How to Use Windows File Recovery

Windows File Recovery is Microsoft command-line recovery software for deleted files. It can help, but the syntax, source drive, and destination drive must be correct.

Understand the problem

Recovered files should be saved to a different drive. Running recovery on the same partition that lost files can overwrite data.

• Confirm the disk, partition, file system, Windows version, boot mode, or update state before making changes.
• Back up or recover important files before conversion, deletion, formatting, cleanup, reimage, or boot repair.
• For boot-related work, check BIOS or UEFI mode, boot order, system partition status, and recovery media first.

Use Windows built-in tools

Prepare the command carefully.

1. Install Windows File Recovery from Microsoft Store.
2. Choose the source drive where files were lost.
3. Choose a different destination drive for recovered files.
4. Select regular, extensive, or segment-style recovery based on file system and loss scenario.
5. Use filters for file names, extensions, or folders when possible.

Use Qiling tools for guided steps

Deep Data Recovery

Use a visual recovery workflow when command-line recovery is difficult or the destination path fails.

• Free Download
• Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, 100% Secure

Function. Recover files with Fast Scan

Step 1. Stop writing new data to the drive that lost files. If possible, install Deep Data Recovery on another drive.

Step 2. Launch Deep Data Recovery and choose Fast Scan first. Fast Scan is a practical first pass before deeper recovery.

Step 3. Select the drive that lost files as the scan location. If the exact folder is missing, scan the whole partition.

Step 4. Wait for the scan to complete. Use file type, name, path, and date filters to narrow the results.

Step 5. Preview files, select the items you need, and recover them to another disk or external drive.

Check the result

Open recovered files from the destination drive and verify their content. If important files are missing, try a deeper scan before using the source drive.

Related Articles

• Windows File Recovery Destination Error
  Fix destination folder errors when Windows File Recovery cannot save files.
• Windows File Recovery Command Error
  Correct Windows File Recovery command syntax and path issues.

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