Are you struggling with the upgrade to Windows 11, only to find that important files have disappeared? Or documents and photos you had carefully stored are missing after an update? You’re not alone! Many Windows users have experienced similar file loss issues after installing Windows 11 updates, including major version upgrades or significant patch installations.
The good news is, even though your files may seem lost, they can often still be recovered! This article is for you. We’ll dive deep into how to recover lost files after Windows 11 update so you can get your files back and access them as usual.
Why Did My Files Get Lost after Windows Update?
While Windows 11 offers significant improvements in system performance and security, some users have reported unexpected file loss following system updates. This is particularly common with major feature updates, such as annual version upgrades, which can lead to missing documents, images, or downloaded content to some extent.
Even routine cumulative updates may occasionally cause files to become inaccessible or disappear due to update interruptions, compatibility issues, or user profile errors. In most cases, the root causes trace back to temporary glitches during the update, corrupted user profiles, storage-drive errors, or interference from third-party software.
These problems not only disrupt normal workflow and data security but also drive affected users to look for reliable recovery methods. Below, we’ll introduce 3 ways to recover lost files after Windows 11 update.
Before You Start: Understand Common Causes of File Missing
Before picking a file recovery method, it’s important to know your specific situation and system state:
Windows Update Type: Feature upgrades are more likely to restructure user folders or reset permissions, whereas quality updates may fail to write data if the system restarts or loses power mid-process.
Original File Location: Files once stored in default folders, like Desktop or Documents, may be hidden by a damaged user profile. Files on non-system drives are more often affected by drive errors or compatibility issues.
System Behavior After Update: In some cases, files are not actually lost but become hidden due to restored default view settings (like hidden system files) or because the user is logged into a temporary profile. Check these basics before recovering them to your PC.
How to Recover Lost Files After Windows 11 Update
Now, let’s take a look at some proven methods to restore lost data after Windows 11 update. All these methods work on Windows 10 and can be used on both laptops and desktop computers.
1Restore with AiRecover Deep Scan Recovery Software
AiRecover Deep Scan Recovery Software is compatible with the latest version of Windows 11 and supports data recovery from lost partitions, RAW disks, and drives that have become inaccessible after system updates. It can deep scan with a variety of file systems, including FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, and ReFS. With its fast and thorough scanning abilities, clear and readable results presentation, and user-friendly interface, AiRecover Data Recovery stands as one of the ideal choices for dealing with data recovery issues following a Windows 11 update.
After launching AiRecover Data Recovery, check this tutorial to restore lost files:
Step 1. Select “Deep Recovery” in the main interface and click on the blue “Recover” button to move forward.
Step 2. Select the partition where you lost the files and click “Scan” to start the deep search.
Step 3. Now, the program will start searching for your lost files. Once you find the files, you can double-click to preview their content.
Step 4. Select the file you need, click “Recover”, and choose a new and secure location to save the recovered data on your PC. When you’ve finished, click “OK”. That’s all.
2Restore from the Recycle Bin
For most users, the Windows Recycle Bin is the simplest and most straightforward method for file recovery. You don’t need to download any third-party software, as it has a built-in temporary storage area that effectively prevents accidental file loss. Therefore, if you find files missing after a Windows 11 update, the first thing you should do is check the Recycle Bin.
How to restore lost files from the recycle bin?
Step 1. Locate the Recycle Bin on your Windows PC and double-click the icon to open it.
Step 2. Find the lost files and right-click them, select “Restore”. Then, the files will be returned to their original locations.
3Restore from Windows.old Folder
If you’ve recently completed a Windows 11 update, you’ll find a folder named “Windows.old” on your system drive. This folder is automatically created by Windows during the upgrade process and serves as a backup directory containing important system files and user data from your previous version of Windows. It allows you to recover content from the earlier system if needed. Now, check on how to restore your deleted files from Windows.old folder:
Step 1. Open File Explorer and click on the C drive in the left sidebar.
Step 2. Go to “C:\Windows.old\Users” to find the files or folders you want to recover.
Step 3. Select the files and then copy and paste them to your desktop.
4Recover Lost Files from Backup and Restore
Many Windows users may not realize that there’s a built-in feature called “Backup and Restore” that can not only be used for regular data backups but also help recover files lost after a system update.
This guide may help you use Windows Backup and Restore to recover important data lost due to a system update.
Step 1. Go to “Control Panel” > “System and Security” and click on “Backup and Restore (Windows 7).”
Step 2. In the backup list, locate the backup you previously created, and click “Restore my files” or “Restore all users’ files”.
Step 3. Select the files or folders you want to recover, click “Next”, and choose a location to restore them. Windows will restore the lost files to the specified location.
Step 4. After the recovery is complete, check that the files open correctly and confirm that all important data has been successfully restored.
Pay Attention and Prevent File Loss
Data recovery software can sometimes retrieve files lost after a Windows update, provided the files haven’t been overwritten by new data. However, success is never guaranteed, and the process may require some technical skill. If you decide to recover them in this solution, it’s recommended to use a reliable tool such as AiRecover Data Recovery.
It’s important to note that if you haven’t backed up your files promptly after the update, have run disk cleanup or system reset operations, or if the files have been partially overwritten, the chances of successful recovery are significantly reduced. Here are the key points when considering preventing file loss after a Windows 11 update:
Backup Regularly: Before updating, use tools like “File History” or “Backup and Restore” to create a full backup of your user folders and system image.
Enable System Protection and Create Restore Points: Turn on System Protection in System Properties and manually create restore points. If anything goes wrong after an update, you can quickly revert to a previous state.
Be Careful with Disk Cleanup: When cleaning system files, avoid deleting the Previous Windows Installation or Windows.old folders, as they may contain important data from before the update.
Use Cloud Storage and Account Sync: Sync important folders such as Desktop, Documents, and Pictures through OneDrive or your Microsoft account. This keeps the latest versions of your files available across devices and minimizes risks associated with local storage.
Final Words
This post recommends 4 methods to recover lost files after a Windows 11 update to help you tackle data loss in various scenarios, whether due to accidental deletion, update errors, or partition issues. Among them, AiRecover Data Recovery is the most cost-effective and highest success rate option, allowing you to make a deep scan and fast recovery for all types of files. Try starting with it.
FAQs on Lost Files Recovery After Windows 10/11 Update
Q1: Is it common to lose files after a system update?
Sometimes, updating Windows can lead to files being lost from system partitions or user directories. Enabling regular backups and system protection features can significantly reduce this risk.
Q2: Which recovery method is the most reliable?
For most data loss scenarios, AiRecover Data Recovery is the most comprehensive and safest solution. It can scan your whole computer and recover files that were deleted by mistake or lost after an update.
Q3: Which types of files are easier to recover after a system update?
Files like Word or Excel documents, photos (JPG, PNG), videos (MP4, MOV), and zip files can often be recovered if they haven’t been overwritten. Photos and documents usually have the highest success rate.
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