In a significant development, Microsoft has addressed a critical issue that was causing the File History backup feature to malfunction on some Windows systems after installing the September 2026 security updates. This means users who rely on this built-in feature to automatically back up their files and documents can breathe a sigh of relief.
The bug, which affected Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, caused the automated backup process to fail, leading to “Reconnect your drive” alerts even when compatible drives were properly connected. Additionally, previously backed-up files displayed “No previous version available,” and the “Last Backup” timestamp failed to update. These symptoms were particularly frustrating for users who depend on File History to safeguard their data.
For those unfamiliar with File History, it’s a feature introduced in Windows 8 that automatically backs up user account profiles (Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, and Desktop) to an external hard drive or network storage location. This allows users to easily restore accidentally deleted or damaged files from previous backups, going back hours, days, or even weeks.
The good news is that Microsoft has rolled out a fix for Windows 11 customers with the optional cumulative updates KB5124006 and KB5124010. These updates address an issue where File History might fail to back up or restore files to an external drive or network location. If you’re a Windows 11 user, it’s recommended that you install these updates as soon as possible to resolve the issue.
For users who don’t want to install optional updates right away, there’s no need to worry – Microsoft will include the fix in next month’s Patch Tuesday updates, scheduled for October 13. This means that all affected Windows systems should be back up and running smoothly by then.
The bug is just one of several issues that have been linked to this month’s security updates. In recent weeks, Microsoft has released out-of-band updates to address problems with Hyper-V, Remote Desktop Services, and USB audio, as well as a temporary fix for a login issue affecting some Windows 11 users. It’s clear that the company is working hard to resolve these issues and ensure the stability of its operating systems.
In practical terms, this means that users who rely on File History should keep an eye out for the next set of Patch Tuesday updates, which will include the fix for this bug. Until then, installing optional cumulative updates or waiting patiently for the October 13 rollout should resolve any issues related to failed backups and restore operations.
Source: Bleeping Computer — 2026-09-24