File History Doesn’t Recognize This Drive: How to Fix It

A bad USB port can be the reason behind the error

by Srishti Sisodia
Srishti Sisodia
Srishti Sisodia
Author
Srishti Sisodia is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. She has extensive experience exploring the latest technological advancements and sharing her insights through informative... read more
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Reviewed by Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Windows Server & Networking Expert
After moving away from the corporate work-style, Alex has found rewards in a lifestyle of constant analysis, team coordination and pestering his colleagues. Holding an MCSA Windows Server... read more
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  • This error comes up with an incomplete connection or a damaged external drive. 
  • To fix it, check the USB first, then enable File History Service or delete the file history configuration folder.
File History Doesn't Recognize This Drive How to Fix It

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File History is a valid Windows tool that allows you to back up your files on another drive and helps you to restore them whenever necessary.

If you are facing the file history doesn’t recognize this drive error, this guide can help! We will discuss some of the tested ways to fix the issue after talking about the causes of the problem. Let’s start!

What causes the file history doesn’t recognize this drive error?

There could be various reasons why the file history is not able to recognize the drive; some of the common ones are: 

  • File History is disabled – If you have mistakenly disabled the File History option, you won’t be able to find the drive. 
  • External drive damaged – If the drive connected or configured is damaged, then File History won’t be able to find the drive. 
  • Improper connection – If the drive connection is incorrect or the USB port is not working, you might get the File History failure to identify the drive error. 
  • Old File History backups – If you have old File History backups in your drive, then it could make your drive unidentifiable.
  • File indexing disabled – If File indexing is disabled, then you might get this File History error. To fix it, make sure file indexing is enabled.

How can I fix the file history that doesn’t recognize this drive error?

Before moving into the actual troubleshooting steps, make sure you go through these preliminary checks: 

  • Restart your computer. 
  • Use a different USB port.

1. Check if File History is enabled

  1. Press the Windows key, type Control Panel, and click Open. CP
  2. Navigate to System and Security.Category and System & Security -file history doesn't recognize this drive
  3. Under File History, select Save backup copies of your files with File History. File history 1 file history doesn't recognize this drive
  4. Under Keep a history of your files, click Turn on. History off

2. Reconnect your USB drive

  1. Unplug the USB and plug it into another port. Next, go to File History, and click Advanced Settings.Advanced Settings 1
  2. Scroll through the options and select Stop using this drive.
  3. Click Select drive.
  4. Choose the drive and click OK.Select Drive file history doesn't recognize this drive windows 11

3. Select another drive

  1. Go to File History and click Select another drive.Another drive file history doesn't recognize this drive
  2. Select the drive you want to use and click OK. Select Drive 1

4. Enable the File History service

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run console.Services Run Command
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open Services.
  3. Locate and double-click the File History Service to open Properties.
  4. For Startup type, select Automatic; for Service status, choose Start.Services start -file history doesn't recognize this drive
  5. Click Apply and OK.
  6. Go to the Windows Search service and follow the same to Start the service.Windows search

5. Delete the File History configuration folder

  1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer. Click View and select Hidden items.Hidden items
  2. Follow this path: C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\FileHistory\Configuration\Config
  3. Delete this file and check if the File History is fixed.

So, you can follow these steps to fix the file history that doesn’t recognize this drive error. Try them and let us know what worked in the comments section below.

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