How to Use WinFR to Recover Deleted Files on Windows

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Accidentally deleted an important file on your Windows 10 or 11 PC? Emptied the Recycle Bin and now regretting it? Don’t panic—Microsoft actually provides a powerful free tool called WinFR (Windows File Recovery ) that can help bring those lost files back. The catch? It runs in the command line. That’s where many users hesitate. But here’s the good news: Whether you’re comfortable with command prompts or prefer something visual, this guide will walk you through both options—the original WinFR command-line tool, and the easier-to-use WinfrGUI, a free graphical interface built on Microsoft’s official recovery engine. From recovering Word documents and Excel spreadsheets to lost photos and videos, we’ll cover practical usage examples, step-by-step instructions, and expert recovery tips to help you get your data back quickly and safely. Let’s dive in and show you exactly how to recover deleted files on Windows 10/11—no panic required.

What Is WinFR and How Does It Work?

WinFR (Windows File Recovery) is a free command-line utility developed by Microsoft. It’s designed to recover lost files from local storage devices such as hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, and SD cards.

It supports recovery from:

  • NTFS (default file system for Windows)
  • FAT/exFAT
  • ReFS

Winfr works by scanning your drive for file fragments that haven’t yet been overwritten. It supports different recovery modes:

  • Regular Mode – Fast, suitable for recently deleted files
  • Segment Mode – Scans metadata segments
  • Signature Mode – Deep scan using file signatures (ideal for damaged drives)

When Should You Use WinFR?

Here are some scenarios where WinFR or WinfrGUI can help:

  • You permanently deleted files (Shift + Delete)
  • You emptied the Recycle Bin
  • Files disappeared after a Windows update or crash
  • A drive was formatted by mistake
  • You lost photos, documents, videos, and more

Important: The sooner you run recovery, the better your chances. Once data is overwritten, recovery becomes difficult.

How to Use WinFR (Command Line Method)

Using WinFR through Command Prompt might look intimidating, but once you understand the command format, it’s incredibly powerful.

Basic Syntax

winfr <SourceDrive>: <DestinationDrive>: [/mode] [/switches]

  • <SourceDrive> — Drive where files were deleted
  • <DestinationDrive> — Drive where recovered files will be saved (must be different)
  • /n <path> — Filter for file path, name, or extension
  • /r, /x — Recovery modes: Segment and Signature mode
  • /y:<ext> — File type filter in Signature mode

Usage Examples and Recovery Scenarios

Example 1: Recover a Deleted Word Document

winfr C: D: /n \Users\YourName\Documents\report.docx

Explanation:

  • Recovers one specific file from C: drive.
  • Saves it to D:.
  • Uses the default Regular mode (sufficient for recent deletions).
Example 2: Recover All Word Documents from Desktop

    winfr C: D: /n \Users\YourName\Desktop\*.docx

    Explanation:

    • C: is the source drive where the files were deleted (your system drive).
    • D: is the destination drive where recovered files will be saved (must be different from the source).
    • /n \Users\YourName\Desktop\*.docx tells WinFR to search for all Word documents (.docx) on your desktop folder. The * wildcard means “all files with this extension.”
    Example 3: Recover Deleted Photos with Signature Mode

    winfr E: D: /x /y:jpg

    Explanation:

    • E: is your USB drive.
    • /x activates Signature mode (for formatted/corrupted drives).
    • /y:jpg recovers JPEG files only.
    Example 4: Recover Videos and Documents Together

    winfr C: D: /x /y:mp4,docx

    Tips:

    • You can list multiple extensions using commas.
    • Ideal for mixed-media recovery.
    Example 5: Deep Scan for All Files from a Specific Folder

    winfr C: D: /r /n \Users\YourName\Documents\Work\

    Explanation:

    • /r uses Segment mode (deeper than default).
    • More effective if files are missing or partially overwritten.
    Example 6: Recover Files Deleted by Extension (e.g., PDFs)

    winfr C: D: /x /y:pdf

    Explanation:

    • /x enables Signature mode for recovering files from formatted or corrupted drives.
    • /y:pdf filters recovery to only .pdf files for faster, targeted results.

    How to Download and Install WinFR on Windows 10/11

    Follow these steps to install WinFR safely:

    1. Open the Microsoft Store.
    2. Search for “Windows File Recovery”.
    3. Click Install.
    4. You can now run it using Command Prompt as an administrator.

    System requirements:

    • Windows 10 version 2004 or higher
    • Windows 11 (all versions supported)

    Use WinfrGUI for Easier File Recovery (No Commands)

    If the command line feels intimidating or just too complicated, you’re definitely not alone. That’s exactly why WinfrGUI was created — a completely free and easy-to-use alternative to Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery tool. Instead of typing commands, you get a clean, visual interface that anyone can navigate, no technical skills required. So, why pick WinfrGUI? First, it doesn’t ask you to learn confusing command-line syntax, making it perfect for beginners. With just a few clicks, you can select file types, target drives, and scan modes without hassle. Its modern, intuitive layout even shows real-time previews of your recoverable files, helping you spot exactly what you need.

    Download WinfrGUI Free

    Plus, WinfrGUI is powered by Microsoft’s official recovery engine, meaning you get all the same trusted features as Windows File Recovery but in a much friendlier package. Whether you’re trying to restore deleted work files, precious vacation photos, or important videos, WinfrGUI makes the whole recovery process smooth, safe, and stress-free.

    Real-Life Examples

    Below are two actual use cases that demonstrate how both versions of Windows File Recovery—WinFR (command line) and WinfrGUI (graphical)—can be used to restore deleted files.

    Example 1: Using WinFR (Command Line) to Recover a Deleted Word File

    A Reddit user u/FileRescuer123 shared their experience on r/datarecovery, detailing how they accidentally deleted a critical Word document and emptied the Recycle Bin. Seeking a solution, they turned to Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery (WinFR) command-line tool.

    Step 1: Pressed Win + S, typed cmd, and selected Run as administrator.

    Step 2: Entered the following command:

    winfr C: D: /n \Users\Emily\Documents\report.docx

    Step 3: Pressed Enter to start the recovery.

    WinFR successfully recovered report.docx and saved it in a new recovery folder on the D: drive. The file was fully readable and restored within minutes. The command-line tool is fast and effective if you know the file path. Ideal for tech-savvy users comfortable with terminal commands.

    Example 2: Using WinfrGUI to Recover Lost Excel Files

    On TechSpot Forums, a small business owner shared how they accidentally deleted multiple .xlsx budget spreadsheets from a USB drive and couldn’t find them in the Recycle Bin. They chose to try WinfrGUI, a free graphical tool built on WinFR.

    Step 1: Downloaded and launched WinfrGUI from winfr.org.

    Step 2: Selected the E: drive (USB) as the source and D: as the destination.

    Step 3: Chose Deep Scan to ensure maximum file recovery.

    Step 4: Applied a file filter: .xlsx.

    Step 5: Clicked Start Recovery.

    help-start-recovery

    WinfrGUI located 12 deleted Excel files. The user previewed and restored 10 intact files with a single click. WinfrGUI is perfect for non-technical users. The visual interface makes it easy to filter and recover specific file types.

    Common WinFR & WinfrGUI Errors (and How to Fix Them)

    Error MessagePossible CauseHow to Fix It
    Access DeniedNot running Command Prompt as adminRight-click Command Prompt → Run as administrator
    Failed to create destination folderSource and destination are on same driveSelect a different drive for recovery output
    No files foundFiles overwritten or incorrect filtersTry Deep Scan or Signature Mode with broader parameters

    Conclusion

    Losing important files can feel like a disaster—but with the right tools and quick action, recovery is absolutely possible. WinFR (Windows File Recovery) is Microsoft’s official answer for retrieving deleted data, and while its command-line interface might look intimidating, it’s remarkably powerful when used correctly. For those who prefer a simpler, click-based experience, WinfrGUI offers the same core capabilities in a user-friendly design. We’ve shown you real-world examples, explained key commands and options, and offered tips to maximize your recovery success. Whether you’re restoring deleted documents, recovering from a USB wipe, or salvaging files after a system crash, WinFR and WinfrGUI can make a real difference. Just remember: stop using the drive immediately, choose the right scan mode, and always recover to a different drive. Now that you’ve got the tools and knowledge—your lost files are no longer out of reach. Time to get them back.

    🔗 Also Read:

    How to Open Command Prompt Windows 10: 5 Ways

    How to Open Command Prompt Windows 11

    How to Find Windows 11 Product Key Using CMD