Will System Restore Recover Deleted Files in Windows 10, 8, 7? | Explained

What System Restore Does?

Before figuring out the problem, “will System Restore recover deleted files?”, we need to fisrt get a basic understanding of the feature. System Restore is a built-in tool in Windows that allows users to revert their computer’s system state (including system files, registry settings, drivers, and installed programs) to a previous point in time, known as a restore point. Its primary purpose is to troubleshoot and fix issues caused by software conflicts, system updates, or configuration errors.

Key features of System Restore include:

• Roll Back System to a Stable State: Restores critical system components (system files, registry, drivers) to a previous working state if the system crashes, experiences driver incompatibility, or fails after software installation.
• Preserves Personal Files: System Restore does not delete or modify personal files (e.g., desktop files, downloads, documents). It focuses solely on system configurations and programs.
• Relies on Restore Points: Restore points are snapshots of the system’s state at specific times.
• Resolves Software/Driver Compatibility Issues: Quickly reverses changes caused by problematic drivers or software installations, avoiding complex manual fixes.
• Fast Recovery for System Stability: Faster than reinstalling Windows (typically takes minutes to an hour) and retains user settings and other installed programs.

Will System Restore Recover Deleted Files in Windows 10 /8 / 7?

As mentioned above, the System Restore does not delete or change any personal files. So, it cannot recover manually deleted files (e.g., emptied Recycle Bin). So, what you can do to recover deleted files? Use other Windows built-in tools and 3rdparty software instead. No matter which method you prefer, you can find the detailed guide in the following part. Now let’s explore!

Workarounds: Recover Deleted Files in Windows 10, 8, 7 ( When System Restore Cannot)

Since System Restore does not recover deleted files (including those permanently removed from the Recycle Bin), here are practical solutions to restore lost files on Windows:

1. Restore from the Recycle Bin

Applied to: Files were deleted but not permanently erased.

If the Recycle Bin was emptied, skip to the next method.

Step 1. Open the "Recycle Bin" on your desktop.

Step 2. Locate the deleted file(s), right-click them, and select "Restore".

Step 3. Files will return to their original location.

2. Use File History Backup (Windows 10/8)

Applied to: You enabled “File History” (Windows backup feature) before losing files.

If you have backed up the deleted files using File History to an external drive to a network location, you can recover deleted files using this feature:

Step 1. Click the Windows search icon, type File History, and select File History from the matching results to open its configuration interface.

Step 2. Click on “More options”under “Back up using File History.”

Step 3. Scroll down the page and click on "Restore files from a current backup."

Step 4. Browse backups by date, select files/folders, and click "Restore."

3. Restore from a System Image Backup

Applied to: You created a full “system image backup”(includes personal files).

Different from Sytem Restore that focuses on system settings, drivers, and registry changes, the System Image Backup creates a complete copy of your system, including Windows, programs, settings, and files, allowing you to restore your PC to its exact state in case of severe issues.

Step 1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.

Step 2. Click "Restart now" under "Advanced startup".

Step 3. After restarting, you'll see the "Choose an option" screen.Select "Troubleshoot".

Step 4. Choose "Advanced options".

Step 5. Select "System Image Recovery".

Then Windows should automatically detect your system image, but if not, click "Select a system image" and browse to the location of your backup.Then follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system to the state captured in the image.

4. Restore Deleted Files By Windows File Recovery (No Backup Required)

Applies to: You did not create any backup using any method before losing the important files.

Developed by Microsoft, Window File Recovery is desiged to help recover files that are deleted from either internal or external hard drive like HDD, SSD, USB flash drive, SD card and so on, and that cannot be recovered from Recycle Bin.

Step 1. Get Windows File Recovery app from Microsoft store and install it.

Step 2. Locate the app from the Windows Start menu and choose “Run as administrator.”

Step 3. In the next Command Prompt window, type the following command to recover deleted files.

winfr H:D:\test /regular

This command will recover recently deleted files from H: drive and saves them to D:\test folder. You can replace the source and destination drive as you need.

5. Professional Data Recovery Services

Applies to: No backup is avaiable and the above methods fail to restore deleted files.

If no backup is available and all standard recovery methods do not work in your situation, professional data recovery services become your final recourse.Among all available data recover service,MyRecover stands out as a trusted solution with:

😀Broad Compatibility: Supports HDD/SSD/NVMe/USB drives across all Windowssystems(Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 and Server).

😀Multiple Format Support: Compatible with 200+ file formats, including photos, videos, and documents, meeting diverse data recovery needs.

😀Versatile Recovery Capability: Effectively handles various data loss scenarios such as accidental deletion, formatting, and system crashes, providing comprehensive data protection.

😀High Reliability: Proven data recovery technology ensures successful retrieval of lost files even in complex situations.

So, when you do not get a positive answer to the question, “will System Restore recover deleted files”, MyRecover is worth your trying. The basic steps include:

Step 1. Download and install MyRecover.

Step 2. Launch the software, select the target drive, where your delete files were saved, and click on "Scan."

Step 3. Then it will perform a quick scan to search for all lost files in the drive. Once done, you will see all recoverable files. Tick files or folders you want to recover. Click on "Recover."

Step 4. Select a safe location to keep the recovered files.

Then wait for the recovery process to complete.

Conclusion

While System Restare can help revert system settings, it will NOT recover deleted personal files like documents, photos, or videos. But, do not panic, by combining these methods, you can bypass System Restore’s limitations and recover deleted files in Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7. For a better data recovery result, MyRecover is our recommendation.

Its Professional and Technician editions come with other advanced features, including recovering data from computer that won’t boot, recovering unlimited data, previewing files before final recovery, etc.