How to Recover Files After Reinstalling Windows – 4 Methods

Reinstalling Windows is excellent for refreshing or safeguarding your system. For instance, it can fix various performance and configuration issues and remove viruses and other malware. However, what if you lose vital files? Can you perform data recovery after a Windows reinstallation? Of course.

Many built-in utilities and third-party tools can help you recover files after reinstalling Windows 10, 11, or another version. Before exploring the four best options, let's see how you may lose data after a Windows reinstallation.

How Users Lose Files After Reinstalling Windows

Microsoft offers three Windows reinstallation types. Two let you choose what happens to your apps and files, while the third deletes everything by default. Here's an overview of each.

The excellent news is file recovery after a Windows reinstallation is possible, regardless of your chosen option. Here are the best methods.

How to Recover Files After Reinstalling Windows

The best options to restore lost or deleted files after reinstalling Windows include data recovery software, an external backup, File History, and System Restore. Here are the steps for each.

Recover Files After Reinstalling Windows With Data Recovery Software

Most methods to recover files after reinstalling Windows require a previous backup. However, data recovery software can run deep scans to retrieve data even after a clean installation.

Besides boasting a 99.5% success rate, it keeps your data safe and secure. Wondershare has been around for 20+ years, building a flawless reputation as a trustworthy data recovery expert. The company's top priorities are privacy protection and data security, so you can rely on it to safeguard personal or sensitive data.

Here's how Wondershare Recoverit can recover files from a hard drive after reinstalling Windows:

1. Download and install Wondershare Recoverit to your computer.
2. Launch the program and register or log into your account.

   

3. Click the desired disk under Hard Drives and Locations to initiate an automatic scan.

   

4. During the quick and deep scans, use file filters like type, size, and tag to locate specific items. You can also use the search box if you know their names.

   

5. Preview the recoverable photos, videos, music, documents, and other files. Then, select them and click Recover.

   

6. Choose the desired destination (not the original one, lest you wish to cause data corruption) and hit Recover.

   

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Recover Deleted Files From a Backup After Reinstalling Windows

You don't need recovery software if you've backed up files to the cloud or an external drive. You can simply download or transfer them to your computer (respectively).

Here are a few examples to help you recover deleted files after reinstalling Windows:

1. If your backup is on an external drive, connect it to your computer, launch File Explorer, click This PC, and find it under Devices and Drives. You can then copy and paste the desired folders and files.

   

2. If you've backed up data to the cloud, log into the desired platform, select the wanted files, right-click the selection, and hit Download. Our example includes Google Drive, but the process is identical to other cloud services.

   

3. Go to the Bin (or Trash) folder, choose the files you wish to retrieve (or select all using Ctrl + A), right-click them, and hit Restore. That will return them to the original folder(s) in the cloud, so download them from there to your device.

   

Data Recovery After a Windows Reinstallation With File History

If you've backed up files and folders using File History, you can quickly restore them from a previous backup. However, reinstalling Windows turns off File History. Turning it on before choosing your backup drive will automatically create a new backup, making recovering the existing one impossible.

Therefore, follow these steps to recover files after a clean installation of Windows 10 or 11:

1. Connect your backup drive to your computer and open File History from the search bar. Windows will inform you that "No file history was found," so click Configure File History Settings.

   

2. Tick the "I want to use a previous backup on this File History drive" checkbox. Then, select an existing backup and click Turn On.

   

3. Once you see the "File History is on" status, click Run Now.

   

4. A new backup process will start (which won't take long because you have a clean Windows installation), so wait a few seconds.

   

5. Once you see "Files last copied on [date and time]," click Restore personal files in the left sidebar.

   

6. Choose folders or files from the desired backup and hit the green Restore button.

   

7. If a Replace or Skip Files dialog box pops up, click Replace the files in the destination to overwrite duplicates that may exist in your new system installation. You'll typically see it if you've kept personal data during a Windows installation.

   

Recover Files After Reinstalling Windows With System Restore

System Restore lets you revert your OS to a previous state. It's excellent if your Windows installation is faulty or you encounter data corruption because it returns your system to a previously saved restore point.

However, it doesn't affect personal data, nor can it restore deleted files. It only retrieves system files and software configuration settings to help you resolve related problems. Also, it only works if you've configured it beforehand. Otherwise, it won't have system snapshots to help you recover old files after reinstalling Windows.

Here's how to restore files after reinstalling Windows 10, 11, or another version:

1. If you have Windows 10 or older, go to the Control Panel > System and Security > System > System Protection.

   

   If you have Windows 11, go to Settings > System > About > System Protection.

   

2. Click System Restore in the dialog box.

   

3. As the utility informs you, it won't affect personal files. Click Next.

   

4. Choose the desired restore point and click Scan for affected programs.

   

5. Scanning is optional, but you'll see which programs and drivers System Restore will delete and restore and which it might recover (although they might not work correctly, requiring you to reinstall them). Click Close once you review everything.

   

6. Click your chosen restore point and hit Next.

   

7. Follow the on-screen instructions and click Finish. System Restore will restart your computer to apply the changes.

   

Tips: How to Reinstall Windows Without Losing Data

Reinstalling Windows doesn't need to mean data loss. Here's how to preserve your data:

• Choose the option to keep your files – When resetting your PC or using a Windows installation medium, you can control what happens to your apps and data. The former lets you preserve personal files, while the latter can also ensure your apps stay safe.
• Create a backup – Data backups are your best bet for preventing data loss, primarily when performing a clean Windows installation. An external disk is the safest option, so use a reliable backup manager or copy files to a removable drive using File Explorer.
• Clone your disk – Transferring all programs, settings, and data to another drive helps prevent data loss. A disk clone is a replica of your hard drive. Therefore, you'll keep all apps, configuration settings, system installation files, and other data even after a clean installation.

As you can see, backing up your data is the best way to have peace of mind. Whether reinstalling Windows or encountering a problem like hard disk failure, you'll always have a backup with your files intact.

Conclusion

Losing files after reinstalling Windows can be distressing, but you can recover them quickly, even after a clean installation. However, most methods, including cloud services, File History, and System Restore, require an existing backup.

Data recovery software like Wondershare Recoverit can help if you don't have a backup. Try it for free to recover lost or deleted files within minutes.