How to Use Windows File Recovery No Coding Experience

So… you deleted something important on your PC and now you’re freaking out a little? We’ve all been there. The good news? Microsoft actually has a free tool that can help—you just need to know how to use Windows File Recovery. Now, I’ll be honest: it’s a command-line tool, which can feel a bit techy if you’re not used to it. But don’t worry—I’ll break it down in plain English. Even better, I’ll show you a much easier, beginner-friendly option called WinfrGUI that does the hard work for you. Let’s get your files back!

What Is Windows File Recovery?

Windows File Recovery is a free command-line tool from Microsoft that helps users recover files deleted from their hard drive, SSD, USB drive, or memory card. It supports several recovery modes and file types, including:

• Documents (e.g., .docx, .pdf)
• Images and media
• Compressed files
• Files from NTFS, FAT, exFAT, and ReFS systems

The catch? It’s entirely command-line based. That’s great for IT pros, but confusing for beginners.

Why Windows File Recovery Intimidates Beginners

Let’s face it: command-line tools aren’t exactly beginner-friendly. Here’s what a basic recovery command looks like:

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

If you’re not used to terminal windows and syntax rules, this can be overwhelming. A simple typo could result in failed recovery, and there’s no visual interface to guide you.

Easiest Solution: Use WinfrGUI Instead (No Coding Needed)

What is WinfrGUI?

WinfrGUI is a 100% free tool that turns Windows File Recovery’s command-line functionality into a clean, easy-to-use interface. No commands. No confusion. Just a few clicks.

🔑 Key Functions of WinfrGUI:

• Supports recovery from NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS file systems
• Works on USB drives, SD cards, internal/external hard drives, and SSDs
• Offers Quick Scan for recently deleted files and Deep Scan for more thorough recovery
• Lets you filter by file type (e.g., documents, ZIPs, images, videos)
• Provides real-time file previews before recovery
• Compatible with Windows 10 and 11

How to Use WinfrGUI (Step-by-Step)

1. Download & install from the official site.
2. Select the source drive (where files were deleted).
3. Select the destination drive (where recovered files will be saved).
4. Choose scan mode: Quick or Deep Scan.
5. Click “Start Recovery” and let the software do the rest.

💡 Personal Note: I once deleted a folder of work PDFs on a USB drive. Using WinfrGUI, I recovered them in under 10 minutes without touching the command line.

Still Curious? Here’s How to Use Windows File Recovery the Easy Way (Command Line)

If you’re comfortable with basic commands and want to try the official Windows File Recovery tool from Microsoft, here’s a simple walkthrough that cuts through the tech jargon.

✅ Basic Example Command:

bash winfr C: D: /regular /n *.pdf

🔧 What Each Part Means:

• C: – This is the source drive where your files were deleted.
• D: – This is the destination drive where recovered files will be saved (must be different from the source).
• /regular – This is the recovery mode. Use this if the file was recently deleted and the drive hasn’t been reformatted.
• /n *.pdf – This tells the tool to recover PDF files. You can change it to *.docx, *.jpg, or even a full path like \Users\John\Documents\file.docx.

📌 Other Useful Tips:

• Use /extensive instead of /regular if:
  • The file was deleted a while ago
  • The drive was formatted or corrupted
• Combine multiple file types: bash winfr C: D: /extensive /n *.docx /n *.jpg /n *.xlsx
• Recover a specific folder: bash winfr C: D: /regular /n \Users\YourName\Documents\

📚 Want the Full Command List?

Check Microsoft’s official guide here: Windows File Recovery Support Page

💡 Tip: Always preview results after scanning—recovered files may be renamed, especially in extensive mode.

Tips for Successful File Recovery

✅Stop using the affected drive right away to avoid overwriting deleted data.
✅When recovering, choose a different drive—like a USB stick or external HDD—as the destination.
✅For better results, experiment with both “Regular” and “Extensive” modes.
✅Deep scans may take time, so stay patient, especially with larger drives.

CMD vs GUI: What’s Right for You?

👉 Tip: If you’re not comfortable with command lines, go with WinfrGUI. It’s built on the same tech — just a lot easier to use.

Conclusion

If you’ve been wondering how to use Windows File Recovery without coding experience, the good news is: you don’t need any. Tools like WinfrGUI bring powerful recovery to everyday users with no technical knowledge required.

So whether you accidentally deleted photos, documents, or even folders, you now have a clear path to get them back—without the tech headache.

✅ Takeaways:

• Use WinfrGUI if you want a visual tool.
• Stick to command-line Windows File Recovery if you’re comfortable with syntax.
• Act fast and avoid overwriting deleted files.

Also Read👉How to Retrieve Files in USB Using CMD