Factory Reset on Windows 11 is one of the most practical ways to fix system errors and performance issues. A successful reset can restore your computer to a new state while clearing system clutter and potential errors. However, this process will erase all data on your system drive, and without proper preparation, your important files can be permanently lost.
In this article, we'll discuss how to recover files after a factory reset on Windows 11 PC or laptop. What’s more, we'll recommend a PC optimizer to keep your computer always fresh.
What Does Factory Reset Do on Windows 11?
If you want to factory reset your Windows 11 computer, it’s important to understand what actually happens. Many people think it’s just a simple restart, but that’s not the case.
What a Factory Reset Does on Windows 11:
All data on your system drive will be erased, including installed software, drivers, and personalized settings.
Windows 11 will be reinstalled fresh to fix any potential system errors or issues.
You can choose to keep your personal files, but all apps and system settings will be removed.
Any malware, junk files, or issues causing slowdowns will be cleared.
Your PC will be restored to a “like-new” state, giving it a clean and stable environment.
These are the main effects of doing a factory reset on Windows 11. And then, let’s show you how to back up your files before a factory reset. You can also head to see how to recover files after a factory reset on your computer.
How to Back Up Your Files Before Factory Reset?
To minimize the risk of data loss when factory resetting your Windows 11 PC, it is essential to follow a structured and thorough approach to backing up your data. Here are detailed and clear tips to help you protect your files effectively:
1Use "File History" for Automatic Backup
A factory reset will erase all data on your C: drive, so it’s strongly recommended to create a full backup beforehand. Windows 11 includes a built-in feature called File History, which automatically backs up your personal files.
Step 1: Connect an external hard drive or USB flash drive to your computer.
Step 2: Go to Settings > Accounts > Windows Backup.
Step 3: Select “Remember my preferences” and ensure Remember my files is turned on.
Step 4: Return to the Settings homepage, navigate to “System” > “Storage” > “Advanced storage settings”.
Step 5: Click Add a drive and select your external storage device, then enable Automatically back up my files.
2Manually Copy Important Files to External Storage
For especially critical files, we recommend trying an additional manual backup. This ensures an extra layer of protection in case automated backups encounter issues.
Step 1: Connect your external hard drive or USB device to the PC.
Step 2: Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users[YourUsername].
Step 3: Open folders like Desktop, Documents, Pictures, etc., and drag important files directly to your external storage device.
3Back Up Browser Data and Application Settings
A factory reset will uninstall all third-party applications and erase associated data, including browser bookmarks, saved passwords, and app configurations. Backing them up in advance prevents data loss.
Browsers (Chrome/Edge): Make sure you are signed into your browser account and syncing all data, including bookmarks, history, and extensions.
Other apps: Check if the program has an “Export Settings” or “Backup Data” feature, and save the configuration files to your external drive or cloud storage.
Can I Recover Files After Factory Reset?
Yes, you can recover files after factory resetting on Windows 11. There are two main methods: one is to restore data using the built-in backup features of Windows, and the other is to use data recovery software to scan for and recover deleted files.
Recovering files after a factory reset is possible, but the success rate depends on whether the data has been overwritten and whether the recovery method is used correctly.
Here, we find 3 ways to help you recover files after resetting Windows 11.
How to Recover Files After Factory Reset on PC/Laptop?
For those who recover files after performing a factory reset on your Windows 11 PC or laptop, you can try the following simple methods to restore lost data and fix the issues.
Way 1Recover Files via Powerful Data Recovery Software
If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to recover files deleted after a Windows 11 factory reset, AiRecover Data Recovery offers a reliable solution to safely get your files back.
Unlike built-in system restore methods, which may require more steps and risk data overwriting, AiRecover Data Recovery can help you recover deleted files with no quality loss. It’s particularly useful for those who want a straightforward recovery process while maximizing the chances of keeping their data integrity.
Let’s see how to recover files after a factory reset using AiRecover Data Recovery.
Step 1: Download and launch AiRecover Data Recovery on your computer, select “Deep Recovery” and click on the “Recover” button.
Step 2: Select the partition or drive where you want to recover the lost file and click “Scan” to make a deep search.
Step 3: Select the file you want to recover. You can also double-click a file to preview it and confirm it’s the one you need. Then, click “Recover” to save it to your Windows computer. That’s all.
Way 2Restore Files from Windows Backup
Using the built-in backup feature in Windows 11 may be the most direct way to recover lost files. Windows Backup & Restore is designed to help users recover data in case of accidental loss. Let’s dive in and see exactly how to restore files without the third-party software. Note that this method requires a backup to have been created prior to the factory reset.
Step 1: Type “Control Panel” into the Windows search bar and click “Open”.
Step 2: Go to “Back up and Restore (Windows 7)” > “Restore files from backup” to restore files from a previous backup.
Step 3: Browse and select the file you want to restore from the backup. Once selected, click “Restore” to recover the file to your PC.
Way 3Restore Files with Windows File History
File History is a built-in file backup tool in Windows 8 and later systems that automatically backs up and restores personal files. With it, you can easily and quickly retrieve historical backup files. Let’s see how to use File History to restore files in Windows 11.
Step 1: Click the Windows search bar, type "File History," and select the "Restore your files with File History" option from the results.
Step 2: In the File History window, use the navigation arrows at the bottom to browse through different backup versions. Once you locate the files or folders you want to restore, select them.
Step 3: Click the green "Restore" button to recover the selected files to their original location. If you prefer to save them elsewhere, right-click the "Restore" button and choose "Restore to" to specify a new storage location.
Pro Tips to Improve Your Windows PC Performance
Windows users who struggle with system optimization and want to avoid frequent factory resets can use Kingshiper PC Cleaner. It is an ultimate solution that allows users to thoroughly clean system junk, fix registry errors, and provides multiple smart optimization features to significantly improve system performance, which will effectively reduce the need for factory resetting your Windows PC due to system slowdowns. Kingshiper also offers one-click cleaning and acceleration that enable you to maintain your computer's best condition without complex operations.
Kingshiper PC Cleaner includes the features of C Disk Cleanup, Large Files Mover, WeChat/QQ Cleanup, APP Manager, and Duplicate Remover, which can better boost your PC performance. It is particularly useful for quickly tuning up your system after a factory reset, or for daily maintenance to prevent performance degradation and avoid the hassle of repeated resets. It works well on both desktops and laptops.
Final Thoughts
To wrap it up, this article discussed the easiest ways to recover files after factory reset on Windows 11. With AiRecover Data Recovery, you can get your lost files back in seconds. The article also provided guidance on optimizing your Windows PC to maintain smooth performance and reduce the risk of data loss.
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