Can Files be Recovered After a Factory Reset? (Windows 10/11 Guide)

What Does Factory Reset Do on Computer?

A factory reset (also called a system restore or hard reset) is a process that returns a computer to its original state, as it was when first purchased. However,what exactly gets deleted depends on the option you choose:

1. "Keep My Files" (Refreshes Windows)

• Removes: Installed apps, drivers, and system settings.
• Keeps: Personal files (documents, photos, downloads, etc.).
• Best for: Fixing software issues while preserving your data.

2. "Remove Everything" (Full Reset)

• Removes: All personal files, apps, and settings.
• Reinstalls: A clean version of Windows.
• Best for: Selling your PC, removing malware, or starting fresh after a system crash.

Can Files be Recovered After a Factory Reset?

Many users accidentally select "Remove Everything" when they only meant to refresh Windows, or they assume their files are backed up when they’re not. Others perform a reset before realizing they forgot to save important documents, photos, or work files. In these cases, recovering data after factory reset becomes critical. Well, the recovery is possible with specialized tools since a factory reset doesn’t always permanently erase data.

How to Recover Data After a Factory Reset?

Now, let’s explore some proven methods to restore lost data after factory reset Windows 10. All these methods work on Windows 11, laptop and desktopas well.

1. Restore from Local Backup (Windows Built-in File History)

If you had the foresight to create backups before performing the factory reset, restoring your files can be straightforward. Here’s how to recover your data from File History backup sources:

Step 1: Connect the external drive containing your File History backup to your PC.

Step 2: Open Settings, navigate to "Update & Security" > Backup, and click "More options."

Step 3: Scroll down and select "Restore files from a current backup."

Step 4: Browse through the backup versions to locate your files, select what you need, and click "Restore."

2. Restore from Cloud Backup (Microsoft OneDrive)

Cloud backup services like Microsoft OneDrive automatically sync and protect your files online. If you have previously synced personal files to OneDrive, you can easilyrecoverfiles after a system reset. Unlike local backups, cloud storage preserves your data even if your device is lost or damaged.

OneDrive keeps deleted files in its Recycle Bin for 30 days by default (extendable to 93 days for business accounts), providing an effective way to recover files after factory reset.

Step 1: Visit onedrive.live.com and sign in to your Microsoft account on the reset PC.

Step 2: Check the Recycle Bin (left sidebar), select files, and click "Restore" to recover them to their original locations.

3. Restore Files Using Windows File History

Windows File Recovery is a free command-line tool developed by Microsoft to recover lost files from hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, and SD cards. It supports multiple file systems (NTFS, FAT, exFAT) and can retrieve documents, photos, videos, and other file types—even after a factory reset.

Step 1: Download the tool from the Microsoft Store and install it.

Step 2: Press Win + X, select "Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)." Confirm User Account Control (UAC) prompts.

Step 3: Choose the Appropriate Recovery Mode

• Regular mode: For recently deleted files on NTFS drives (fast but limited).
• Extensive mode: For formatted/reset drives (slower but thorough).
• Segment mode: For specific file types (e.g., JPEG, DOCX) using file signatures.

Step 4: Execute the recovery command. For example, to recover all txt documents from drive H: to D: (test folder) after a reset:

winfr H: D: \test /extensive /n *.txt

Replace “H:” with your original drive and "D:" with your recovery drive. Adjust “/n *.txt” to target other file types (e.g., “*.jpg” or “*.*” for all files).

4. Restore Files Using Professional Data Recovery Software

While Windows built-in tools (File History, OneDrive, Windows File Recovery) offer basic recovery options, they have limitations. For example, method 1 and method 2 require prior setup while method 3 only work for Windows 10 and Windows 11.

To avoid all the limitations and recover files after factory reset on Windows computer, we recommend using a powerful data recovery software as an alternative. Free MyRecover combinesdeep scanning with user-friendly operation to recover files even when other methods fail.

Step 1: Download and Install MyRecover: Visit the official MyRecover website, download the software, and install it on a different PC (to avoid overwriting data on the reset drive).

Step 2: Connect the Reset Drive: Attach your factory-reset drive to the PC via USB/SATA (or use the PC’s internal drive if recovering from it).

Step 3: Select the Disk and Start Scan: Launch MyRecover, navigate to “Disk Data Recovery”. Select the target disk and click on “Scan”. It will start a "Deep Scan" for thorough recovery.

Step 4: Select Files to Recover: The tool will display deleted files in real-time. Filter results by file type (e.g., DOCX, JPG) or path. Select what you need, and click "Recover".

Step 5: Choose a Different Drive

Then choose adifferent driveto save the recovered files. Then wait for the process to be done.

Once completed, you can check the output folder for file integrity.

To Conclude

A factory reset can be a lifesaver for fixing system issues or preparing a PC for resale—but it also carries the risk of permanent data loss. Fortunately, if you act quickly and use the right tools, recovering files is often possible.In this article, we have rounded up 4 different methods to recover files after factory reset on Windows 10 or other operating system no matter you are using a laptop or desktop.

To ensure a better result, MyRecover deserves a try since its superior deep-scan technology digs deeper than standard tools to locate seemingly lost files, while maintaining an intuitive user-friendly interface that makes professional-grade recovery accessible to all users. To enjoy unlimited data recovery quota, please switch to Professional or Technician edition.