Can Files Be Recovered After Formatting? Easy Recovery

Does Formatting Make Files Unrecoverable?

Formatting is the process of preparing a storage device, such as a hard drive, SSD, or SD card, for use by creating a new file system. This process erases existing file structures, making the device appear empty and ready for new data. There are two main types of formatting:

• Quick Format: Removes file system structures and marks space as available but does not overwrite data, making recovery possible.
• Full Format: Overwrites data and scans for bad sectors, making recovery much harder or even impossible.

Does formatting make files unrecoverable? Not necessarily. In most cases, formatted files can still be recovered unless they have been overwritten. If you perform a quick format, the actual data remains on the disk until new files overwrite it. Professional recovery tools can scan and retrieve these files. However, if a full format or multiple overwrites occur, recovery becomes nearly impossible.

Is There a Way to Recover Files After Formatting?

Can files be recovered after formatting? Is there a way to recover files after formatting SD card, USB flash drive, or other types of drive? From the above content, we can know it is possible to recover files after formatting, but success depends on several factors, such as how the device was formatted and whether new data has been written to it.

Can I Recover Files After a Quick Format vs. Full Format?

• Quick Format: Higher chances of recovery because only file references are deleted.
• Full Format: Lower chances because the drive is often overwritten with zeroes

Next, we will explain how to recover files after formatting, with and without a backup.

Recover Files After Formatting (With Backup)

If you have a backup of your data via Windows File History before reformatting your storage device, you can easily restore your files. Windows File History is a built-in backup feature that automatically saves copies of your personal files, allowing you to restore them if needed. Here’s how to use it for file recovery after reformatting:

Step 1. Navigate to the folder where your files were stored.

Step 2. Right-click and select "Restore previous versions."

Step 3. Choose a backup version from before the format and click "Restore."

Recover Files After Formatting (Without Backup)

If you didn’t have a backup before formatting your device, you can still recover your files usingWindows inbuilt File Recovery tool and third-partydata recovery software. However, your success depends on acting quickly to prevent data from being overwritten.

Method 1. Windows inbuilt File Recovery

Windows File Recovery is a command-line tool provided by Microsoft for recovering deleted or lost files from your storage devices. It’s especially useful for recovering files after formatting, accidental deletion, or even when files seem to vanish due to other issues. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to use it:

Step 1. Get Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store. Install it on your system.

Step 2. Search for “cmd”in the Start menu, right-click on “Command Prompt”, and select "Run as administrator."

Step 3. Run the Recovery Command: winfr source-drive: destination-folder [/mode] [/switches]

e.g. winfr C: D: /n \Users\YourName\Documents\*.xlsx

What the command does:

• Source Drive (C:): The drive to scan for lost files.
• Destination Folder (D:\Recovery): Where recovered files will be saved. (Tip: Use a dedicated folder on a different drive to avoid data overwriting.)
• Filter (/n \Users\YourName\Documents\*.xlsx): Recovers only Excel files located in the specified \Users\YourName\Documentsfolder.

Method 2. Third-party Data Recovery Software

If the built-in tool doesn’t meet your recovery needs, third-party data recovery software offers another reliable solution. These tools are designed to scan your storage device thoroughly and recover a wider range of file types, even in more challenging scenarios such as deep scans after formatting.

To ensure an effective and complete file recovery after formatting, I recommend using MyRecover, a powerful and user-friendly Windows data recovery software designed to help you retrieve lost files after formatting, accidental deletion, or other data loss scenarios. Below is a detailed guide on how to use MyRecover effectively.

★Key Features of MyRecover:

Supports Multiple File Systems: Works with NTFS, FAT, exFAT, and other Windows file system.

User-Friendly Interface: Simple and intuitive, suitable for both beginners and professionals.

Quick & Deep Scan Options: Quickly locates lost files and offers deep scanning for more thorough recovery

File Preview Function: Allows you to preview files before recovery to ensure they are intact.

Safe Recovery: Restores lost data without overwriting existing files.

Work on All Storage Device: (internal / external) HDD, SSD, SD card, USB flash drive, Camera, PS4/5, etc.

Step 1: Download and Install MyRecover

Visit the official MyRecover website or a trusted software platform.Install it on a drive different from the one you want to recover data from to prevent overwriting lost files.

Step 2: Launch MyRecover

Open MyRecover with administrator privileges to ensure it has full access to scan the drive.

Step 3: Select the Target Drive and Start Scanning

Choose the formatted or damaged drive where you lost files.Start a Quick Scan first. If the lost files are not found, run a Deep Scan for better results.

Step 4: Preview and Select Files

After scanning, browse the list of recoverable files.Use the preview function to verify file integrity before recovering.(To preview all files, please upgrade to Professional or Technician edition)

Step 5: Recover and Save Files

Select the files you want to recover.Save them to a different drive or an external storage device to prevent data overwriting.

By following these steps, you can efficiently recover lost filesafter formatting using MyRecover.

In Conclusion

Can you still recover files after reformatting? Now you know the answer. Formatting a drive doesn’t always mean permanent data loss. With the right recovery tools and prompt action, you have a high chance of retrieving your files. Whether using built-in Windows recovery options or advanced third-party software like “MyRecover”, the key is to “avoid overwriting data”and select the most effective recovery method.

The MyRecover can be an excellent choice to recover various types of files on Windows computer, no matter you need to restore data from corrupted drive, recover files deleted from Recycle Bin, retrieve files from crashed device, etc.