Windows 10. In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel. Then select Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
