Microsoft has finally admitted that Windows 11 may no longer correctly back up your files, even if you’ve configured the feature ‘File History.’ According to our tests, the bug affects almost everyone who installed the September 2026 update, but most users may not realize why backups have silently stopped working.

This issue specifically affects File History, which is a handy feature that lets you back up your personal files and folders to protect them from accidental loss or damage.

When the September 2026 update rolled out, I found multiple issues, and most were not even acknowledged by Microsoft. One of them was a bug where File History stopped working after Windows 11’s mandatory September 8 update, but it was not until September 22 that Microsoft admitted it.

That update is Windows 11 KB5124008, which advances Windows 11 25H2 to Build 26200.9445 and version 24H2 to Build 26100.9445.

For those unaware, or if you’ve never used File History, it allows you to back up your system automatically and maintains multiple copies of your files, so you can basically go back in time and restore a particular file’s state. For example, if you accidentally delete or edit a file and do not have a separate copy, you can use File History to restore previous versions of files or folders.

Microsoft’s support document calls File History one of the great features of Windows 11 and explains that it’s one of the most straightforward ways to secure your personal files or folders.

“One of the great things about File History is that it automatically backs up all your libraries. This includes default libraries like Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music, as well as any custom libraries you have created. If you have folders elsewhere that you want to back up, you can add them to an existing library or create a new library for them,” Microsoft noted in a document.

When you set up File History, you have to connect an external drive or a network drive, and Windows periodically backs up your files. And if you want to restore a file or the system itself, you can browse the different versions or backups generated by File History on your external drive or network location and restore the one you need.

It’s really straightforward, and it’s also why I always use it across my PCs. I hadn’t realized it had stopped working until some users told me that the September 2026 update had a major File History bug. In our tests, Windows Latest later found that File History was no longer able to recognize drives, even when they were connected and there were no hardware or network issues.

Two weeks after breaking backups on all PCs, Microsoft has now shared the following statement:

“After installing the September 2026 Windows security update KB5124008, some customers using File History, might be unable to create or update backups. File History, available through Control Panel > System and Security > File History, is used to back up files to an external drive or network location.” – Microsoft.

In our tests, Windows Latest found that PCs incorrectly warn that you need to reconnect your drive even when the backup drive is configured and functioning properly. It also happened with a new SSD I bought for myself last week, and the same drive works correctly in File Explorer or other third-party apps.

Microsoft noted that the “Reconnect your drive” alert is false, and there’s nothing wrong with your external drive, as it’s a bug in Windows 11. Moreover, you’ll run into another bug where the “Last backup” timestamp is either outdated or shows an incorrect time, so File History fails to show the correct timeline of backed-up files, which was the whole point of the feature.

“In some cases, Event Viewer might record application crash events referencing FileHistory.exe and KERNELBASE.dll,” the company noted.

Other issues caused by the September 2026 update

File History is just one of the problems Windows Latest has been tracking since the September update. Here’s a quick look at the bugs and reports so far:

• Remote Desktop: Connections and sign-ins fail, and related tools, including File Explorer and Microsoft Management Console, can stop responding.
• Claude Cowork and other Linux-based apps: Apps using HCS-managed Linux virtual machines with Plan9 can no longer access shared Windows folders.
• USB audio: Some USB Audio Class 1.0 devices produce no sound or show Code 10 in Device Manager. There are also microphone reports and separate issues with 8-channel or 3D audio.
• Explorer.exe crashes: Some users report a black screen without a working desktop or taskbar after signing in, particularly in enterprise environments.
• AMD GPU issues: Some AMD Radeon users report driver timeouts, black screens, missing displays, and complete system freezes after installing the update.
• Domain sign-in failures: Microsoft has also confirmed a trust relationship issue affecting some domain-joined PCs with Machine Identity Isolation enforcement configured, which can prevent users from signing in.

Microsoft confirms emergency update fails to fix File History, but a new update takes care of it

After we found issues in September 2026 Patch Tuesday, Microsoft rolled out an emergency update, KB5129195, on September 14. It advances Windows 11 25H2 to Build 26200.9457 and version 24H2 to Build 26100.9457.

This update fixed at least two big bugs, including RDP errors and a bug that broke Linux-based apps, such as Claude Cowork. It also fixed the multichannel audio issue, but it did not fix the File History problem, according to Microsoft’s statement.

Now, there’s a third update rolling out in September, and it’s Windows 11 KB5124010, September’s new optional update (preview). Released on September 22, it advances Windows 11 25H2 to Build 26200.9550 and version 24H2 to Build 26100.9550.

Thankfully, this release appears to fix File History, and Microsoft lists the fix in its release notes. But the catch is that it’s an optional update, and lately, these optional updates are buggier.

For now, you can use OneDrive and wait until October 13, which is when October 2026 Patch Tuesday rolls out.

Windows 11’s September 2026 update timeline

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