Microsoft just added an important feature to File Explorer on Windows 10

A few months ago, Microsoft officially confirmed that Windows 10 will no longer receive 'major' updates with new features and important changes until the end of its life cycle in 2025. However, The Redmond company continues to maintain support for Windows 10 with monthly Patch Tuesday updates, as well as optional non-security releases. And sometimes, contrary to Microsoft's claims, these updates bring surprising changes or even new features.

A periodic update this month for Windows 10 has brought the new Windows Backup app that Microsoft previously introduced to Windows 11. Additionally, users have discovered a surprising change to File Explorer — with an option to back up documents, images, downloads, and more. Clicking this button launches OneDrive and the "Back up important PC folders to OneDrive" feature, which ensures files in user folders are always synced to OneDrive.

This feature is currently being tested with a small group of users. However, you can activate and experience it early on your Windows 10 PC by doing the following:

Step 1: Right-click the OneDrive icon in the notification area and click Settings .

Step 2: Navigate to the About tab and enable the " Get OneDrive Insider preview updates before release " option.

Step 3: Download version KB5029331 from Windows Update or Microsoft Update Catalog (manually installed).

Step 4: After applying the update, make sure you have the latest OneDrive app installed.

Step 5: Download the ViVeTool tool from GitHub and extract it to any convenient folder. Note: You should back up important data and create a system restore point before using ViVeTool.

Step 6: Launch Command Prompt as Administrator and navigate to the folder containing the ViVeTool files using the CD command . For example, CD C:vive .

Step 7: Type vivetool /enable /id:40950986 and press Enter .

Step 8: Restart the computer.

Step 9: Open File Explorer and access the Documents, Pictures, Videos, or Music folder. You should see a new " Start Backup " button appear on the Home tab.

Many people choose to stick with Windows 10 because of the familiarity of the operating system. But small improvements like the above will make the experience on the old operating system a little more convenient and welcome.

Micah Soto

Update 29 August 2023