Quick overview:
When it comes to security, the developers have worked hard under the hood and given Windows 8 new functions - which significantly enhance the OS compared to its predecessor. Windows Tweaks presents the security features. Let's start with the file version history, i.e. Microsoft's "Time Machine". This brings deleted files back to life and restores previous versions.
Version history for deleted files and old versions
Apple users have the Time Machine, Windows 8 users the File Version History. This data recovery function automatically backs up files and intermediate versions to external data carriers such as USB sticks or network hard disks. Once activated, Windows 8 backs up edited files once an hour, although other intervals can also be selected. Recovery in an emergency is done with just a few clicks.
With the file version history, you can...
- ...recover deleted files: Accidentally "deleted" a file irrevocably? With the version history, you can restore an earlier version of the folder in which the file was saved with just a few clicks.
- ...restore previous versions: Accidentally saved a file even though the previous version was better? No problem, you can undo bad changes with just a few clicks. Old versions can be easily restored.
How to set up the file version history
1. for the file version history to work, Windows needs a second hard disk. This can be a USB drive or a network hard disk. Tap the "Windows" button to go to the new start screen. Then type in "File version history" and the search function will start. Then click on "Settings" and then on "File version history".
2. now select "Select drive" and decide on the backup drive for saving the files. Click on "OK". Back in the file version history window, click on "Switch on". The message "File version history is switched on" appears. Windows 8 will now save all files and folders in your libraries, in the SkyDrive folder and on the desktop, as well as the Internet Explorer bookmarks.
How to restore files
Have you accidentally deleted and changed a file? Here's how to restore the old version in no time:
6.Did nothing help? In this unlikely event - or if the hard disk has a serious defect - there are still specialists who can recover data from Windows systems.
(Photos: The article image is from David Baker, Fotolia.com. The screenshots below were created privately.)

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