How to Recover Lost or Deleted Files from Windows 11?

Did you recently upgrade to Windows 11 and find some files missing on your device? Windows 11 OS introduces new features such as redesigned Start logo, improved multitasking, enhanced gaming, better security and many more. Despite these features, sometimes you may encounter data loss issues on your Windows 11 PC.

Whether your files are deleted intentionally or by mistake, you can use Windows built-in utilities or professional data recovery software tools to recover lost files. In this step-by-step guide, we will explore different methods on how to recover lost or missing files from Windows 11 PC.

Common Reasons for File Deletion on Windows 11

Files might be deleted on your device due to accidental deletion, virus or malware attacks, or improper transfer. Identifying the exact reason for data loss on your Windows 11 devices is important to find adequate recovery workarounds. Some of them are:

• Accidental Deletion: You might have deleted files accidentally, i.e., while removing other files or folders or performing some tasks on your device.
• Disk Formatting: Formatting any storage device, including hard drive, SSD, USB drive, etc. causes permanent deletion of stored files.
• Virus or Malware Attacks: Malicious programs like viruses or malware sometimes attack your Windows device, causing encryption, corruption or even deletion of files.
• System Crashes: Unexpected crashes due to hardware issues, driver conflicts, or software bugs, can cause file corruption or deletion.
• Partition Deletion: When you delete partitions using disk management or third-party partitioning software, it results in permanent loss of data stored on those partitions.

How do I Recover Files Lost on Windows 11?

Whatever among the above is the cause for data loss on your Windows 11 PC, it’s important to immediately avoid saving new files on your device. Saving new data may overwrite the deleted files and make the recovery process complex. Here are some quick and easy methods that you can apply to restore lost or deleted files:

Method 01: Check the Recycle Bin

Every deleted file on Windows PC goes to the Recycle Bin folder before getting permanently erased. It is important to check the Recycle Bin for lost or deleted files before proceeding with any other recovery workaround. All you have to do is:

• Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon located on your desktop.
• Locate your deleted files. Select the files you need to restore and right-click on any one file.
• Select the Restore option to return the file to its original location.

If the required file is not in the Recycle Bin, it might have been permanently removed from your device. In such cases, you’ll need to try other methods.

Method 02: Recover Lost Files Using File History

Windows 11 OS provides a built-in File History backup feature that you can use to create backup of your files and restore them when data loss occurs. If you’ve enabled File History backup before data loss, follow the below steps to recover your lost or deleted files:

• Press the Windows + I keys to launch the Settings app.
• Now, go to Update & Security and select the Files backup option from the left navigation pane.
• Click the “More options” button under Back up using File History.
• Scroll down and click on the “Restore files from a current backup” option.
• Browse through different folders to locate the required files.
• Once found, tap the green Restore button to save the selected file at its original location.

Method 03: Use Command Prompt to Recover Deleted Files 

Windows Command Prompt (CMD) is another effective tool to recover files lost or deleted from external hard drives, SD cards, or USBs. Go through the following steps to recover lost files using CMD:

• Firstly, type cmd in the search box of your desktop.
• Right-click on Command Prompt from the context menu and select the Run as Administrator option.
• Now, type the command: chkdsk X: /f (replace "X" with the drive letter where your deleted data was earlier stored) and press Enter.
• Once the scan completes, type the command: attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:\*.* and press Enter.

Wait till the process is completed. After that, check the affected drive for the restored files. If the files are recovered successfully, copy them to another location for safety.

Method 04: Use Professional Data Recovery Software

When built-in tools fail, try using professional data recovery software such as Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore your lost files. This all-in-one recovery tool completely scans your storage device for recoverable data even if it is permanently removed. You can use this tool to restore files lost from any internal or external storage devices, including hard drives, SSDs, memory cards, etc.

The Stellar Data Recovery Professional software is available in multiple versions, varying in features and prices. You can check and compare their features and then select the one that best fits your requirements. This software is also known for its user-friendly interface, allowing users to recover lost files in three simple steps.

Here’s how to recover lost or deleted files from Windows 11 using this professional data recovery software:

Step 1: Firstly, download and install the Stellar Data Recovery Professional software on your Windows 11 PC. Launch the software and from the homepage, select the type of file you need to restore and click Next.

Step 2: Now, choose the storage drive where the deleted file was earlier stored and click Scan to initiate the scanning process.

Step 3: Wait till the scan completes. Once done, preview the recoverable files and choose the ones you need to restore. Click the Recover button to save selected files at the desired location on your device.

Method 05: Consult Professional Data Recovery Services

If your files are missing even after successfully employing the above recovery steps, then professional recovery services might help you. Some popular services offering effective data recovery expertise are Ontrack, SalvageData, and DataTech Labs. These recovery experts are specialized in retrieving lost files from severely damaged drives or inaccessible systems.

Best Practices to Avoid Data Loss on Windows 11

While the aforementioned data recovery methods are easy to implement, prevention is better than cure. It is important to prevent data loss issues from your end. You can consider the following tips to minimize the risk of data loss in the future:

• Create Regular Backup: Maintain backup of your important files using an external drive or cloud storage such as Google Cloud, Google Drive, etc. on a regular basis.
• Enable File History: File history is also an effective way to restore lost files on Windows 11 PC. Ensure you’ve enabled the File History feature on your device for automatic backups.
• Avoid Overwriting Files: Once you encounter data loss, minimize using the affected drive to prevent overwriting recoverable files.
• Keep Software Updated: Ensure Windows OS and software programs installed on your device are up-to-date for optimal performance.

Final Thoughts

Recovering lost or deleted files on Windows 11 may appear a challenging process, but the above-mentioned tools and methods can help you restore your lost files. Start by exploring built-in features like the Recycle Bin and File History. If these don’t work, third-party data recovery software such as Stellar Data Recovery or professional experts can help you recover lost files easily. Moreover, by implementing regular backups and protective measures, you can prevent your data from future loss. Remember, acting quickly after file deletion increases the chances of successful recovery.