Microsoft File Recovery Software – How to Use and 10 Best Alternatives

In today's digital age, data plays a crucial role in our daily lives, and losing important files can be a significant setback due to accidental deletion, formatted drives, software glitches, or hardware failures. Fortunately, Windows users have a built-in tool called Microsoft file recovery, which can quickly and easily help recover lost files, getting you back on track in no time.

Quick Navigation: Part 1. What is Microsoft File Recovery; Part 2. How to Download Windows File Recovery Tool from Windows Store; Part 3. How to Use Microsoft Windows File Recovery Tool; Part 4. Top 10 Alternatives to Microsoft Windows File Recovery Software; Part 5. Frequently Asked Questions

Part 1. What is Microsoft File Recovery

Microsoft Windows recovery tool is a program that allows users to recover deleted files from USB drives, hard disks, and SD cards, helping to rescue lost data for Windows 10 users.

The software can restore various file types, including PDF, JPEG, PNG, MPEG, Office files, MP3, MP4, and ZIP, and supports multiple file systems like NTFS, FAT, exFAT, and ReFs, allowing for flexibility in data recovery.

Microsoft data recovery software can only be used on Windows 10 versions 2004 (May 2020 update) and later.

Part 2. How to Download Windows File Recovery Tool from Windows Store

Windows File Recovery is available for download in the Windows app store. To initiate any data recovery operation, first download it by searching for "Windows File Recovery" in the store and installing it.

After completing the installation, navigate to the Start menu and find "Windows File Recovery." Click on the shortcut to launch the application, then click "Yes" when prompted. Windows File Recovery will open as a Command Prompt window with Administrator access, requiring you to run file recovery commands to recover your data.

Part 3. How to Use Microsoft Windows File Recovery Tool

The Microsoft Windows File Recovery tool is a command-line based data recovery tool that saves recovered files to a different drive than the original. It operates in three modes: Default, Segment, and Signature.

✈️ The default mode is the fastest mode.
🚖 The Segment mode is a search mode that is similar to the default mode, but it is actually a slower and more effective search.
🎡 The signature mode allows you to search for files based on their file types, enabling a more targeted and specific search.

Here are the different modes and their applications in one paragraph:

🖥️ To find recently deleted files on drives with the NTFS file system, the Default mode is suitable.
🕜 Segment mode is the best alternative, allowing for a signature mode recovery of deleted files from NTFS drives, even those that have been formatted or are corrupt.
💽 The Signature mode is the only effective mode for recovering deleted files from systems like ReFS, exFAT, and FAT drives.

NB: To view the file system, right-click on the drive under "This PC" and click on "Properties." The file system can be found under the General tab. If you're performing a recovery process, try the Default mode first, then switch to segment and signature modes if needed.

1. How to Recover a Deleted File using the Default Mode

To search a directory, you can use the following command: `find /path/to/search -type f -print`. Replace `/path/to/search` with the actual path to the directory you want to search. The `-type f` flag specifies that you only want to search for files, and the `-print` flag tells `find` to print the paths of the files it finds. If you want to search recursively, you can add the `-r` flag, like this: `find /path/to/search -type f -r -print`.

To search for a file named word.docx, you would type: /n word.docx

You can try searching for the file in the exact path where you think it might be located. For example, if you're looking for a file called "example.

/n \Users\Username\Documents\word.docx where username is the PC's username.

To apply the basic format for the default mode, start by setting it to 'on' with `mode default on`, then set it to 'off' with `mode default off`, check the current mode with `mode default`, and get a list of all modes with `mode`.

winfr D: E: /n *.docx

This command will recover all .docx files from disk D, move them to disk E, and prompt you to confirm the operation.

If you can't remember the full name of a file but recall a word that's in it, or you want to recover a group of files with a specific word in common, you can search for files by using that word. For instance, using the phrase "*game*" would help you find files containing the word "game" in their names.

winfr D: E: /n *games*

For a file whose name you know, for example, program.pdf, use the command line below.

winfr D: E: /n \Users\Username\Documents\program.pdf

This is all about using the default mode.

2. How to Restore Data using the Segment Mode

Segment mode is quite similar to the default mode. The difference is with the segment mode, /r is added to the command line of a default mode. Hence, if you are using the default mode and don't find your file, you can advance the recovery by adding /r to the command line. Good command in the segment mode is as follows.

winfr D: E: /r /n * .JPEG

This will help recover all pictures with the .jpeg extension.

3. How to Retrieve Files using the Signature Mode

The signature mode in Windows File Recovery is distinct from the other two modes, where it focuses on finding deleted files based on their file types. To use this mode, you must include the /x command, which indicates that you are operating in signature mode, and the /y command, which specifies the file type you are searching for. This allows the software to recover deleted files that match the specified type.

To know the supported file types in the signature mode, insert the command `:set signaturefile` or `:setlocal signaturefile` in your Vim editor. This will display the list of supported file types.

winfr /#

The command will display a table containing the different supported file types. An example of a command in the signature mode is as follows: .

winfr D: E: /x /y:PDF

The script will recover all PDF files in drive D and transfer them to the "recover" folder in drive E.

To recover deleted files in Windows 11, 10, and more, you can use Windows File Recovery. This tool allows you to retrieve lost data from various storage devices, including internal and external hard drives, USB drives, and SD cards.

While Microsoft's data recovery software is great for Windows PCs, some users may find the command line interface frustrating. Fortunately, there are alternative software options that offer a more user-friendly interface for data recovery.

Part 4. Top 10 Alternatives to Microsoft Windows File Recovery Software

Microsoft File Recovery is a simple and easy-to-use tool that allows you to retrieve disappeared files from your active storage, but it's free and has its downsides. Having a good recovery tool as a backup option is a good idea, and here are the top 10 options to consider.

Qiling Free Data Recovery

Qiling Free Data Recovery is a recommended alternative to Microsoft file recovery on Windows, offering a simple wizard interface and the ability to repair corrupted files during scanning, with a free recovery limit of up to 2GB.

This free data recovery software allows users to preview found files, making it especially useful for those with limited files to recover, and can be used on Windows 11, 10, or macOS, offering a free experience.

Pros: 2GB free recovery allows most users to recover files without any payments.; Easy to use and intuitive design; Can recover almost any file thanks to the support for hundreds of file formats; Support for a wide range of file systems and storage mediums

Cons: Scan speed is a bit slower than expected

Disk Drill

Disk Drill is a great Microsoft data recovery tool alternative that makes the recovery process easy and efficient. With its free version, you can find and retrieve your lost files without spending any money. This tool is incredibly effective, supporting hundreds of file formats, offering high-performance recovery, and having powerful data recovery capacity, as well as the ability to scan lost partitions.

Pros: The tool's basic version is free and supports up to 500MB of recovery.; Impressive recovery results and track record; Easy to use with intuitive features; Offers data backup and protection

Cons: Scanning speed is not the fastest

PhotoRec

While some users might want to recover their files using a completely free tool, this approach has its limitations. Free tools often have limited budgets, which can compromise on various aspects. However, PhotoRec is a notable exception, offering a completely free solution, making it a good alternative to Microsoft's data recovery software.

Pros: A completely free and open-source solution; Supports hundreds of file formats and all major file systems; Supports multiple types of external storage devices and gadgets as well; Wide language and OS support

Cons: Command line interface, not suitable for newbies; The ability to select specific files for recovery is also not available, so you get everything recovered in one go.

Recuva

Recuva is a no-nonsense, easy-to-use solution that delivers on its promises. Its simple yet intuitive interface makes it easy to access all settings, and the ability to preview files in the free version is a notable bonus, allowing users to select only the files they need. With impressive performance statistics, Recuva is a reliable solution for Windows file recovery, making it a standout choice among Microsoft store tools.

Pros: Free version is quite good and provides a decent recovery range; Preview screen available for selective recovery; Well-designed interface that is easy to use, albeit a bit outdated

Cons: Support for file formats is not as good as many other alternatives; There is only a Windows version, and updates have been discontinued.

DiskGenius

DiskGenius is a comprehensive tool that offers good data recovery options as part of a larger package. It provides two interlinked features: data recovery and partition management. If your drives crash or become inaccessible due to wrong formatting, DiskGenius can help you recover them and retrieve your stored data, including various file formats from a wide range of file systems and devices.

The UI could be more intuitive, and feels crowded and overwhelming, while also requiring a significant financial investment.

Pros: All-in-one solution with an effective data recovery solution; Combined with partition management for a comprehensive recovery solution

Cons: Interface is crowded and unintuitive for most users; Not applicable in case of partial data loss

Stellar Free Data Recovery Software

If your file system or device crashes and results in data loss, Steller Data Recovery is a solution to consider. This tool is effective in recovering data from even the most challenging cases and supports a wide range of devices, including those beyond standard computer drives. It also supports numerous file formats, making it possible to recover virtually any lost data. The user interface is particularly intuitive and easy to understand, making it a reliable option for users.

Pros: Can recover data from worst cases with support for a wide range of devices; Allows users to preview files before downloading; Supports a wide range of formats and file systems

Cons: Recovery speed is relatively slow as compared to other solutions

TestDisk

TestDisk is a data recovery software that can be used by tech-savvy individuals with a decent computer system and comfort using command line interfaces. It is an open-source tool that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and can recover lost files, although it cannot fix damaged files in any way.

Pros: Support for a wide range of file systems and file formats; Small footprint makes it great for computers with limited storage; Having partition recovery included can be quite a blessing for many users

Cons: UI is in the command line, which can put off many users before they even try it

MiniTool Power Data Recovery

MiniTool Power Data Recovery is a top-notch recovery software with an easy-to-use process and a feature-rich app. It's an excellent option for beginners, offering a simple recovery process, file preview, and selection capabilities. Supporting multiple devices, including internal drives and external storage media, it's almost as good as our top recommendation. Users can recover up to 1GB of data for free before needing an upgrade, and it also scans damaged CDs and DVDs, a feature not offered by many other apps.

Pros: Can be used as a bootable tool for recovering internal drives; The tool can also scan damaged CDs and DVDs, which many apps do not support.; Good file organization

Cons: Unable to minimize the window when the recovery process is running

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

Among the many Microsoft Windows file recovery solutions available, this software stands out as one of the most powerful and impressive options. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to recover files from various storage devices, and its support for a wide range of file formats ensures that even the most challenging recoveries can be accomplished with ease. Additionally, users can recover 2GB files for free by sharing the software on social platforms.

Pros: UI is easy to understand and operate; Can be used for mailbox and database recovery as well; Good support material available on the website

Cons: Its subscription model is quite expensive

UnDeleteMyFiles Pro

UnDeleteMyFiles Pro is a free recovery software that effectively finds and recovers files, allowing users to either recover complete partitions or select specific files from a preview feature. It only offers a quick scan feature, but the results are satisfactory for most users in urgent situations. The app also comes with free add-ons, enabling the recovery of emails, among other features.

Pros: Completely free to use; Additional tools are also provided for free

Cons: No custom scanning options or signature scanning service; The development for this has been abandoned for quite some time now, and no one is looking after the tool in case support is required.

Microsoft File Recovery may not always be able to recover lost files, but alternative data recovery programs like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Disk Drill, and Recuva can be effective solutions for recovering lost data.

Part 5. Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does Windows 10 have a file recovery program?

A: Windows 10 offers a built-in recovery tool called Windows File Recovery that can recover data from external hard drive and internal disk.
Q. Where can I find Microsoft recovery files?

A: You can find recovery files by going to the folder where they were present.
Q. How do I recover permanently deleted files from Windows?

A: You can either use the built-in recovery tool in Windows or download a third-party solution like Qiling Free Data Recovery for easier file recovery.
Q. How do I use Windows System Restore from the command prompt?
A: You need to follow these steps to perform a system restore using a command prompt:
- Open command prompt as Administrator
- Type rstrui.exe in the command prompt window and press Enter.
- In the System Restore window that opens, click Next to see the restore points available.
- Click on the restore point you want to recover and then click Next again.
- Click on the Finish button on the next screen to begin the recovery process.

Microsoft File Recovery is a tool that helps users recover deleted files from their computers. If you're looking for alternatives, there are other software options available that can help you recover lost files, such as EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Disk Drill, and Recuva. These tools can help you recover files from various storage devices, including hard drives, USB drives, and memory cards. It's essential to act quickly when dealing with data loss, as the sooner you start the recovery process, the better your chances are of recovering your lost files.