Can I recover deleted or lost AppData folder and files?

Does anyone know how to recover lost AppData folder and files? I lost my Excel this morning, and I'm guessing there might be a chance to find the auto-saved file in the AppData folder. The entire AppData folder is emptied, and there's nothing in it. Where else can I find the lost files and folders from the AppData folder?

If you're one of those who can't restore or find the AppData folder or files in Windows 10, 8, or 7, don't worry. Below, you'll find a reliable method to effectively recover the AppData folder and files.

Restore Empty AppData Folder or Recover Missing AppData Folder

To effectively recover lost or emptied AppData files, it's recommended that you avoid saving new data to the hard drive and seek an appropriate tool to assist with the recovery process.

Now, we recommend you try the best file and folder recovery software – the Data Recovery Wizard tool for assistance. It allows you to effectively find and recover lost files and folders with just three simple steps on Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7. Download it for free and let the software instantly restore your missing AppData folder along with its contents:

How to Restore the AppData Folder in 3 Steps 1. Step 1: Back Up Important Data Before attempting to restore the AppData folder, make sure you have backed up any crucial data it contains. You can use cloud storage services or an external hard drive to copy the files. 2. Step 2: Use a System Restore Point If your computer has system restore points enabled, follow these steps to recover the AppData folder: - Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. - Type "rstrui.exe" and press Enter to launch the System Restore Wizard. - Select a restore point that was created before the AppData folder went missing. - Follow the wizard's instructions to complete the system restore process. This will revert your system to the state it was in at the chosen time, including the files within AppData. 3. Step 3: Employ Data Recovery Software If system restore is not an option or there are no restore points available, consider using a professional data recovery tool. Here's a general outline of the process: - Download and install a reputable data recovery software, such as Recuva or tools Data Recovery Wizard. - Launch the software and select the drive to scan (usually C: drive, as AppData is typically located at C:\Users\Username\AppData). - Initiate a deep scan to locate lost files. - Preview and select the files from the AppData folder that you want to recover. - Click the "Recover" button to save the files to a secure location. Please note that data recovery is not always 100% successful, especially if the files have been overwritten or damaged. Therefore, regular backups are always recommended.

Step 1: Select the folder to scan for lost files

Launch the Data Recovery Wizard. Under “Select Location,” choose “Select Folder.” Click “Browse,” locate the missing folder, and click “OK” to scan for the lost folder.

Select the folder to scan

Step 2: Look for the missing folder and preview the found files

If you can remember the name of the folder, type it in the search box to quickly locate the missing file. Then, open the found folder and double-click to preview the scanned files. Alternatively, you can use the “Filter” feature to look for a specific type of file.

Select the files to recover
Select the files to recover

Step 3: Recover and save the lost folder

Finally, select the folders and files you need and click “Recover” to choose a new secure location on your computer to save the recovered data.

Recover Lost Folder Data

Then, create a new folder called AppData, and copy the files back into your User folder on the C drive.

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How to Restore the Missing AppData Folder in Windows 10

The AppData folder is located within the Users folder on drive C:, but it might be missing or deleted. Method 1: Type %AppData% in the Windows 10 search box to display it; Method 2: Use a data recovery software to restore the lost AppData folder in Windows 10.

Restore Missing AppData

Manual Way to Resolve "AppData Folder Accidentally Deleted"

If you'd rather try to manually restore the AppData folder in Windows 10, you can try the steps below. However, this method might not recover all of the files within the AppData folder. Your best bet is still using a data recovery program, as outlined in Part 1 above.

Step 1. Re-create the AppData folder.

Step 2. Right-click the folder, and then click Properties. Select Restore previous versions.

Third step: Follow the instructions to complete the process.

Restore app data to a previous version

In summary,

In this article, we've listed two available methods. Speaking of higher chances for data recovery, we strongly recommend Tool Data Recovery Wizard. If you have any questions on how to recover the AppData folder, feel free to contact us via live chat.