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How to recover deleted files using Windows File Recovery
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Did you delete an important file by accident? It can be a photo, PDF, office document, or even a ZIP archive but still, it’s a stressful moment nevertheless.
If you created a back-up, you can perform aSystem restore, an elegant way to turn back in time. But speaking about time, that process takes a little bit of time.
And it isn’terror proof either.
Especially if you lost the file recently, you can try recovering it using Windows File Recovery, a newappthat arrivedin the Microsoft Storerecently.
How can I recover deleted files using Windows File Recovery?
First, you need todownload the Windows File Recovery appfrom Microsoft Store. Please note that it’s a command-line tool so all the action is going to take place inCommand Prompt.
Also, there are three different modes of work, namely:
How can I use Windows File Recovery in Windows 10?
You might also be interested in our complete guide on the best software to recover files from Recycle Bin
Other examples of how to use Windows File Recovery tool
Have you lost an important document and you know its name? Then the command will bewinfr C: E: /n \Users<username>\Documents\TheLostDocument.docx.
Have you lost the whole Documents folder? Then typewinfr C: E: /n \Users<username>\Documents. Note that you have to insert the / after the document’s name for the command to work.
To recover any PDF and Word files from your C drive, the command line will bewinfr C: E: /r /n *.pdf /n *.docx. The files will be restored on drive E, in theRecovery_ folder.
If you want to see which file types are supported for recovery, just typewinfr /#in command prompt.
Note:Keep in mind that it’s recommended to try and recover the files or folders as soon as possible.
By using the computer, the system might write data in the place that was occupied by the file or folder you deleted.
If you have trouble using the Windows File Recovery tool, you can also read our guide onhow to restore accidentally deleted files.
Have you lost important files? Did you manage to safely retrieve them? Please tell us your story in the comments section below.
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Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft.
His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school.
With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!
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Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, with 14 years of experience in writing on everything there is to know about science, technology, and Microsoft
