How to Retrieve Missing Files After a Windows 11 Update (5 Effective Methods)

Upgrading to Windows 11 Erased All the Files on My Computer

"Everything is gone after upgrading to Windows 11. I updated without backing up, assuming it would be fine since I've upgraded other devices without issues. Everything was fine before. Can I recover these files? Is it possible? Will reverting the update restore my files? Any guidance is appreciated" - from Reddit

Windows 11 is a highly awaited update to the Windows operating system. Although it introduces numerous new features and enhancements, it can also lead to issues with your files. If you have experienced file loss after upgrading to Windows 11, do not panic – you can typically recover them using one of the methods outlined below.

How to Upgrade to Windows 11 in Easy Steps

Before delving into file recovery after a Windows update, it's crucial to understand what takes place during the update process. Does upgrading to Windows 11 delete files? And where do files go in Windows 11?

Microsoft has released its update to Windows 11. Here's what you need to know to upgrade your computer.

Step 1. Check the Compatibility

Firstly, you'll need to verify if your computer is compatible with Windows 11. To accomplish this, visit the Microsoft website and search for the "Windows 11 Upgrade Advisor" tool. After running the tool, it will inform you whether your computer meets the requirements for the upgrade.

Step 2: Create a Backup in Windows 11

If your computer meets the compatibility requirements, the next step is to back up your data. This is a preventive measure in case any issues arise during the upgrade process. After backing up your data, you can proceed to download Windows 11.

Step 3. Download and Install Windows 11 This step involves obtaining the Windows 11 installation file and then proceeding with the setup process on your device. 1. **Download Windows 11**: Visit the official Microsoft website or the Microsoft Store to download the Windows 11 ISO file. Ensure that your device meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 before downloading. 2. **Create Installation Media**: You'll need a USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of free space. Use the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to create a bootable Windows 11 installation media. Connect the USB drive to your computer, run the tool, and follow the on-screen instructions. 3. **Boot from the Installation Media**: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing the relevant key (usually F2, F10, F12, or Del, depending on your PC). Change the boot order to prioritize USB devices, save the changes, and exit. Your computer should now boot from the USB drive. 4. **Start the Installation Process**: Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the installation. You may need to select your language, time zone, and other preferences. 5. **Accept the License Agreement**: Read and agree to the Microsoft Software License Terms. 6. **Choose Installation Type**: Select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" to proceed with a clean installation or "Upgrade: Keep personal files, apps, and Windows settings" if you want to keep your data while upgrading from Windows 10. 7. **Select Drive**: Choose the partition where you want to install Windows 11. If necessary, you can create, format, or delete partitions using the "Drive options (advanced)" button. 8. **Install Windows 11**: The installation process will now begin, which may take some time. Your computer will restart several times during this process. 9. **Complete Setup**: After the installation is finished, you'll be asked to set up your user account, connect to Wi-Fi, update settings, and customize your desktop. Follow these steps to complete the initial setup of Windows 11. 10. **Finalize and Reboot**: Once the setup is completed, your computer will reboot one last time, and you'll be greeted with the new Windows 11 interface.

Upon completion of the download, double-click on the "Setup.exe" file to initiate the installer. The installer will then lead you through the remaining steps, a process that should only take a few minutes. Upon finishing the upgrade, you'll be able to experience all the new features and enhancements that Windows 11 provides!

• 0:00 Introducing the Windows 11 Compatibility Checker
• 0:45 How to Resolve the "This PC Doesn't Meet the Requirements for Windows 11" Error
• 5:17 Two Methods to Obtain and Install Windows 11

How to Retrieve Missing Files After a Windows 11 Update

During a Windows update, your computer downloads Microsoft's newest security patches and system enhancements. These updates are intended to safeguard your computer against malware and enhance its overall performance. Generally, your files should not be deleted during an update. However, you might face challenges in locating your previous files after upgrading to Windows 10 or 11. To find and recover deleted files on Windows 11, try the following strategies: Recover Deleted Files on Windows 11.

Method 1: Recover Lost Files Using Search in Windows 11

If you're unable to locate the file due to a changed location, you can utilize the Search function to find and restore missing files after a Windows 11 update.

Step 1. Click on the search box on the taskbar and look for your files.

Step 2. Troubleshoot Search issues if you don't see the files.

• In the search box on the taskbar, type indexing, and then choose "Indexing Options".

• Select "Advanced > Troubleshoot search and indexing."

Method 2: Enable Administrator Account to Recover Lost Files

You might occasionally upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 using a new Microsoft account, which could potentially result in the loss of your old files. To prevent this issue, you need to enable the Windows 11 Administrator account.

Step 1. Type computer management in the Search bar and choose "Computer Management".

Step 2. Navigate to "Local Users and Groups > Users > Administrator."

Step 3. Uncheck the "Account is disabled" checkbox and click "Apply" to activate the account.

Next, log out and then sign back in using the Administrator account. Check if the missing files reappear after the Windows 11 update.

Method 3: Recover Lost Files After Windows 11 Update Using Backup

The Windows 11 update can occasionally result in data loss. If you have a file backup in Windows 11, you can easily recover deleted files.

Step 1. Go to "Settings > Update and security > Backup."

Step 2. Select "Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)" to retrieve files from there.

Method 4: Recover Lost Files with File History After Windows 11 Update

Windows 11 File History is a backup tool that enables users to restore permanently deleted files in Windows 11. By default, it creates backups of files every hour, and users also have the option to create manual backups whenever needed. To recover lost files using Windows File History, follow these steps:

Step 1. Click the search icon, type "Restore Files," and click "Open."

Step 2. Search for the folder that contained the old address of your deleted/lost files.

Step 3. Choose the files and click the "Restore" button. The erased files will return to their original location.

Translation: Restore Lost Files with File History

Method 5: Recover Lost Files After Windows 11 Update Without Backup (Recommended)

Regardless of whether you have a backup or not, you can retrieve lost files after upgrading to Windows 11/10/8/7. Data Recovery Wizard, one of the top-rated data recovery tools, can effectively restore deleted files following an update. This software is compatible with both Windows and Mac, and it provides a range of features to assist users in reclaiming their lost data.

1. It supports numerous file types, including documents, photos, videos, and more.
2. The software is capable of recovering data from both internal and external storage devices.
3. It provides a user-friendly interface for restoring deleted files in Windows 11/10/8/7.

Download and run this Windows 11 data recovery software to retrieve lost files following an update.

Step 1. Launch the Data Recovery Wizard on Windows 11/10/8/7 and select the location where you lost your data. Click "Scan" afterwards.

Step 2. Following the scan, utilize the file format filter located on the left or upper-right corner to locate the files you require. Next, click the "Preview" button or double-click a file to preview its contents.

Step 3. Check the box next to the file and click "Recover" to retrieve the lost data to a secure location.

How to Prevent Data Loss After Upgrading to Windows 11

Backing up your data is crucial before executing any system updates, as the possibility of data loss exists. This holds true for the Windows 11 update as well. To prevent data loss after upgrading to Windows 11, follow these steps:

Firstly, create a full system backup using either the built-in Windows backup utility or a third-party backup solution. This ensures that you have a complete replica of your system and all your data, which can be restored if needed.   Secondly, disconnect any external drives or storage devices connected to your computer prior to commencing the update process. This step prevents them from being inadvertently erased or affected during the update.

Lastly, after the update is finished, verify that all your data and files are still present and accessible. If any data is missing, restore it from your backup. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that no data is lost during the upgrade to Windows 11.

Conclusion

If, unfortunately, you've lost files after upgrading to Windows 11, don't worry too much. There's still an opportunity to retrieve your lost files. This article presents five methods to assist you in this process. It's highly advised to backup crucial data before updating Windows to prevent data loss.

FAQs: Recovering Deleted Files After Windows 11 Update 1. What happened to my deleted files after the Windows 11 update? - After a Windows 11 update, it's possible that some files might be temporarily removed or shifted due to system changes. This can sometimes result in the appearance of deleted files. 2. Can I recover deleted files after updating to Windows 11? - Yes, you can often recover deleted files using built-in tools, such as the 'Recycle Bin' or by utilizing third-party data recovery software. 3. How do I check the Recycle Bin for deleted files? - Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop, and search for the missing files. If found, right-click and select 'Restore' to get them back to their original location. 4. What if the files aren't in the Recycle Bin? - If the files are not in the Recycle Bin, they may have been permanently deleted or not caught by the recycle process. In this case, try using data recovery software to scan your hard drive for lost files. 5. Are there any free data recovery tools available? - Yes, there are several free data recovery tools like Recuva, tools Data Recovery Wizard Free, and TestDisk. However, their effectiveness may vary, and paid versions often offer more advanced features. 6. Is it safe to use data recovery software? - Most reputable data recovery software is safe to use. However, always ensure you download from a trusted source and follow the installation instructions carefully. 7. Can I recover files from a formatted or corrupted partition after the update? - Yes, specialized data recovery software can sometimes retrieve files from formatted or corrupted partitions, but success depends on the severity of the issue. 8. How long does it take to recover deleted files? - The time it takes to recover files depends on the size of the files, the complexity of the recovery process, and the performance of your system. 9. Is it possible to prevent file loss during updates? - Regularly backing up your important files to an external storage device or cloud service can help prevent file loss during updates. 10. What should I do if I can't recover my deleted files? - If you're unable to recover your files, consider seeking professional assistance from data recovery services. They have specialized tools and expertise to handle complex recovery situations.

Knowing how to locate missing files on your computer ensures that you won't lose vital information. If you encounter further issues, refer to the questions and answers below for assistance.

1. How to recover permanently deleted files in Windows 10 without using any software?

You can follow the solutions below to recover deleted files without software: You can attempt to recover deleted files without using any software by following these steps:

• Recover Deleted Files in Windows 10 Using Command Prompt
• Restore Deleted Files from the Previous Version
• Recover Permanently Deleted Files from an Earlier Backup

2. How to recover deleted files in Windows 11 without a backup?

If you haven't been backing up your files on a Windows 11 computer, you still have a few options for recovering deleted files in Windows 11 without a backup:

1. Check the Recycling Bin folder
2. Utilize the Undo option
3. Employ third-party data recovery software

3. Will my files disappear if I upgrade to Windows 11?

The answer is No. As long as you choose "Keep personal files and apps" during the Windows setup process, you won't lose any of your data.

4. Why are my files being automatically deleted by Windows 11?

If your files are getting deleted automatically in Windows 10, the causes could be:

1. Corrupted system files
2. Hard drive issues
3. Pending system updates
4. Third-party applications