Windows Media Creation Tool Wiped Files? Top Fixes for 2025

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Have you ever used the Windows Media Creation Tool to install or upgrade your Windows, only to find that your files mysteriously vanished? It’s a frustrating situation that many users encounter — but don’t panic just yet! While the Windows Media Creation Tool is a powerful tool for creating bootable USBs and reinstalling Windows, it can sometimes wipe important files if you’re not careful.

The good news? There are ways to recover those lost files and avoid future mishaps. In this guide, we’ll show you how to fix the problem and get your data back, including a simple tool that can help you recover files in just a few steps.

Why Does Windows Media Creation Tool Wipe Files?

Before jumping into the fixes, it’s helpful to understand why this happens. When using the Windows Media Creation Tool for tasks like upgrading Windows or creating a bootable USB, it often involves partitioning drives and formatting them. Here’s why files might get wiped:

  1. Clean Installation of Windows: If you choose to do a fresh install of Windows, the tool might prompt you to format your drive, resulting in the loss of files.
  2. Accidental Formatting During USB Creation: If you’re creating a bootable USB drive with the Media Creation Tool, you might accidentally select the wrong partition to format.
  3. Partition Overwrite: If the Media Creation Tool encounters an existing partition that it needs to replace or update, it may delete the files that were stored there.

While these issues can feel catastrophic, there are several ways to recover your lost files. Here’s how to go about it.

How to Recover Lost Files: Quick Fixes

1. 🚫Stop Using the Affected Drive!

The most important first step after data loss is to stop using the drive where the files were deleted.

When a file is deleted, it isn’t instantly wiped from the storage device. Instead, the space it occupied is marked as available for new data. Any further use of the drive—saving new files, installing software, or even browsing—can overwrite that space, making recovery much more difficult or impossible.

What to do:

  • Avoid writing any new data to the affected drive.
  • Don’t install recovery tools or updates on the same drive.
  • If possible, disconnect the drive and connect it to another computer for recovery.

Preserving the current state of the drive maximizes the chances of successfully restoring your lost files using data recovery methods.

2. Use WinfrGUI to Recover Files

One of the easiest ways to recover your lost files is by using WinfrGUI, a free and user-friendly tool designed to simplify file recovery.

Why Choose WinfrGUI?

  • No need to deal with command lines — WinfrGUI offers a clean, intuitive graphical interface that makes file recovery simple for anyone.
  • Enjoy full access to powerful recovery features without any cost, subscriptions, or hidden fees.
  • Supports recovery from various storage devices, including USB flash drives, external hard drives (HDDs), internal SSDs, and memory cards.
  • Whether you’re a beginner or a tech-savvy user, WinfrGUI makes recovering lost files on Windows fast, efficient, and hassle-free.

Steps to Recover Files with WinfrGUI:

Step1: Download WinfrGUI for free , run the installer, and follow the on-screen steps to complete the installation.

Download WinfrGUI Free

Step 2: Click Advanced Settings: Choose the drive where your files were lost.

Step 3: Pick Recovery Mode:

  • Quick Scan for recent file deletions.
  • Deep Scan for deeper recovery needs.
help-choose-scan-methods

Step 4: Preview and Recover Files: After scanning, preview the files, select the ones you need, and hit Recover.

help-start-recovery

Step 5: Save to a Different Drive: Always recover files to a different location to avoid overwriting anything.

3. What to Do If WinfrGUI Doesn’t Recover All Your Files

If WinfrGUI doesn’t retrieve everything, don’t worry—there are several alternative methods you can try:

a. Use System Restore

If System Restore was enabled before the issue occurred, you can roll back your system to a previous state:

  • Go to Control Panel > System and Security > System > System Protection
  • Click System Restore, select a restore point from before the data loss, and follow the prompts

Note: This won’t bring back individual files but may recover system-level changes or settings that affected file access.

b. Check Backups

If you use cloud storage services like OneDrive or Google Drive, check for backed-up versions of your lost files. Also review any external hard drives or backup software you may have used—automated backups often run in the background and may have preserved your data.

one-drive

c. Use Windows File History

If File History was enabled:

  • Navigate to Control Panel > System and Security > File History
  • Click Restore personal files
  • Browse through previous versions and restore what you need

These methods can significantly improve your chances of recovery if initial tools fall short.

Pro Tips to Prevent Data Loss in the Future

To avoid future data loss🛡️, here are some preventive measures you can take:

  1. Always Back Up: Use cloud services or external drives to back up your files regularly.
  2. Double-Check Your Partition Selections: When installing or upgrading, be careful not to format the wrong partition.
  3. Consider Cloning Your System: Tools like Macrium Reflect let you create an exact copy of your system, ensuring you can restore it if something goes wrong.

Conclusion: Don’t Panic! File Recovery Is Possible.

Even if the Windows Media Creation Tool wiped your files, there’s still hope. You can use WinfrGUI to recover lost files quickly and easily, or try other recovery methods like System Restore and File History.

Remember: backing up your data before making system changes is the best way to avoid this problem in the future.

Did this guide help you recover your files? Let us know in the comments or share your experience!

Also Read👉 Top Tools to Recover Files After a Factory Reset on Windows 11

FAQs for Windows Media Creation Tool Wiped Files

Q1. Why did the Media Creation Tool wipe my files?

The Media Creation Tool can wipe your files if:

  • You select a clean installation, which erases all data.
  • The wrong partition is chosen during the upgrade or USB creation process.

Q2. Can I recover my lost files after using the Media Creation Tool?

Yes, you can recover lost files with tools like WinfrGUI or by using System Restore if it was enabled.

Q3. How do I use WinfrGUI to recover lost files from my drive?

Here’s how to recover files with WinfrGUI:

  1. Download and install WinfrGUI.
  2. Select the drive where your files were lost.
  3. Choose a scan mode (Quick or Deep).
  4. Preview the files and recover them to a different location.

Q4. Can I avoid losing files when using the Media Creation Tool?

Yes! To avoid data loss:

  • Back up your files before using the tool.
  • Double-check partition selections during installation to ensure you don’t format the wrong drive.

Q5. What should I do if my files aren’t recovered using the Media Creation Tool?

If you can’t recover your files:

  • Use Windows File History to recover earlier versions.
  • Try System Restore to revert to a previous state.
  • Check for backups in cloud storage or on external drives.