Windows 10 Backup Not Backing Up All Files [2023 Solutions]

Are you having problems with the Windows 10 backup not backing up all files? Don't worry, whether you're having issues with Backup and Restore or File History, this post will help you analyze the exact causes and provide remedies. Furthermore, for easier and more effective file backup, EaseUS Todo Backup will be introduced.

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Updated byLarissaon Jun 19, 2023
♂️User Case:
"Hello! I'm having problems with File History backups; I experienced the same problem with my Surface Pro 3 as well. A year later, it appears that the problem has not been resolved. I only discovered today that not all of my files are being backed up, despite the fact that I've put them in the "Back up these folders" list.
Is there a method to resolve this? Backups are really important to me, and doing them manually is honestly not the best option for me; it's time-consuming and cumbersome. I'm used to using Time Machine on Mac OSX, and backups have been my main concern since switching to Windows." - from Microsoft Community

Have you ever had the same problem with theWindows 10 backup not backing up all source files还是不工作?实际上,英航ckup and Restore and File History are two built-in backup programs for Windows computers. According to customer comments, both solutions have the issue of Windows backup not backing up all files.

Don't be concerned if you find yourself in the same circumstance. This article will walk you through the exact reasons why the backup files are missing, as well as how to remedy it step by step. Furthermore, to avoid making the same mistake or if you don't want to try the remedies one by one, we will provide a superior alternative,EaseUS Todo Backup, to make the backup procedure much easier.

File History Not Backing Up All Files - How to Fix

File History was first introduced in Windows 8 build, and is also available on Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11. It has the feature toautomatically backup your files, including Document files, photos, videos, music, and desktop files, to the external hard drive or network locations.

Read this post to get more detailed information about File History:Beginner's Guide: How to Use File History Windows 10

When you have trouble with File History not backing up all files, it may be caused by the following factors:

  • The source file is corrupted or destroyed;
  • The files name contain special symbols;
  • The files are under a deep directory structure;
  • Your files are encrypted and protected;
  • File History application error;
  • The backup target locations are running out of storage.

We have given several solutions based on the causes, and we hope they will properly resolve the issue.

Fix 1. Delete Previous Backups and Enable File History Again

If the backup missing files issue is caused by a File History application error, you can turn it off, and then enable it to try the file backup task again. By doing so, the File History will be force refreshed. If it doesn't work, you may need to delete the previous backups and try another time.

enable file history

Fix 2. Check and Modify File Names or Directory Structure

These file names containing unusual symbols are not recognized by File History. Check to see if the ignored file name contains any special characters. If so, modify and eliminate them.

Another explanation could be that you saved the file in a deep directory structure, resulting in a failed backup. In this situation, remove it from the original path and reorder it.

reorder location

Fix 3. Run SFC to Repair the Corrupted Files

SFC (System File Checker)is a useful program for automatically locating corrupted or damaged files and replacing them with intact ones. If the backup ignores some files, it is possible that these files are corrupted.

Step 1.EnterCommand Promptin the search bar, and open itRun as administrator.

Step 2.Type the commandscf /scannow, and clickEnter.

run sfc scannow

Step 3.It will detect the destroyed files, and repair them automatically.

Read Also:Fixed: SFC (SFC / SCANNOW) Is Not Working on Windows

Fix 4. Decrypted Encrypted Files

File History can't back up files that are EFS encrypted. If you receive an error notice such as "File history has found files that are encrypted with Encrypting File System" or something similar, please check to see if your files or folders have been encrypted. If so, you may need to decrypt them before backing them up.

Fix 5. Check Backup Target Location Storage Space

Most users will disregard the target location storage space and will rarely check it. Your file cannot be successfully backed up if it is too large. In this case, you should prepare a new hard drive or delete unnecessary files. You can check and deal with your hard drives with WindowsDisk Management.

open windows disk management

英航ckup and Restore Bot Backing Up All Files - How to Fix

英航ckup and Restore (Windows 7) is another commonly used Windows built-in backup program. Available on Windows 7/10/11, it allows users tocreate a system imageand backup specific files and folders. However, it doesn't work as smoothly as imagined every time. It is said that many users have gotten notices, saying "The backup did not complete successfully", or "The last backup did not complete successfully" on Windows 10.

Read this post to get more detailed information about Backup and Restore (Windows 7):An Ultimate Guide: How to Use Backup and Restore in Windows 7/10

The Windows backup didn't complete successfully may be caused by many reasons. Here are some possible ones:

  • File corruption or damage;
  • Insufficient hard drive space;
  • Unstable connection;
  • Malware or virus attack.

Now, follow the methods below to fix the issue.

Fix 1. Perform SFC to Check the Files

运行的系统文件检查器(证监会)可以协助identifying and repairing these files. SFC may be executed by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and typing "sfc /scannow" and clicking Enter. It is possible that the process will take some time, and the computer will need to be rebooted afterwards.

Fix 2. Check Hard Drive space

You should check their hard drive space and ensure there is enough to complete the backup. If the hard drive is full, users can free up space by deleting unnecessary files or transferring them to an external drive.

Fix 3. Check the Connection

Check the connecting cable and ensure it is correctly attached when backing up to an external hard disk. Users can also try a different cable or USB port to see if it helps.

Fix 4. Scan and Delete malware and Virus

Malware and viruses can disrupt the backup process. Run a comprehensive system scan and remove any malware or viruses found.

Windows 10 includes built-in antivirus protection in the form of Windows Security, which can be reached by typing "Windows Security" into the search bar and then opening the app. Users can then choose "Virus & threat protection" and "Scan options" to perform a comprehensive scan.

Read also:Windows Backup Did Not Complete Successfully - How to Fix?

EaseUS Todo Backup: Windows 10 Backup Best Alternative

File History and Backup and Restore are both convenient and easy-to-access backup solutions for Windows users. However, they have limitations. File History only back up files, while Backup and Restore can save a copy of the system and files. If you want to protect your computer in all aspects, you'll need a comprehensive backup utility, like EaseUS Todo Backup.

EaseUS Todo Backupis an on-in-all backup method with the features to backup files, folders, disks, partitions, systems, and App data, including game save, Chrome bookmarks, and passwords, etc. With varioustypes of backup, you canset a scheduled backup planto let it work automatically. It supports saving backups to hard drives, NAS, cloud service, etc.

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Download and use it to back up your files with simple steps.

Step 1.Click the "Select backup contents" button to start backup.

create file backup step1

Step 2.There are four data backup categories, File, Disk, OS, and Mail, clickFile.

创建文件的备份步骤2

Step 3.Both local and network files will be listed on the left. You can expand the directory to select the files to be backed up.

File backup

Step 4.Follow the on-screen guide, select the destination where you want to save the backup.

File backup step4

Click "Options" to encrypt the backup with password in "英航ckup Options", set the backup schedule and choose to start back up at certain event in "英航ckup Scheme". There are also many other options you can explore, customize the backup task according to your need.

英航ckup options

Step 5.You can store the backup to local drive, EaseUS's cloud service, and NAS.

file backup step4

Step 6.EaseUS Todo Backup enables users to back up data to both third-party cloud drive and its own cloud drive.

If you want to back up data to third-party cloud drive, choose Local Drive, scroll down to add Cloud Device, add and login your account.

英航ckup to cloud
You can also choose EaseUS's own cloud drive. Click EaseUS Cloud, sign up with your EaseUS Account and log in.

backup to easeus cloud

Step 7.Click "英航ckup Now" to start backup. After the backup task is completed, it will be displayed in the form of a card on the left side of the panel. Right-click the backup task to further manage it.

File backup step7

The Bottom Line

Windows 10 Backup not backing up all filesmay be caused for multiple reasons. Our guide leads you through each potential problem and suggests a remedy. With the tips provided above, I hope you are able to effectively resolve the error.

If you don't want to try each solution one by one or want a more advanced backup alternative,EaseUS Todo Backupis an excellent choice that can suit your numerous backup demands while also ensuring your data is safely preserved.

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FAQs on Windows 10 Backup Not Backing Up All Files

1. Why does my Windows backup not complete?

Windows backup not complete may be caused for many possible reasons, which include:

  • Corrupted files
  • The files are encrypted
  • The file name contains special symbols
  • The File is under the deep directory structure
  • Malware and computer virus
  • Unstable connection
  • insufficient disk space

2. How to do a full system backup on Windows 10?

To perform a full system backup on Windows 10, you can use Backup and Restore:

  • Control Panel > Update & Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
  • Create a system image
  • 选择备份destinations
  • Select the drive that contains the Windows 10 system
  • Click Star backup to begin the process.

3. Does Windows 10 backup only backup changed files?

Only altered files can be backed up in Windows 10. The feature is known asincremental backup, and it works by only backing up files that have been updated or created since the previous backup. This method aids in the optimization of the backup process by reducing backup time and saving storage space.

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Updated byLarissa

Larissa has rich experience in writing technical articles. After joining EaseUS, she frantically learned about data recovery, disk partitioning, data backup, and other related knowledge. Now she is able to master the relevant content proficiently and write effective step-by-step guides on computer issues.

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Product Reviews

TrustScore4.7 | 47 reviews
  • Taking everything into consideration, we can say that EaseUS Todo Backup Home can offer you a little extra sense of security with a set of advanced tools. The interface provides quick adaptation, every process guiding you all the way through so you don't get stuck or further damage your system rather than keeping it safe.

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  • EaseUS Todo Backup Free lets you create backups of your important files or your entire computer through its streamlined interface. Just choose the backup type you'd like to get started, and let the program do the reset.

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  • EaseUS includes all the features I expect from backup software like versioning, incremental backups, and scheduling. For more advanced users, EaseUS allows you to install a pre-boot environment onto your hard drive so you can use it to restore files without burning a CD or putting it on an external USB drive.

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