How to Use Microsoft File Recovery Tool and Alternative

Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery program can restore lost Windows 10 data. Windows 10 version 2004 introduced this capability to recover lost data. We also give an alternative GUI option to Microsoft File Recovery. 

Do You Know Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery Tool?

When you mistakenly erase essential files, you should immediately think about recovering them. Simply follow these instructions to recover files from the recycle bin:

• Open the trashcan.
• Right-click the recoverable file.
• Please choose “Restore” from the menu.

You must use a different method if the file has been permanently erased and is no longer in the recycle bin. Restore these files from your backup. If you don’t have a backup, use data recovery software.

What Is Windows File Recovery?

Software like Windows file recovery is one possibility. This command-line application recovers deleted files from hard disks, USB flash devices, and SD cards. It recovers Windows 10 files using “winfr”. It is free and accessible in Windows 10 20H1 or later. Remember that it cannot restore cloud storage or network file sharing.

If you’re unfamiliar with this tool, don’t worry. This article shows how to recover Windows 10 lost files with it. Check that your system supports this tool before continuing. Check your Windows 10 version under Start > Settings > System > About.

Your Windows 10 PC does not come with Windows File Recovery. Download and install it from Microsoft Store.

How to Download and Install Windows File Recovery?

• Launch Windows “Microsoft Store” by searching.
• Select the upper-right Microsoft Store search icon.
• Look for “Windows File Recovery.”
• Select “Windows File Recovery” from search results.
• This utility program may be downloaded by clicking “Download” below.
• After downloading, click “Install” to install the software.
• After installation, click “Open” or exit Microsoft Store to use the program later.

Install Windows File Recovery, then use it to recover lost Windows 10 files. Please note that this utility can only restore files that have not been overwritten. Avoid using the computer after data loss to improve file recovery.

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] [/switch]

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\\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:

• Win the extensive 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.

A Windows File Recovery Alternative

WinfrGUI, the free graphical version of Windows File Recovery, simplifies data recovery. This PC, Hard Disk Drive, Removable Drive, and CD/DVD Drive are its recovery ways. The file system HFS+ is supported.

WinfrGUI recovers data from hard disks, SD cards, memory cards, and USB flash devices. If the data has not been erased, it can recover files from reformatted or damaged disks. A bootable version of WinfrGUI can rescue files if your PC cannot boot.

• Using WinfrGUI is easy:
• Get and install the program on your PC.
• Click the program shortcut to launch it.
• Under “this computer,” choose the disk to recover data from.
• Start scanning by clicking start.
• Results will appear after the scan.
• Choose the file to recover.
• Click save and choose a location to store the items. Avoid overwriting lost files by changing the path.

These easy procedures will restore deleted files using WinfrGUI.

Conclusion

You can use Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery program or WinfrGUI depending on your comfort and demands. The graphical interface of WinfrGUI may be easier for casual users than Windows File Recovery for professionals.