To restore files using File History, connect the backup drive, go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup, click Restore files from a current backup, browse versions by date/time, select files, and click Recover, choosing either the original or a new location; 2. For Backup and Restore (Windows 7), open Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore, click Restore my files, use Browse for files or folders to select items, choose a restore location (original, specified, or "Recovered Files"), and click Restore, or use Restore all users' files from a system image if applicable; 3. If the backup isn’t visible, ensure the drive is connected and recognized, then in File History click Select drive or in Backup and Restore click Select another backup to manually locate it; 4. Always confirm the backup is up to date, verify the restore destination to prevent unwanted overwrites, and test with a few files first when restoring large datasets, choosing the correct tool—File History for Windows 10/11, Backup and Restore for older or system image backups—to ensure successful recovery.

Restoring files from a backup in Windows is straightforward if you’ve already set up a backup using built-in tools like File History or Backup and Restore (Windows 7). Here’s how to restore your files depending on the method you used.

1. Restore Files Using File History

File History is the default backup tool in Windows 10 and 11. It automatically saves copies of files in your libraries, desktop, contacts, and favorites.

Steps:

• Connect your backup drive – Plug in the external drive or network location where File History stores your backups.
• Open Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
• Under "Looking for an older backup?", click More options, then select Restore files from a current backup.
• The File History window will open. Use the arrows on the right to browse through different backup versions by date and time.
• Select the files or folders you want to restore.
• Click the Recover button (looks like a curved arrow) to restore them:
  • By default, files are restored to their original location.
  • To restore to a different folder, click the Recover to dropdown and choose a new location.

? Tip: You can also right-click a file or folder in File Explorer, select Properties > Previous Versions, and restore from a File History backup if available.

2. Restore Files Using Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

If you're using a system image or older-style backup (common in Windows 7 or manually set up in Windows 10), use the classic Backup and Restore tool.

Steps:

• Open Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
• Click Restore my files at the top.
• The Restore Files wizard opens:
  • Click Browse for files to search for specific files.
  • Or click Browse for folders to restore entire folders.
• Select the files/folders you want, then click Add.
• Click Next when done.
• Choose where to restore the files:
  • In the original location (overwrites current files).
  • In the following location – specify a different folder.
  • In a folder named "Recovered Files" – keeps them separate.
• Click Restore and wait for the process to complete.

?? Note: If you’re restoring from a system image, click Restore all users' files from a system image in the left panel.

3. What If You Don’t See Your Backup?

• Make sure the backup drive is connected and powered on.
• Check that Windows recognizes the drive in File Explorer.
• In File History, click Select drive and make sure your backup drive is listed.
• If using Backup and Restore, click Select another backup to restore files from to manually point to a backup location.

4. Tips for a Smooth Restore

• Always verify your backup is current before restoring.
• Double-check the restore location to avoid overwriting newer files accidentally.
• Test a few files first, especially when restoring large amounts of data.

Basically, just pick the right tool based on how you backed up—File History for modern Windows backups, or Backup and Restore for older or system image backups. The interface guides you through, but knowing where your data lives and where it’s going helps avoid mistakes.

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