[2023] 3 Ways for How to Recover Deleted Files after Reinstalling Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7

Quick Fix for Recover Files after Reinstalling Windows

1. Type Control Panel at the left bottom search box and open it.
2. Click System and Security > Backup and Restore.
3. Select Restore files from backup.

More details...

"Is it possible to recover files after reinstalling Windows? I lost files after reinstalling Windows 11. I lost some important files."

Reinstalling Windows operating system can be the last resort if your Windows PC does not run normally. For sure, it can fix more than 90% of the software problems on your computer. It still has side effects. Losing data is the main side effect of reinstalling Windows that many people have encountered. Here in the following, let's explore the proven ways for how to recover files after reinstalling Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7.

Quick Navigation

Part 1. How to Recover Files after Reinstalling Windows OS with Data Recovery Software

Part 2. How to Restore Deleted Files after Reinstalling Windows with Backup File

Part 3. How to Retrieve Deleted Files After Reinstalling Windows with Restore Point

Part 4. Instead of Reinstalling Windows, How Can You Fix Issues on Computer?

Part 1. How to Recover Files after Reinstalling Windows OS with Data Recovery Software

I put this method in the first place mostly because many people have not backed up the files before reinstalling Windows, which of course will get files removed. And if users want to get back file after reinstalling Windows, the only way is to recovering files with a professional data recovery software tool. And the sooner the better. Any delay or further operation on the computer will decrease the possibility of file recovery.

The recommended file recovery software is Deep Data Recovery. It is a professional tool specially developed for individuals to restore files from computer hard drives and external hard drives. It's worth a try.

1. Get the file recovery tool

Download and install the data recovery software for Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7 to get back files deleted after reinstalling Windows now!!!

Note: please do not install the software to the drive from where you have lost files when reinstalling Windows. It might cause data overwritten issues. Install it to another drive where no important files are deleted.

2. Select hard drive to scan

In the next window, you can see all listed hard drives. Select the hard drive where you have lost files. You should know that if files lost from the Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Favorites, Pictures, etc. such folders in Windows, you need to select Drive C. After then, click "Scan" to recover deleted files in Windows 7 and more OS.


3. Preview and Recover Files

Wait patiently for the scanning process to finish. After then, you can see all found files are put into categories. Point the category and check out the found files. When finding the target files, select them and click "Recover".

Part 2. How to Restore Deleted Files after Reinstalling Windows with Backup File

Things get quite different if you have backed up your computer before reinstalling Windows 11, Windows 10, or Windows 7. The deleted files after reinstalling Windows can be possibly recovered. Here are the steps to restore files after reinstalling windows

For Windows 7, if you have backed up the system data with the Backup and Restore feature, then follow the steps.

1. In the search bar, type Control Panel to open it > click Backup and Restore in System and Security.
2. Click Restore files from backups > select Restore my files or Restore all users' files.

3. Next, move to Browse for files or Browse for folders to select files to restore.

In Windows 11/10,

1. Type in File History in the search box at the left bottom and you can see the option "Backup". Click it to locate your backup
2. In "Back up using File History", click "More Options".
3. Scroll down "Related settings" to choose "Restore files from a current backup".

4. Find the backup file version you want, and click "Restore" to save it to the original folder.

Part 3. How to Retrieve Deleted Files After Reinstalling Windows with Restore Point

Another way to restore files after reinstalling Windows is using Restore Point. However, it will revert your Windows system to the previous version. If you never mind it, then go ahead with the steps below to restore files after reinstalling Windows.

1. Click Windows and R keys simultaneously.
2. Type rstrui.exe and press Enter.
3. In the System Restore window, select Choose a different restore point and click Next.

4. You will see Scans for affected programs. Click it. If no drive is affected, continue and finish the process. If not, you should back up all files in the drive to an external hard drive before continuing the process.

Part 4. How to Prevent Data Losing While Reinstalling Windows Operating System

Reinstalling Windows operating system is risky for data loss no matter in what way you reinstall it. To prevent data loss, you can try the tips below.

• Back up files. There are many options for you to back up files on your Windows PC. You can try Qiling backup to back up selected drives, folders, or files. Or try Windows built-in backup feature to create backup media files.
• Instead of reinstalling the Windows operating system, the reset to factory settings might be helpful as well. You can see two options for resetting Windows: reset Windows and remove everything or keep my files. For sure, keep my files works.
• Reinstalling Windows operating system with files reserved. You can see options "Keep Everything", "Keep Personal Data" and "Keep Nothing". To prevent data loss my suggestion is "Keep Everything".

Related Articles

• Recover Files After Factory Reset/System Restore Windows 10
• How to Recover Lost Files after System Restore in Windows 7
• Recover Deleted Restore Points in Windows 10
• How to Recover Deleted Files Not In Recycle Bin
• How to Recover Files Lost after Cut and Paste in Windows 11/10