4 Methods to Recover Files After Windows Reinstall

Reinstalling Windows is a great way to upgrade and protect your system. It can fix performance issues, configuration issues, and get rid of malware. But what happens if you lose important files? Can you still recover them after reinstalling Windows? Certainly.

There are many useful built-in and third-party tools that can help you recover files after reinstalling Windows 10, 11 or other versions before we dive into the best options. First of all, understand how you might lose data after re-installing the Windows.

How to Recover Files After Reinstalling Windows

Here are four of the most effective ways to recover lost or deleted files after reinstalling Windows: Data Recovery Software, External Backup, File History, and System Restore. Try through the steps for each method.

Method 1: Quick file after reinstalling Windows with data recovery software

Most ways of recovering files after reinstalling Windows require a previous backup. However, data recovery software can perform deep scans and recover data even after a clean installation.

A great example of data recovery software is WinfrGUI. It can recover data in more than 500 situations including system failures, malware infections, formatting, partition loss, disk damage, and software malfunction. It is compatible with more than 2,000 devices and 1,000 file formats. And uses patented technology to divide distributed video pieces together.

With a success rate of 99.5% WinfrGUI guarantees the security and security of your data. With more than 20 years of experience, Wondershare has built up a reputation as an expert in reliable data recovery. Privacy protection and data security are their most important, so you can trust them with your personal and sensitive information.

To recover files from hard drive after reinstalling Windows using WinfrGUI, follow these steps:

• Download and install WinfrGUI on your computer.

• Start the program and register or log in to your account.
• Click the desired disk in the hard drive box and position to start automatic scanning.
• During a fast and deep scan, use file filters such as size types and tags to find a specific list. You can also use the search box if you know the file name.
• View photos, videos, music, documents, and other recoverable files. Then select the desired files and click Recover.
• Select a target for the recovered file (not the original location to avoid data damage) and click Recover

With WinfrGUI, you can easily recover deleted or lost files in situations of more than 500 data loss. Situations including reinstallation of Windows, formatting and corruption of disks. The software will receive all types of data confidently, no matter how they are lost.

Method 2: Recover deleted files from backup after reinstalling Windows

If you have backed up your files to a cloud or external drive, you can easily recover them by downloading or transferring them back to your computer.

Here are steps to recover deleted files after reinstalling Windows:

• If your backup is on an external drive, please connect to your computer. Open a file explorer. Click on this computer and search for security under devices and drivers. Then you can copy and place the desired folders and files.
• If you have your backup to the cloud, log in to the relevant platform, select the file you want to recover, right-click on the option and click on the download. This process applies to various cloud services including Google Drive.
• For files you have deleted and are in the trash (or junk) folder, you can select the files you want to receive (or select them all using Ctrl+A). Right click on them and click back. This will return the files to their original folders in the cloud from where you can download them to your device.

Method 3: Recovering data after reinstalling Windows with file history

If you have backed up your files and folders using your file history, you can quickly restore files from previous backups. However, it is important to note that reinstalling Windows will shut down the file history. This makes it impossible to restore existing backup. To recover files after a clean Windows 10 or 11 installation. Follow these steps:

• Connect your backup drive to your computer and open the file history from the search bar. Windows will notify you of “no file history found”. Click Settings file history settings.
• Select the option “I want to use a previous backup on this file history drive” then select the existing security and click Open.
• When you see the “open file history” status, click Start Now.
• The new backup process will start, but not long after you have clean Windows installed. Wait.
• When you see “Last copied file at [date and time]”, click back on the personal file in the left bar.
• Select the folder or file you want to recover from the desired backup and click on the green restore button.
• If a file replacement dialog appears or fails, click on the replacement file at the destination to write a duplicate that may be present on your new system installation. This dialog will usually appear if you store your personal information during Windows installation.

Method 4: Recover files after reinstalling Windows with System Recovery

System Restore allows you to re-use your operating system in its previous condition. It is useful when your Windows installation fails or when you encounter data corruption as it will restore your system to a previously saved recovery point.

However, it will not recover deleted files or personal information. It will search for system files and software settings to help solve the related issues. Please note that system recovery only works if you set it up first. Otherwise, there will be no system images that will help recover old files after reinstalling Windows.

To restore files after reinstalling Windows 10, 11 or other versions, follow these steps:

• If you are using Windows 10 or earlier, go to Control Panel > System & Security > System > System Protection
• If you’re using Windows 11, go to Settings > System > About > System Protection
• System Settings in Dialog
• As the utility informs you, it will not affect your personal files. Click Next
• Select the desired recovery point and click Scan for the affected application.
• The scan is optional, but shows the programs and drivers that System Restore will delete and restore, as well as the programs that can be restored. (though these may not function correctly and may require reinstallation). When you check everything, click Off.
• Click the selected return point, then click Next.
• Follow the instructions on the screen and click Finish. System Restore will restart your computer to apply the changes.

Tip: How to reinstall Windows without losing data

Reinstalling Windows does not necessarily cause data loss. Here are some tips to keep your data secure:

• Choose the option to save your files: when resetting your PC or using media installed in Windows, you can decide what happens to your programs and information. Previously, this allows you to keep your personal files while the last time can still guarantee the security of your apps.
• Backup creation: Your backup is essential, especially when running a clean Windows installation. Use a reliable backup manager or copy files to an external disk using an Explorer file to make sure your information is secure.
• Your disk clone: Transferring all the program, settings and information to another drive prevents data loss. Copying the disk will create a copy of your hard drive, preserving applications, files, configuration, system installation, and all other information even after clean installation.

As you can see, backing up your files is the best way to stay calm. Whether you’re reinstalling Windows or having problems such as a hard drive failed. There are backups to make sure your files are secure and seamless.

Conclusion

In conclusion, losing files after reinstalling Windows may be a problem, but there are ways to recover them quickly even after a clean installation. However, it is important to note that most methods such as cloud services, file history, and cost recovery systems require existing backups. If you do not have a backup, data recovery software such as WinfrGUI can help. Try it for free to restore lost or removed files within minutes.

FAQ

Q: I want to reinstall my Windows installation while securing my files. What should I do?

A: You can reset your PC or reinstall Windows using installation media such as a USB drive. Here’s how to resete your PC:

• For Windows 10 users go to Settings > Update & Security > Recover > Reset this PC > Start
• For Windows 11 users go to Settings > System > Recovery > PC Reset
• Click where to store my files and follow the instructions. If you have created a bootable drive using the Windows installation file, click Protect files and apps or normally only store personal files on the screen. Select what to save.

Q: Why was my data deleted after reinstalling Windows?

A: Reinstall Windows. Replace old system files and configuration files with a new version and delete everything else. (unless you choose the option to keep personal data). If you store images, videos and other non-system files on your disk, Windows will delete them during the reinstallation process.

Q: Can I recover my data after using Windows 11 / 10 reset?

A: Yes, you can recover your data using a file history or other backup. If you don’t have a backup you can use a data recovery software like WinfrGUI. However, resetting Windows 10 or 11 allows you to keep your files.

Q: Is it better to reinstall Windows 10 or reset it?

A: The Windows 10 reset is faster and more suitable for solving operating or software configuration problems. However, it will restore your operating system to factory settings using the recovery partition. This means you will receive an OEM copy, which may include older versions of Windows and bloatware. Reinstalling Windows 10 gives your PC a new OS with the latest updates making it a better choice.

Q: Where are my files after updating Windows 10?

A: Upgrading Windows 10 or other versions will normally not result in data loss. However, bug updates can sometimes cause files to be replaced incorrectly. Don’t worry at all. Because they are not lost forever. You can always recover them using recovery software such as WinfrGUI.