Select your product to confirm this information applies to you

File History Windows Backup

Microsoft introduced a built-in backup feature called File History in Windows 8. File History can place unwanted files on the internal memory of some Garmin devices if the device has been selected as a backup drive.

This can result in insufficient space on the device when installing device updates using the Garmin Express™ software.

The Different Scenarios That May Occur Because of This Feature

  • Device not detected by Garmin applications but is by the computer
  • Insufficient space to perform updates on devices

Determining if the Device Has a File History Folder

1. Press the Windows (Windows Logo) key + E on the keyboard.

2. Select This PC.

3. Open the Garmin drive.

4. Verify the folder named FileHistory is present.


Disabling and Deleting the File History Folder

1. Press the Windows (Windows Logo) key + X on the keyboard.

    • On Windows 10 or newer, you can use the "Search Windows" option and type in Control Panel.

2. Select Control Panel.

3. Select Save backup copies of your files with File History.

    • If this option is not present, click File History.

4. Verify the Garmin device is being listed as the backup drive.

5. Select Turn Off.

6. Delete the FileHistory folder from the device.

The device will now have space in the internal storage available for updates.


Review the Following Links for Further Troubleshooting Assistance

Automotive Device Not Detected by Garmin Express on a Windows Computer.

Garmin Device not Detected by BaseCamp on Windows.