A backup drive being connected does not prove that yesterday's work is recoverable. A small File History rehearsal can test both coverage and restoration without deliberately deleting an important document.

Choose a harmless test

Create a clearly named test document inside a folder you intend File History to protect. Write a short phrase and save it. Record its location and the time. Let a backup cycle finish, then change the phrase and save again. Keep this exercise away from live accounting databases or other files that require an application's own backup process.

In Control Panel, open System and Security, then the File History backup controls. Confirm the selected destination is your intended external drive or network location. Microsoft's documentation describes library coverage; an unusual project folder should not be assumed included just because it is on the same computer. Add an appropriate folder to a library if that is how you intend to protect it, and test that folder specifically.

Retrieve a separate copy

In File Explorer, go to the test file's actual folder, open its previous versions and select a version containing the earlier text. Preview it where possible. Expand the Restore option and choose Restore to, selecting a separate test destination. Restoring directly over the current file replaces it, so that is unnecessary for a rehearsal.

Open the recovered copy and read the contents. A familiar filename alone is insufficient: the result should contain the earlier phrase you expected. If no suitable version appears, investigate the folder coverage, destination availability and backup timing before relying on the setup.

Keep a brief record of the test date, folder tested, version recovered and destination. Repeat after changing the backup drive or moving important folders. Passing this test demonstrates one recoverable file; it does not establish that every application or folder is protected.

Reference: Microsoft Support.