How to use windows file recovery​？

Fortunately, there are tools available that can help you recover lost or deleted files, and one of the most effective tools is Windows File Recovery. This built-in tool is available for users of Windows 10 and later, offering a way to recover files from hard drives, USB drives, SD cards, and more.

1. Windows File Recovery

What is Windows File Recovery?

Windows File Recovery is a powerful command-line utility that was introduced in Windows 10 version 2004. This tool is designed to help you recover deleted files that have not yet been overwritten by new data. It can recover a wide range of file types, including documents, photos, videos, and music. The tool can even recover files from formatted drives or drives that are corrupted to some extent.

The tool operates using different recovery modes, which can help you recover files under various conditions. It works primarily by searching for “file signatures” and other remnants of deleted files that may still exist on your storage medium.

Supported File Systems

Windows File Recovery supports the following file systems:

NTFS (New Technology File System): The most common file system used on Windows machines.

exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table): A file system commonly used for flash drives and SD cards.

FAT32 (File Allocation Table 32): An older file system that is still used in certain devices like USB drives.

This tool can help you recover files from internal drives, external drives, USB drives, and SD cards. However, it is important to note that the tool may not be able to recover files from damaged drives or drives with severely corrupted file systems.

2. How to Download and Install Windows File Recovery

Downloading Windows File Recovery

Windows File Recovery is available as a free download from the Microsoft Store. Here’s how to download and install it:

Open Microsoft Store: Click on the Microsoft Store icon in your taskbar, or press the Windows key and type “Microsoft Store.”

Search for Windows File Recovery: In the search bar, type “Windows File Recovery” and hit Enter.

Select the App: Choose the app from the search results. The app is developed by Microsoft and should appear at the top of the list.

Install the App: Click on the “Get” button to start downloading and installing the app.

Prerequisites

Before you can use Windows File Recovery, make sure your system meets the following requirements:

Operating System: You need Windows 10 (version 2004 or later) or Windows 11.

Command-Line Interface: The tool is a command-line utility, so you’ll need to be comfortable using the Command Prompt.

Once installed, you can access Windows File Recovery through the Command Prompt or PowerShell.

3. How to Use Windows File Recovery

3.1. Basic Usage

To use Windows File Recovery, follow these steps:

Open Command Prompt:

Press the Windows key and type “Command Prompt.”

Right-click the Command Prompt app and select Run as Administrator.

Run Windows File Recovery: In the Command Prompt window, type winfr and press Enter. This command starts Windows File Recovery.

3.2. Understanding the Syntax

Windows File Recovery uses a specific syntax to perform file recovery. The basic syntax for the tool is as follows:

bash

winfr source-drive: destination-drive: /mode /switches

Where:

source-drive: The drive from which you want to recover files (e.g., C: for your main drive).

destination-drive: The location where recovered files will be saved (e.g., D: for an external drive).

mode: The recovery mode you want to use (e.g., regular or extensive).

switches: Additional parameters that refine the recovery process (e.g., /n to specify a filename).

Example Command:

bash

winfr C: D: /extensive /n *.jpg

This command would attempt to recover all .jpg files from the C: drive and save them to the D: drive using the extensive recovery mode.

3.3. Recovery Modes

Windows File Recovery has three recovery modes:

Regular Mode: This mode is the fastest and is designed to recover files that have been deleted recently and have not been overwritten. It works by searching the NTFS file system’s MFT (Master File Table) for deleted file entries.

Extensive Mode: This mode is more thorough and scans deeper into the disk sectors. It is used when files are older or when they are not found in the regular mode. Extensive mode is slower, but it increases the chances of recovering more files.

Signature Mode: This mode is used for recovering files from drives that have been formatted or severely corrupted. It works by searching for file signatures (known as “magic numbers”) and can recover a wide variety of file types. However, it may not recover file names, and recovered files will need to be identified manually.

3.4. Specifying the File Type

You can recover specific file types by using the /n switch, followed by the file extension. For example:

To recover all .jpg files:

bash

winfr C: D: /extensive /n *.jpg

To recover all documents with .docx extension:

bash

winfr C: D: /regular /n *.docx

If you want to recover multiple file types, you can use the wildcard * in the filename. For example:

bash

winfr C: D: /extensive /n *.jpg /n *.png

3.5. Using Filters

You can also filter the recovery by time, size, or date modified using additional switches like /minsize, /maxsize, /date, etc. For instance:

To recover files larger than 5 MB:

bash

winfr C: D: /extensive /minsize 5MB

To recover files modified within the last 30 days:

bash

winfr C: D: /extensive /date 30

3.6. Saving the Recovered Files

After executing the recovery process, Windows File Recovery will save the recovered files to the destination drive. The files will be organized in folders named after the date and time of recovery.

4. Advanced Usage

4.1. Recovering from a Formatted Drive

If you have formatted your drive and wish to recover files, you should use Signature Mode. This mode searches for known file signatures rather than relying on file system information.

Example:

bash

winfr C: D: /signature /n *.jpg

4.2. Recovering Deleted Files from an SD Card

To recover files from an SD card or USB drive, follow the same process as you would for an internal drive. However, make sure to specify the correct drive letter for the SD card or USB drive.

Example:

bash

winfr E: F: /extensive /n *.mp4

Where E: is the source drive (the SD card or USB drive), and F: is the destination drive.

4.3. Recovering Files from a Failed Drive

If your drive is failing or is corrupted, it’s best to attempt recovery using Signature Mode, as it is designed for damaged drives. However, be aware that the recovery process may take longer, and some files may be unrecoverable.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

5.1. No Files Found

If Windows File Recovery reports that no files are found, it could be due to:

The files being overwritten by new data.

The files being deleted for too long and are no longer recoverable.

The tool being unable to access the drive due to physical damage or corruption.

5.2. Slow Recovery

The recovery process may be slow, especially when using Extensive Mode or Signature Mode. This is because the tool is scanning the drive in more detail. If possible, try to recover files as soon as possible after deletion to minimize the risk of overwriting.

5.3. Unable to Recover Files from an External Drive

If you’re having trouble recovering files from an external drive, ensure the drive is correctly connected to your PC and that it is recognized by Windows. You may also want to check if the drive has bad sectors that could prevent recovery.

6. Best Practices for Preventing Data Loss

Regular Backups: Always back up your data to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or both.

Use File Versioning: Keep multiple versions of important files to prevent losing the most recent version.

Use Disk Cleanup Tools Carefully: Be cautious when using disk cleanup utilities, as they may permanently delete files.

Stop Using the Drive: If you delete a file accidentally, stop using the drive immediately to prevent overwriting the deleted data.

Windows File Recovery is a robust tool for recovering deleted files in various scenarios. Whether you’ve accidentally deleted a file, lost data after a format, or need to recover files from a failing drive, Windows File Recovery can be an invaluable tool. By understanding its modes and how to use it effectively, you can recover your important files and avoid costly data loss.