Synchronize data with Windows 8

In Windows 8, you can synchronize files directly via the operating system for the first time. With this function, all personal data is mirrored, for example, on an external hard drive and also restored from there. If you change backed up files, the backup changes accordingly.

Synchronize data with Windows 8

You can synchronize libraries and other personal folders via the control panel:

1. Open the Control Panel and go to "Save backup copies of files with the file version history" in the "System and Security" tab. Alternatively, search for it by typing "backups" while on the home screen and clicking "Settings" on the left.
2. A standard configuration is displayed. If you are already satisfied with the, just press "Switch on" and do not follow the steps below.
3. Go to "Select drive" on the left and find the external hard drive you want to use for the backup. If you want to use a hard drive in your home network, select it under "Add network address". Then confirm with "OK".
4. Click on "Exclude folder" on the left to not synchronize certain directories. This can be useful if, for example, a folder would take up too much space on the external hard drive or if there is simply no important data in it.
5. In the "Advanced Settings" you can determine how often the synchronization and remove old versions of the individual file.
6. If necessary, click on "Switch on" on the start page of the "File version history" to start the synchronization.

Restore data backed up with Windows 8

On the start page of the "File version history" you will find the item "Restore personal files" in the menu. Here you can view the saved file versions on the external hard drive and restore them if you wish.

Synchronize individual data

With individual files it is even easier:

1. In Explorer, locate the file from which you want to restore an older version.
2. Select it with one click and select the "History" option in the Start menu of the Explorer. All existing older versions of the file are now displayed.
3. Click the green arrow below to restore the displayed version to the original location. Use the arrows to switch through the versions.

This feature is only integrated into the operating system from Windows 8. In Windows 7 or older versions of Windows you can use the free tool "FreeFileSync".