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19 July 2024  Ashley S. Miller  Specialist of Customer Service Dept.
 

Summary
Windows File Recovery is a free command-line utility from Microsoft designed to help users recover accidentally deleted files. Available for download from the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 and Windows 11, it supports the recovery of files from various storage devices, including local SSD drives, USB sticks, memory cards, external hard drives, and ZIP drives. While it lacks a graphical user interface, those familiar with command-line tools will find it easier to use.



Table of contents

table iconWhat is Windows File Recovery?
table iconHow to Install Windows File Recovery
table iconHow to Use Windows File Recovery to Recover Lost Files
table iconConclusion
Losing important files due to accidental deletion can be a stressful experience. Fortunately, Windows File Recovery (WFR or WinFR) is a free command-line utility provided by Microsoft that can help you recover those lost files. This article will guide you through the steps to use Windows File Recovery effectively.

What is Windows File Recovery?

Windows File Recovery is a utility released by Microsoft around the time of Windows 10 version 2004 (approximately May 2020). Available for download from the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 and Windows 11, it can restore files deleted from local SSD drives, USB sticks, memory cards (SD cards), external hard drives, and even ZIP drives.

A Command Line App

Windows File Recovery is a command-line-only program, meaning there is no official graphical user interface (GUI). If you are familiar with command-line shells like Windows Terminal, you will find it easier to use. However, even if you are new to command-line utilities, this article will help you get started quickly.

What Happens to Deleted Files on Windows?

When you delete a file in Windows, it goes to the Recycle Bin, a hidden folder on your local volume (C: drive). If you empty the Recycle Bin, Windows marks the logical blocks on the hard drive as free, but the data is still there, hidden from the operating system. The recoverability of your files depends on how quickly you act before new data overwrites the old data.

How Windows File Recovery Works

Windows File Recovery uses two scanning methods to search for your deleted files:
- Regular: Uses the Master File Table (MFT) on your volume to search for files. Best used for recently deleted files on non-corrupted NTFS drives.
- Extensive: Offers a thorough recovery option suitable for all file systems, including FAT, FAT32, ReFS, etc.

How to Install Windows File Recovery

To install Windows File Recovery, you need to be running at least Windows 10 version 2004 or Windows 11. Follow these steps to download and install WFR:
1. Open the Microsoft Store application from your Taskbar or the Start Menu.
2. Click in the Search bar at the top, type in ‘Windows File Recovery’, and hit Enter. Alternatively, you can click on this Microsoft Store link.
3. Click the Install button on the right.
download winfr in Windows store
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Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

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How to Use Windows File Recovery to Recover Lost Files

Because there is no official GUI, you’ll need to use the command line to access Windows File Recovery.
There is a third-party program called WinfrGUI that offers a GUI front-end to Windows File Recovery, but it is not supported by Microsoft.

Launching Windows File Recovery with the ‘winfr’ Command

Open your favorite shell, such as Windows Terminal. Type in winfr and hit Enter.
winfr
You’ll see the basic usage of the program and some examples of how to proceed.

How to Choose Which Windows File Recovery Mode to Use

Use the /regular switch for NTFS partitions that are in good shape. For other file systems like FAT32, FAT, ExFAT, or ReFS, use the Extensive mode.
NTFSDeleted recentlyRegular
NTFSDeleted a while agoExtensive
NTFSAfter formatting a diskExtensive
NTFSA corrupted diskExtensive
FAT and exFATAnyExtensive

How to Recover a File in Regular Mode

To search for deleted files in the Downloads folder, use the following command:
winfr c: d: /regular /n \Users\reneelab\Downloads\
winfr regular mode
Press ‘y’ to continue.
press y in winfr
The source drive is ‘C:’. The destination drive is ‘D:’. The /regular switch is used, and the /n switch is used to filter the search to the Downloads folder.
image 
You can also use file extension filters to search for specific file types. For example, to search for PDF files exclusively:
winfr c: e: /regular /n *.pdf

How to Recover a File in Extensive Mode

To perform a thorough scan of the entire D: drive for deleted files and save them to the C: drive, use the following command:
winfr d: c: /extensive
WinFR extensive mode
Check the C: drive for a Recovery folder with the recovered files.
WinFR recovered files

How to Use the ‘Older’ Segment and Signature Modes

In earlier versions of WFR, there were three modes: Default, Segment, and Signature. These are now advanced switches in the newer versions.

- Segment: Searches NTFS drives using file record segments.

- Signature: Searches the disk using file signatures of different file types.

Conclusion

Windows File Recovery is a powerful tool for recovering deleted files on Windows. While it requires Windows 10 version 2004 or later, it offers a robust solution for various file systems. By understanding the different modes and how to use them, you can maximize your chances of recovering lost files. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for reading!
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Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!