Stored in hidden protected volume: System Volume Information folder on each drive. Not accessible directly without permissions.
(Windows 8 / 10 / 11)
When reviewing "Windows Backup locations," it is important to clarify that this topic covers two very different areas: (when you create them) and where Windows stores the files it tracks via File History. windows backup location
Default location: X:\FileHistory\<username>\ (where X: is your external or network drive)
Windows backup locations are functional but confusing. The operating system splits "file syncing" (OneDrive) and "disaster recovery" (System Image) into two completely different tools with different locations. Stored in hidden protected volume: System Volume Information
Windows used to allow "Shadow Copies" to be stored on the same drive (so you could right-click a file and restore a previous version without an external drive). This feature has been largely neutered or hidden in Windows 10/11 in favor of File History. Many users assume their files are being backed up locally, only to realize they never set up an external drive destination.
If you meant (e.g., iTunes, WhatsApp Desktop, Macrium Reflect), let me know and I’ll give you the exact path. This feature has been largely neutered or hidden
Here’s a direct answer for depending on which backup type you mean: