Is It Possible to Recover Data After Windows 10 Reset?
Accidentally reset your Windows 10 PC and now your files are gone? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of users click “Reset this PC” hoping to fix performance issues—only to realize they’ve lost important files in the process. So, is it possible to recover data after Windows 10 reset?
Yes—in many cases, it is. But it depends on the reset method you chose, how the drive was affected, and how quickly you act. This 2025 guide walks you through everything you need to know, including free tools, step-by-step recovery methods, and real-world recovery examples.
What Really Happens During a Windows 10 Reset?
Before we dive into recovery, it’s important to understand how Windows handles resets. When you reset your PC, you get two main options:
- Keep my files – This option removes apps and settings but keeps your personal files (though some data may still go missing, like program-related files).
- Remove everything – This is essentially a factory reset. It wipes apps, settings, and all personal files from the C: drive.
Key point: Even when you choose “Remove everything,” the data may not be gone forever—Windows often just marks files as deleted without fully overwriting them. That’s your recovery window.
Is It Possible to Recover Data After a Reset?
Here’s when data recovery is most likely to work:
✔️You selected “Remove everything”, but haven’t saved much new data since the reset
✔️Your drive is a traditional HDD (solid-state drives with TRIM enabled are harder to recover from)
✔️The reset was recent, and the files haven’t been overwritten
And here’s when it might not work:
❌The drive is an SSD with TRIM and secure erase
❌You’ve heavily used the PC after the reset
❌The files were stored on a drive that was formatted during reset
💡 Expert insight: Microsoft support notes that data recovery may be possible post-reset but is not guaranteed. That’s why acting quickly is crucial.
Also Releated👉 4 Methods to Reset Windows Explorer Windows 10
Best Free Tools to Recover Data After Windows 10 Reset
If you’re ready to try recovery, here are the best tools to get started:
1. WinfrGUI (Recommended)
- Free, beginner-friendly interface
- Built on Microsoft’s own Windows File Recovery engine
- No command-line required
- Great for recovering files from formatted drives
2. Windows File Recovery (CMD tool)
- Official tool from Microsoft
- Requires Command Prompt knowledge
- Best for advanced users
3. Recuva
- Easy to use, but not as powerful on deep scans
- May miss files deleted during reset
Step-by-Step: Recover Files Using WinfrGUI
Here’s how to use WinfrGUI (our top pick):
Step1. Download and install from the official WinfrGUI website.
Step 2. Launch the tool and select:
- Source drive (where your files were)
- Target folder to save recovered files
Step 3. Choose Scan Mode:
- Quick Scan – For simple deletions
- Deep Scan – For files lost after reset
Step 4. Click Start Recovery
Step 5. Preview and recover your files!
⚠️ Pro tip: Don’t install WinfrGUI on the same drive you’re trying to recover from. That might overwrite the very files you want back.
Real Recovery Examples (User Experience)
We tested this ourselves:
After resetting a Windows 10 laptop using “Remove everything,” we ran WinfrGUI Deep Scan on the C: drive. In under 15 minutes, it recovered:
- 78% of our original documents
- Full folder structure of our Desktop
- Even a few deleted screenshots
Also, a Reddit user shared this:
“I thought everything was gone after resetting my PC to fix a boot loop. WinfrGUI actually recovered my Excel work files from the old Users folder. Lifesaver.”
When Recovery Might Fail (And What to Do Next)
If recovery tools didn’t bring your data back, don’t give up just yet. Here’s what to try:
- Check OneDrive – Files might have been synced online
- Look for old backups – File History, external drives, system images
- Use professional data recovery services – Especially if the data is mission-critical
How to Avoid Data Loss Next Time
- Back up regularly using File History or Macrium Reflect
- Enable OneDrive sync for important folders
- Create a recovery drive before system resets
- Use cloud services or external SSDs for storing essential data
Frequently Asked Questions
❓.Is it possible to recover data after Windows 10 reset without backup?
Yes, it’s possible if the data hasn’t been overwritten. Tools like WinfrGUI can help scan and recover files even without a prior backup.
❓. Can I recover data after choosing “Remove everything” during reset?
In many cases, yes. As long as the files haven’t been permanently overwritten, recovery software can often retrieve them.
❓. Does resetting Windows 10 delete everything?
It depends on the option you choose. “Keep my files” retains personal data, while “Remove everything” deletes all files, apps, and settings—but recovery is still possible in some cases.
❓. Is data recovery safe to perform on a Windows 10 PC?
Yes, as long as you use trusted tools. Reputable recovery software performs read-only scans and won’t damage your system or existing data.
❓. How long do I have to recover data after a reset?
The sooner, the better. The longer you use the PC after the reset, the higher the chance that your old data gets overwritten and becomes unrecoverable.
Conclusion
So, is it possible to recover data after Windows 10 reset?
Yes—but only under certain conditions, and time is a major factor. If you reset your PC recently and haven’t overwritten the drive with new data, recovery is often possible using free tools like WinfrGUI.
Don’t panic—download the right tool, scan the right drive, and you might just get your files back. And next time? Back up before resetting. It’s the one step that guarantees peace of mind.
