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File Manager not showing files? Here’s the solution

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Worried that the File Manager is not showingfiles? There are a few causes that might lead to this problem, and in this article, we will take a closer look at what you can do to solve it.

If you can’t find the files in their initial location, it might be due to the fact that they were modified or, worst-case scenario, you deleted them.

One solution to this problem can be recovering those missing files from a backup (this implies that you are already using Windows Backup).

Another method to recover them is by restoring the files to a previous version.

In this article, we will show you what actions you can take and how you can successfully fix thisFile Managerissue in no time, so keep on reading.

How do I recover a file that cannot be found?

How do I recover a file that cannot be found?

1. Download a third-party software tool

Retrieving deleted files can be a complex operation and you want to avoid crashing your system while performing the required steps.

The best way to ensure that the process will run smoothly is to download a professional software tool like Stellar Data Recovery.

The Stellar Data Recovery tool is a DIY easy to use program with a wide range of abilities. You can use it to recover files from systems that are completely crashed or unbootable or from empty Recycle Bins

You may even get back data from partitions that were lost or deleted, as well as files from RAW hard drives, SSDs, and USB drives

Among other useful features, the Stellar Recovery Tool is able to retrieve files from partially scratched or burnt DVDs or recover deleted email files.

The Stellar software also comes with a SMART Drive Monitoring and Cloning feature that prevents any permanent data loss caused by a drive failure.

⇒Get Stellar Data Recovery

2. Restore missing files from a backup

As expected, it’s incredibly simple to restore all missing files from a previous backup. You only need to apply the above procedure in that regard.

Before proceeding, just make sure to check that the drive or the media that you saved your files on is in full function.

3. Restore missing files from a previous version

If the File Manager is not showing files you can also try to restore them to a previous version.

If you want to do so for a file that is included in a Library, you should restore it from the folder where that file was actually stored. Right-click on the folder and selectRestore Previous Versions.

For example, you restore a file that was placed in the My Pictures folder as well as in the Picture Library by right-clicking the My Pictures folder.

You can also search for the missing file by typing part of its name in the Documents library, in case you don’t remember the exact name of that file.

We hope that our article gave you the info you needed to solve the File Manager files issue. Just let us know in the comments which solution suited you best.

More about the topics:File Explorer

Loredana Harsana

Windows Software Expert

Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.

Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.

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Loredana Harsana

Windows Software Expert

Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.