How to Retrieve Files After a Factory Reset on a Laptop/PC [Solution]

Part 1. Overview of Data Loss Following Factory Reset

"My Dell laptop was severely infected by unknown malware and viruses, and antivirus software proved ineffective in resolving the issue. As a last resort, I decided to reset my Dell to its factory settings. However, this action resulted in the deletion of numerous programs, data, and personal files. Is it possible to utilize data recovery software to retrieve these lost items?"

"I have just restored my computer back to its factory settings and consequently lost all my pictures, files, etc. Do you have any idea how I can possibly retrieve them? I have valuable pictures that I've had for years stored on there. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated." - From Cnet

How many times have you performed a factory reset on your laptop but failed to back up crucial files? To be honest, it's not advisable to proceed with a PC or laptop factory reset without first transferring your personal files to an external USB flash drive or external hard drive. This is because all data will be permanently erased once you decide to reset the device. Nonetheless, there are situations when a reset is necessary. For instance, if your laptop's performance is deteriorating, it's infected with viruses, or you need to erase program settings, passwords, or other sensitive data before giving it away or selling it to someone else.

Part 2. Likelihood of File Recovery After Factory Reset

According to the first part, you will undoubtedly lose your files following a factory reset. A factory reset primarily affects the C drive. The process typically entails:

Reformat the C drive - Restore the system with a backup - Restart after restore 翻译成英文为： Reformat the C drive - Restore the system using a backup - Restart after restoration

Essentially, after performing a factory reset, the laptop will completely消除所有后安装的程序、应用、游戏或个人文档，如图片、音乐或电影。因此，部分数据将被覆盖。更糟糕的是，原始丢失文件的文件系统可能会损坏。但这并不意味着你在 factory reset 后就失去了恢复所需文件的机会。你仍然有机会恢复可能未被覆盖的文件。

The only solution lies in utilizing Data Recovery Wizard. It is a professional tool in the realm of data recovery and has assisted millions of users in effortlessly retrieving their lost data. This trustworthy hard disk data recovery software enables you to recover your missing files through RAW recovery.

Moreover, it has some excellent features:

• Recover data from a dead/corrupted hard drive
• Recover photos, audio, music, and emails from any storage device
• Convert RAW to NTFS without data loss
• Easily recover deleted, formatted, and inaccessible data

Part 3: Restore Files After Factory Reset Laptop Without Backup

Since Data Recovery Wizard is the ideal solution for your needs, it's recommended to recover your data promptly. Download it to retrieve lost files after a factory reset on laptops such as HP, Dell, Toshiba, Acer, Asus, Lenovo, Sony, Samsung, and more, following the detailed guide below.

Also read: How to Recover Data After Factory Reset Samsung Galaxy

Step 1. Run the Data Recovery Wizard tool on your computer. Select the drive where you lost the files and click "Scan". If the lost files were on an external storage device, first connect it to your computer.

Step 2. The software will promptly scan the deleted files and subsequently conduct a deep scan to locate additional lost files. Upon completion of the scan, you can utilize the "Filter" option to swiftly filter specific file types.

Step 3. Click the "Preview" button or double-click on a file to view a full preview. Lastly, select the desired files, click "Recover," and choose another safe location to save all the files simultaneously.

Part 4: Perform a Factory Reset on Windows 10 Laptop/PC Without Losing Data

If your computer isn't functioning as it should, displaying unusual errors or operating slowly, it might be time for a reset. Resetting your PC or restoring it to a previous state can eliminate bothersome background programs and rid your computer's hard drive of unnecessary files. Before proceeding with any actions, and while your PC is functioning correctly, it's crucial to back up important data promptly, particularly data on the C drive. Saving this data to an external hard drive is a wise choice. This ensures that you'll be able to reset your device without losing your essential files.

The operating system offers several options to restore your Windows 10 computer back to a previous state. Here's how to easily reset your Laptop/PC in Windows 10: 1. **Access the Settings**: Click on the Start button, represented by the Windows logo, and then select the "Settings" gear icon. 2. **Open Recovery Options**: In the Settings window, click on "Update & Security," followed by "Recovery" from the left sidebar. 3. **Choose Reset Option**: Under the "Reset this PC" section, you'll see two options: "Keep my files" and "Remove everything." - If you want to reset while preserving personal files, choose "Keep my files." - For a more thorough reset, select "Remove everything." This option will erase both your personal files and settings. 4. **Select Reset Method**: If you chose "Remove everything," you'll be asked to choose between "Just remove my files" and "Fully clean the drive." The latter is a slower process but ensures a more secure wipe of your data. 5. **Initiate the Reset Process**: After making your selection, click on "Next," then "Reset" to begin the reset process. Your computer will restart and go through the restoration steps. 6. **Wait for Completion**: The reset process may take some time, depending on the size of your data and the chosen reset option. Do not turn off your computer during this process. 7. **Setup Windows 10 Again**: Once the reset is complete, your computer will prompt you to set up Windows 10 as if it were a new device. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. Remember, resetting your computer will remove apps, settings, and updates, so make sure to backup any important data before proceeding with the reset.

Step 1. Go to "Settings > Update & security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get started."

Step 2. Choose either "Keep my files" or "Remove everything." If you select "Keep my files," your data files will remain intact, but all settings will revert to default and apps will be uninstalled.

Step 3. If you opted for "Remove everything" in the previous step, choose either "Only the drive where Windows is installed" or "All drives."

Step 4. Choose "Just remove my files" or "Remove files and clean the drive." If you're giving the computer away, the next person won't be able to recover your deleted files. If you're keeping the computer, select "Just remove my files."

Step 5. Click "Reset" when prompted. Windows will then restart and take several minutes to reset itself.

After this process, you can recover data from the external hard drive or restore your backup if needed.

Conclusion

Having a backup beforehand can always come in handy. If you plan to factory reset your laptop due to a slow operating system or a virus infection, ensure that you have a backup already. If you don't have a backup and have proceeded with the factory reset, it's crucial to utilize tools like Data Recovery Wizard (Part 3) promptly to retrieve lost files. This efficient tool delivers outstanding performance along with user-friendly operations.

1. What is a factory reset? A factory reset is a process that returns a device, such as a computer or smartphone, to its original settings and removes all data, apps, and user accounts from it, similar to when it was first purchased. 2. Why would I need to perform a factory reset? You might need to perform a factory reset if your device is experiencing severe performance issues, malware infections, or if you're planning to sell or donate the device. 3. Will a factory reset delete all my files? Yes, a factory reset will erase all personal files, documents, photos, videos, and applications from your device. It's crucial to back up important data before proceeding. 4. How can I recover files after a factory reset? File recovery after a factory reset can be challenging but not impossible. You can use data recovery software, such as tools Data Recovery Wizard or Recuva, to scan the device for deleted files and attempt to restore them. 5. Is file recovery guaranteed after a factory reset? There's no guarantee that all files can be recovered, as the process of resetting may overwrite some data. The sooner you use a recovery tool, the higher the chances of retrieving lost files. 6. Can I recover files from a cloud backup? If you had synced your files with a cloud service like Google Drive, iCloud, or OneDrive, you can log in to your account and download your files again after the reset. 7. Are there any risks involved in using data recovery software? While data recovery software is generally safe, there's always a risk of further damaging the device or overwriting some data. Choose reputable software and follow the instructions carefully. 8. Can I recover files from a formatted hard drive after a factory reset? Yes, you can still try to recover files from a formatted hard drive using specialized software, but the success rate depends on whether the drive has been used since the reset. 9. Is it possible to recover files without software? In some cases, you might find recently deleted files in the recycle bin or temporary folders before performing a factory reset. However, once the reset is done, software tools become necessary for recovery. 10. How can I prevent losing files in the future? Regularly back up your important files to an external storage device, cloud service, or another internal location to ensure their safety in case of a factory reset or other data loss situations.

继续阅读，您可以在执行出厂重置后获得更多的数据恢复帮助。

1. Does a factory reset delete all data permanently?

No, there are two options available. If you select "Keep my files," your personal files will be retained. However, if you choose "Remove everything," your data will be permanently erased.

2. Can data be recovered after a factory reset?

Yes, you can recover files after a factory reset by following these steps: 1. **Connect the Device to a Computer**: Use a USB cable to connect your device (phone, tablet, or computer) to a computer with data recovery software installed. 2. **Boot the Device in Recovery Mode**: Depending on the device, you may need to boot it into a specific recovery mode. For Android devices, press and hold specific buttons (usually Volume Up + Power + Bixby or Home button) while turning it on. For iOS devices, connect to iTunes and follow on-screen instructions. 3. **Enable USB Debugging (if necessary)**: For Android devices, go to Developer Options and enable USB Debugging. This might be required for some data recovery tools. 4. **Run Data Recovery Software**: Launch the data recovery software on your computer, and select the connected device. Popular options include tools Data Recovery Wizard, Disk Drill, or Dr.Fone. 5. **Scan for Lost Files**: The software will scan your device's memory for deleted or lost files. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the storage. 6. **Preview and Recover Files**: Once the scan is complete, you'll see a list of recoverable files. Preview them, select the ones you want to recover, and click on the 'Recover' or 'Restore' button to save them to your computer. Remember that the success of file recovery depends on whether the data has been overwritten since the factory reset. It's always best to back up important files regularly to avoid potential loss.

1. Run the Data Recovery Wizard tool on your computer. 2. Select the drive where you lost the files and click on "Scan." 3. After the scan is complete, click the "Preview" button or double-click on a file for a full preview. 4. Finally, choose the desired files. 5. Click "Recover" and select another secure location to save them.

3. How long does it take to factory reset a PC? Performing a factory reset on a PC can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on various factors such as the speed of your computer, the amount of data being erased, and the method used for the reset. If your PC has a lot of files and applications to remove, or if it's running a full system scan before the reset, the process may take longer. It's important to note that the actual time may vary between different devices and operating systems.

How long does it take to factory reset a PC? Find out the answer here:

通常，时间会从30分钟到3小时不等。

4. Do you lose all photos when you factory reset your iPhone?

Yes, performing a factory reset on your iPhone will delete all photos and other data from the device.