4 Ways to Retrieve Lost Files After Updating to macOS Monterey

"I upgraded to macOS Monterey, and my PDFs in Books are missing. Where are they in the backup (Time Machine)?" - Apple Community

Common issues after updating to macOS Monterey

macOS Monterey, version 12, was released on October 25, 2021, as the eighteenth major release of macOS. While it doesn't bring any groundbreaking changes, it includes several new features and improvements.

One of the most notable additions is AirPlay support for Mac, which allows them to be used as wireless displays for other devices. Another useful feature is the Continuity Camera sidebar in apps, which makes it easier to use multiple apps at once. Finally, macOS Monterey includes some smaller but welcome improvements, such as the ability to pin messages in the Mail app and new emojis.

While the macOS Monterey update has its fair share of positives, it can also result in several issues like data loss, freezing problems, or installation errors. Some users have reported instances of missing files after updating their Mac to Monterey.

• Slow performance with macOS Monterey - Some users have reported that their Macs became unresponsive after the update.
• Application issues - A few users are encountering compatibility problems with applications and drivers not optimized for the new operating system.
• Long update process for macOS Monterey - Some users have found that the update to macOS Monterey takes longer than expected, causing inconvenience and frustration.
• Data loss after updating - There is a risk of data loss when you download macOS Monterey and perform a clean installation.

Thus, you need to be aware of these potential issues and then update macOS without losing data.

4 Ways to Recover Lost Files After macOS Monterey Update

The macOS Monterey update brings a bunch of new features to the Mac, but it can also cause some issues. One common problem users face after updating to Monterey is finding some of their files missing. If you're experiencing this issue, don't despair. There are several ways you can recover lost files on your Mac after the macOS Monterey update. You can start by checking out how to recover deleted files on Mac from the Trash.

Method 1: Check the macOS Monterey Trash to Restore Lost Data

There are four methods to recover missing files after updating to macOS Monterey. The first method is to restore lost files from the Mac Trash after updating macOS Monterey. When you delete a file on macOS, it's not truly removed; instead, it's moved to the Trash. To recover a file from the Trash, follow these steps:

Step 1: Click the "Recycle Bin" icon on your desktop.

Step 2. Right-click on the file you need and choose the “Put Back” option to restore a missing file on macOS Monterey.

Method 2: Recover Lost Files after macOS Monterey Update with Software [100% Effective]

Data recovery software is the most effective way to restore lost files after updating to macOS Monterey. It scans your hard drive for missing files and lets you choose which ones to recover. The "Mac Data Recovery Wizard" is a useful data recovery tool that can help retrieve lost files after updating to macOS Monterey. It offers several features to assist in data recovery:

• Recover deleted files on macOS Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur/Catalina/High Sierra Update
• Data recovery from various storage devices, including HDD, SSD, USB, etc., on macOS Monterey.
• Utilize powerful scanning algorithms to locate all lost files across different file systems and operating systems.

Follow these steps to recover data from macOS Monterey:

Note: You can create a backup by first clicking Disk Backup on the left. This allows you to recover data from the backup image when the disk is damaged or data on the disk is accidentally deleted or lost.

Step 1: Choose a location

Select the disk from which you lost data due to upgrading to macOS Sonoma/Ventura/Monterey/Big Sur. Then, click “Search for Lost Files.”

Step 2. Look for the lost data after the scan

The "Tools" Data Recovery Wizard will immediately scan the disk volume you've chosen, and display the results in the left pane. You can use file types and paths to locate the data you need on your Mac.

Step 3: Recover data after updating macOS

Select the target files that were accidentally lost during or after the update, and then click Recover to restore all of them.

Method 3: Restore Lost Data from Time Machine Backup

"Time Machine backups are another way to restore missing files after updating to macOS Monterey. Time Machine backs up your entire system, including libraries, apps, and user data. If you lose files after an update, you can restore them from a Time Machine backup."

Step 1: Open Time Machine on your Mac.

Step 2. Use the up and down arrows on your screen to locate the specific file you wish to restore.

Step 3. Press the spacebar to preview the file.

Clicking the "Restore" button will put the file back where it was.

Method 4: Recover Lost Data from iCloud on macOS Monterey

iCloud is a cloud storage service provided by Apple, offering users 5 GB of free storage space. Files stored in iCloud can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. It integrates seamlessly with macOS, making it convenient to store and sync files between Macs, iPhones, and iPads. However, some users have reported losing their files on their Mac after upgrading to macOS Monterey. If you've lost your files after updating to macOS Monterey, follow these steps to attempt recovery:

Step 1. Go to iCloud.com and sign in with your account.

Step 2: Click on "Settings > Advanced > Restore Files."

Step 3: Check the box to the left of the file or folder you want to restore.

Click “Recover.” The recovered file will be saved to your “Downloads” folder.

Conclusions

If you've lost files after upgrading to macOS Monterey, there are several ways to recover them. Firstly, check if they're in your Trash. If not, you can try using Mac data recovery software or Time Machine. If you still can't locate the missing files, you might need to utilize iCloud. Whatever method you choose, make sure to regularly back up your data to prevent future loss of important files.

Monterey Data Recovery Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have problems, please read the Frequently Asked Questions and Answers below for further assistance. It will take only a few minutes of your time, but it will be worth it.

1. Will updating macOS erase everything?

Does updating macOS delete everything? No, updating macOS does not delete data or wipe the hard drive.

2. How to Downgrade macOS Ventura to Monterey?

Downgrade macOS Ventura to Monterey:

• Downgrade with Time Machine
• Downgrade with macOS Recovery
• Downgrade with a bootable installer

Should I upgrade my Big Sur to Monterey?

If you know the differences between Monterey and Big Sur (Monterey vs Big Sur comparison), you can figure out the answer.

4. How can I recover files after updating to macOS Monterey?

You can use Mac Data Recovery software to retrieve lost files after upgrading to macOS Monterey:

1. Download and install the Mac Data Recovery Wizard tool. 2. Launch the software and select the disk that contained the deleted files. 3. Click the "Search Lost Files" button to scan the disk for missing files. 4. Preview the found files and select the ones you wish to recover. 5. Click the "Restore" button to recover the lost files from macOS Monterey.