How to Use Microsoft File Recovery Tool

We’ve all experienced that heart-sinking moment—you accidentally delete an important file, and panic sets in. The good news? If you’re using Windows, there’s a powerful tool that might just save the day: Microsoft File Recovery. Developed by Microsoft, this free utility is designed to help you recover lost files from your hard drive, USB drive, or memory card. Whether you’ve deleted documents, photos, or videos, it can be a lifesaver. However, there’s one catch—it uses a command-line interface, which can feel a bit intimidating if you’re not familiar with typing commands. But don’t worry, that’s where this guide comes in. I’ll walk you through exactly how to use Microsoft File Recovery step by step, so you can restore your files with confidence. Plus, I’ll also introduce a simpler, more beginner-friendly alternative that offers the same recovery power in a visual interface. Let’s get started and recover what’s yours!

Why Do Files Get Deleted or Lost? Common Causes Explained

Before diving into recovery, it helps to understand why files disappear in the first place. Files can be accidentally deleted, drives can become corrupted, or system errors can cause data loss. Some common causes include:

• Accidental deletion: Using Shift + Delete or emptying the Recycle Bin by mistake.
• Formatting drives: Reformatting a disk without backing up files.
• Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software deleting or encrypting files.
• Hardware failure: Damaged hard drives or USB drives leading to inaccessible data.
• Software crashes: Unexpected shutdowns or system errors corrupting files.

Understanding the root cause can help you choose the best recovery approach and avoid repeating the mistake.

Do You Know Microsoft Windows File Recovery Tool?

When you accidentally delete important files on your Windows PC, it’s natural to panic—but don’t worry, recovery might still be possible. The first step is always to check the Recycle Bin, where recently deleted files are temporarily stored.

To restore files from the Recycle Bin:

1. Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop.
2. Find the file you want to recover.
3. Right-click the file and select “Restore.”

The file will be returned to its original location.

However, if the file has been permanently deleted—either by emptying the Recycle Bin or using Shift + Delete—you’ll need a more advanced method. First, try restoring from a backup. If no backup is available, using data recovery software is your next best option.

What Is Windows File Recovery?

Windows File Recovery is a free command-line tool developed by Microsoft. It helps you recover deleted files from hard drives, USB flash drives, and SD cards—even after they’re no longer in the Recycle Bin.

This utility uses the winfr command and is available for Windows 10 version 2004 (20H1) and later. You can download it for free from the Microsoft Store.

Important limitations:

• It does not support recovering files from cloud storage (like OneDrive) or network drives.
• It requires some basic command-line knowledge, which may not be ideal for beginners.

If you’re new to using Windows File Recovery, don’t worry—this guide will walk you through every step to help you recover your lost files successfully.

Before starting, make sure your system is compatible. Go to Start > Settings > System > About, and check that your Windows 10 version is 2004 or newer.

Also note: Windows File Recovery isn’t pre-installed—you’ll need to download and install it manually from the Microsoft Store.

How to Use Windows File Recovery?

Here are the steps to recover deleted files using Windows File Recovery:

Step 1: Check compatibility.

• Make sure that your computer supports Windows File Recovery by checking if you have Windows 10 version 20H1 or a newer version.
• If you have an older version, you can upgrade your Windows or use alternative data recovery tools.

Step 2: Choose a recovery mode.

• Winter 2020 Windows File Recovery features normal and extended modes.
• The mode you pick relies on the drive’s file system, when the data were destroyed, and why. format or corruption).
• Please refer to the table below as a guide for selecting the appropriate mode based on the file system:

If you’re unsure about the file system, right-click on the drive and select “Properties” to confirm.

Step 3: Run the recovery command.

To begin the rehabilitation process, please follow these steps:

• Open the Windows search bar and type “Windows File Recovery.”
• Select the first result to open the Windows file recovery tool.
• If there is a notification from user account control, please click “Yes” to proceed.

Please use the following command format:

winfr source: destination: [/mode] [/switches]

Please remember that the source and destination hard disks must be different.

When recovering data from your operating system drive (usually C:), use the “/n” switch to specify the user’s files or folders.

For regular mode:

To recover files from the Documents folder on drive C to drive E, use the following command:

winfr C: E: /regular /n \Users\YourUserName\Documents\

To recover PDF and Word files from drive C to drive E, use this command:

winfr C: E: /regular /n *.pdf /n *.docx

To recover files with the word “test” in the name from drive C to drive E, use this command:

winfr C: E: /regular /n test

For the extensive mode:

To recover any files that have the word “test” in the name, use this command:

winfr C: E: /extensive /n test

During the Windows recovery process, a recovery folder will be created on the destination drive to store the recoverable files. The folder will typically be named “Recovery_”.

“Proceed?” In the Command Prompt, press the “Y” key to continue. You can press Ctrl+C to cancel the recovery process.

Expanded mode may display “Do you want to view the recovered files?” (Yes/No) “After the recovery process is complete, press the “Y” button to open the recovery folder.”

These methods should restore data using Windows File Recovery. If the command line is too tough, there are other options.

An Easy Alternative: WinfrGUI for Data Recovery

If the command-line interface of Windows File Recovery feels intimidating, WinfrGUI offers a simple, free graphical solution that makes file recovery straightforward. WinfrGUI supports recovery from multiple storage types including internal hard drives, external USB drives, SD cards, memory cards, and even CDs or DVDs. It also works with various file systems such as NTFS, FAT, exFAT, and HFS+. This tool can recover deleted files from corrupted or reformatted drives—as long as the data hasn’t been overwritten. Plus, if your computer fails to boot, a bootable version of WinfrGUI can help retrieve your important files.

Here’s how to use WinfrGUI in just a few clicks:

Step 1: Download the WinfrGUI installer from the official website or a trusted source, then run it and follow the instructions to complete the installation on your PC.

Step 2: Once installed, open WinfrGUI by double-clicking its desktop icon to launch the easy-to-use recovery program.

Step 3: In the main window under “This PC,” select the drive where your lost files were stored so the software knows where to scan.

Step 4: Click the “Start” button to begin scanning the selected drive for recoverable files, which may take a few minutes depending on the drive size.

Step 5: After scanning finishes, review the list of found files, then select the ones you want to recover by checking their boxes.

Step 6: Finally, save the recovered files to a different drive or folder than the original to avoid overwriting any remaining lost data and ensure successful recovery.

How to Create a Bootable Recovery USB Using WinfrGUI

Sometimes your PC won’t boot, but you still need to recover files. WinfrGUI offers a bootable recovery option:

Step 1: Download the WinfrGUI bootable ISO image from the official site.

Step 2: Use a tool like Rufus to write the ISO to a USB flash drive.

Step 3: Boot your PC from the USB drive (you may need to change boot order in BIOS).

Step 4: Use the graphical interface to scan and recover files even if Windows won’t start.

This feature can be a lifesaver if your operating system is damaged beyond repair.

Windows File Recovery and WinfrGUI: Which One Should You Choose?

Both Windows File Recovery and WinfrGUI have their strengths:

If you’re comfortable with commands and want full control, Windows File Recovery is great. For those who want simplicity without losing power, WinfrGUI is ideal.

Backup Strategies to Prevent Future Data Loss

Prevention is always better than cure. Consider these backup options:

Accidentally losing valuable files can be stressful, but it’s important to remember that data recovery is often still possible. Microsoft File Recovery is a robust and trustworthy tool that allows you to recover deleted files from various storage devices. While its command-line interface might feel challenging for beginners, it offers powerful features for those comfortable with technical tools. For users seeking a simpler and more intuitive experience, graphical alternatives like WinfrGUI provide an easy-to-use interface without sacrificing recovery effectiveness. These tools support multiple file systems and storage types, making them versatile solutions for a variety of data loss scenarios. No matter which option you choose, acting quickly and stopping use of the affected drive can greatly improve your chances of successful recovery. Having the right recovery tool at your disposal can make all the difference—giving you peace of mind and helping you get back to your important files as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

🔗 Also Read: Windows File Recovery Utility: Step-by-Step Tutorial