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How to Fix File History No Usable Drives Found Error in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

File History is a useful feature in Windows 11 that helps you back up your important files automatically. Sometimes, users encounter the frustrating error message “No usable drives found” when trying to set up File History. This error prevents you from selecting a drive to save your backups.

Don’t worry, this issue can be fixed with a few simple steps. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along.

In this article, we will walk you through easy and detailed solutions to fix the File History error in Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly so you can fix the problem quickly.

Let’s get started and make sure your important files are safely backed up again.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before troubleshooting, please check the following:

  • Ensure you have a suitable external drive or network location: File History requires an external hard drive, USB drive, or a network location to save backups.
  • Confirm your drive is properly connected: If you’re using an external drive, make sure it’s plugged in and recognized by your computer.
  • Check drive format: The drive should be formatted with NTFS. File History doesn’t work well with other file systems like FAT32 or exFAT.
  • Verify you are logged in as an administrator: Some settings require admin rights to change.

Step 1: Reconnect or Change the Backup Drive

Sometimes, the error appears because Windows cannot detect the drive you want to use. Here’s how to fix this:

  1. Disconnect the external drive: Unplug the USB or external hard drive from your PC.
  2. Reconnect the drive: Plug it back in and wait a few seconds for Windows to recognize it.
  3. Open File History settings: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup and select “Add a drive.”
  4. Select your drive again: Click the drive you reconnected to set it as the backup location.

Why this helps: Sometimes the connection can be temporarily lost or the drive may not be properly recognized. Reconnecting refreshes the connection.

Step 2: Format the Drive to NTFS

If your drive is not formatted as NTFS, File History won’t be able to use it. Follow these steps to check and format the drive:

  1. Open File Explorer: Press Windows + E.
  2. Right-click on your external drive: Choose Properties.
  3. Look at the File System field: It should say NTFS. If not, you need to format the drive.
  4. To format the drive:
    • Back up any important data on the drive because formatting will erase all files.
    • Right-click the drive and select Format.
    • Choose NTFS as the file system.
    • Click Start and wait for the process to complete.

Why this matters: NTFS supports permissions and larger files, which makes it compatible with File History backups.

Step 3: Restart the File History Service

The File History service sometimes stops working properly. Restarting it can fix the issue:

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. In the Services window, scroll down to find File History Service.
  3. Right-click it and select Restart. If the service is not running, select Start.
  4. Close the Services window and try setting up File History again.

Why restart the service: Services control background processes. Restarting can fix temporary glitches affecting File History.

Step 4: Run the Windows Troubleshooter for File History

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix common issues:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find File History or Backup and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

Why use the troubleshooter: It automatically scans your system and attempts to fix configuration issues.

Step 5: Reset File History Configuration

If the above steps don’t work, resetting File History settings can help:

  1. Press Windows + R, type %localappdata%MicrosoftWindowsFileHistory, and press Enter.
  2. Delete all contents inside this folder. This removes the current File History configuration.
  3. Restart your PC.
  4. Try setting up File History again from Settings > Backup.

Why reset: Corrupted or conflicting settings can cause the “No usable drives found” error. Resetting clears these issues.

Alternative Solution: Use a Different Backup Method

If File History continues to give errors, consider alternatives:

  • Use Windows Backup and Restore: This is an older but reliable backup tool available in Windows 11.
  • Use third-party backup software: There are many free and paid options that offer flexible backup solutions.
  • Save files manually to an external drive: Though not automated, this is a simple way to keep copies of important files.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does File History say “No usable drives found”?

This usually happens when Windows cannot detect a suitable drive formatted with NTFS or when the external drive is not connected properly.

Can I use a network drive for File History?

Yes, File History supports network locations, but the network drive must be reliably connected and accessible at all times.

Will formatting the drive erase my data?

Yes, formatting deletes all files on the drive. Always back up important data before formatting.

Is File History the only way to back up files in Windows 11?

No, Windows 11 also offers Backup and Restore, OneDrive syncing, and there are many third-party backup tools available.

How often does File History back up files?

By default, File History backs up files every hour, but you can customize this interval in the settings.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still see the “No usable drives found” error, consider these options:

  • Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes, updates fix bugs related to File History.
  • Use the official Microsoft support page: Visit Microsoft Support for more help.
  • Contact a professional technician: If your drive or system has hardware issues, expert help may be required.
  • Try a System Restore: Restore your PC to a point before the error started occurring.

Conclusion

The “No usable drives found” error in File History is a common issue that can usually be fixed with simple steps. Start by checking your drive connection and format, then restart the File History service and run the troubleshooter.

If needed, reset File History settings or try alternative backup methods. Always make sure your backup drive is properly formatted as NTFS and connected securely.

By following this guide carefully, you can restore your backup functionality and keep your important files safe in Windows 11.

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