The error message that is displayed for File History backup goes like this:
File History Error 80070005 on Windows 11/10
Before trying any of the given options, you should create a system restore point for your PC, just in case. Here is a list of fixes that might help you resolve File History error 80070005: Failed to initiate user data backup (error 80070005) Let’s check these fixes.
1] Reconnect the drive
Sometimes the problem is too small but we don’t pay attention to it. That might be the same in this case also. So, disconnect and then reconnect the File History drive where you want to back up your files and check if the backup process works. You may also connect some other external drive just to find out if the first external drive is OK or the problem is with that first drive only.
2] Uninstall a problematic Windows Update
Microsoft releases cumulative updates from time to time. One of such updates is KB4601319 that was released in Feb, after which users start receiving File History error 80070005. Microsoft itself confirms that the security update KB4601319 suffers from a bug and that might be a reason you’re not able to backup files using File History. So, uninstalling that update might help you fix this error. Thankfully, there are a couple of simple ways to uninstall Windows updates easily. For example, just follow this path: Settings app > Update & Security > View update history > Uninstall updates Now look for the KB4601319 update and uninstall it. After the uninstallation, restart your PC, and that File History error 80070005 should be gone now. If you face any issue after installing any Windows Update, you should check your Windows Update History, then uninstall it and then hide it till Microsoft releases a fixed update.
3] Take ownership of files and folders
If you do not have full rights to copy, modify, or delete some files and folders, then also the backup process using File History won’t happen and you might end up receiving this File History backup error. In that case, you first need to take full ownership of files and folders that you want to backup for your user account and then try again to begin the backup process. This might take some time to find out which files and folders are there for which you need to take or change ownership, but it might help you a lot.
4] Turn off File History and turn it on again
These are the steps: Now try to begin the backup process using File History.
5] Reset File History
If none of the options work, then try to reset File History that might help you solve this problem. Before resetting, make sure that the File History feature is turned off. After that, follow these steps: Use Win+E hotkey to open File Explorer Paste the following path in the address bar of File Explorer- Press the Enter key Select all files and folders present under the FileHistory folder Delete all those files. Once all those files and folders are deleted, File History will reset successfully. Now you might be able to begin and complete the File History backup. Hope one of these options will solve File History error 80070005 for you. Read next: Delete File History files manually in Windows.
