The need to recover data after reinstalling Windows is uncommon and the process may be tricky. Reinstalling Windows has several benefits that include removing viruses from the system, fixing all system errors, costing computer performance, and applications like File Explorer crash occasionally. However, data loss after reinstalling Windows is inevitable under a few scenarios.
Is It Possible to Recover Files After Reinstalling Windows?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to recover files after reinstalling Windows 11/10/8 any versions. When files are lost or deleted from the drive, the data is not permanently erased from the Windows. With the help of reliable methods, you can still recover the lost files.
Also Read: Recover Data from NTFS Drive
How to Recover Files After Reinstalling Windows 11/10/8/7?
To recover files after reinstalling the Windows OS, follow the given methods below.
Method 1: Backup File History to Recover Lost Files After Reinstalling Windows
A Backup File History is an image data of the hard disk that holds recovered data in the hard disk from its previous state, the benefit of creating an image disk is that the important data can be stored and recovered after a reinstallation
If Enabled, you can use File History to recover data after Windows reinstallations, if you have disabled the option, this method might not help you recover files.
1: Connect the backup drive to your system
2: Open the Control Panel and Click on System and Security.
3: Under File History, click on Restore your Files With File History.
4: Locate and select the files from your backup and Restore them.
Method 2: System Restore Point to Recover Files after Windows Reinstallation
System Restore Point also works similarly to backup file history. A restore point is used to restore the computer files to an earlier point. It is created automatically by your computer when it notices the change in the OS. You will be able to recover data if you have created the restore point earlier. Click here to follow the steps to recover files using the System Restore point.
Recovering data from system Restore becomes easy if you have created a restore point and backed up files. However, if you created backup on the same drive that is installed with Windows You will not be able to recover lost data even after system restore because the drive will be formatted when you reinstall Windows.
Follow the steps to restore data from system restore
1: Type Control Panel in the Search, Open Control Panel→ Recovery
2: Select Open System Restore, choose the restore point created recently before the Windows installation process, click Next and Finish
Note: Make sure your system protection should be turned ON. To do this, select Configure System Restore → Configure → Turn ON
In This article, the most effective solution is to use professional data recovery software.
The SFWare Data Recovery tool is equipped with an advanced algorithm and user-friendly UI that allows users to easily recover files after windows reinstallations. You can try it for yourself by downloading SFWare today!
Method 3: Recover Lost Data After Windows Reinstall using SFWare Data Recovery Software
Download and install the SFWare Data recovery software and Launch the application after installing new Windows OS.
1: Launch the tool, select the drive, and click on Start Scan.
2: Check the Folders (Deleted Files and Lost and Found Files) for the recovered files.
3: Locate files that you need to recover. (Use the search box and Filter options to make it easy)
4: Double-click on any file to preview it.
5: Select the files you want to recover and Click on Save to restore them on your device.
Also Read: How to Recover Deleted or Lost Files on Windows 11?
Tips to Keep Data Safe While Reinstalling Windows
- Take a backup of files by using disk image before reinstalling the Windows.
- Make a list of all the necessary applications software and have a backup of the same, which can be used to restore after the Windows is installed
- Have a list of all the product activation keys of various products that need to be restored after the re-installation.
- Make sure that you have an updated Windows installation kit because Windows keeps updating every year. It is better to have an updated installation kit for better performance.
Conclusion
I hope that you were able to safely recover data after reinstalling Windows with the help of this article. If you wish to reinstall Windows without losing files, creating a backup beforehand will do wonders. Please feel free to reach out if you have any related queries or feedback.