How to Recover Data After Factory Reset Without Backup on Windows & Mobile

Factory Reset on Windows and Mobile

A factory reset is often performed when you want to restore your device to its original state, removing all personal data, apps, and settings. Whether you're dealing with a Windows PC or a mobile device, the process can seem like an irreversible step. But factory resets work a little differently on Windows and mobile devices. That’s why getting your data back after a factory reset is harder or easier depending on which device you’re using.

👉On Windows

When you hit "Reset this PC" on Windows, you’ll get two choices: "Keep my files" or "Remove everything." The former saves all your personal files in C:\Users\username\, while the later deletes absolutely everything on your computer, like installed apps, settings, your personal files, and so on.

👉On Mobile

Unlike Windows, mobile devices offer no option to keep files when performing a factory reset. This will directly erase all data on your device.

Can I Recover Data After Factory Reset Without Backup?

The short answer is yes, it's possible to recover data after factory reset without backup. But it depends on several factors, including how much data has been written to the device since the reset and the methods used to recover it. So, as soon as you lose data, you need to stop using your device right away. Otherwise, the lost data could get overwritten and become unrecoverable.

How to Recover Data After Factory Reset Without Backup on Windows

Even if no backups are available, there are several methods to help you recover lost data after a factory reset. You can choose the appropriate method based on your actual situation.

Restore from User or Windows.old Folder

If you pick "Keep my files" when perfroming a factory reset on your computer, the personal files that stay on your PC will be saved in the User folder on the C: drive. They’ll stay right where they were before, and you can get to them just by logging into your original user account.

Nevertheless, these files may occasionally be located in the Windows.old folder, which is a temporary storage location in C: drive and is typically subject to automatic cleanup by the system after a 30-day period. Open this folder, you might find your files under your old user account name.

Recover with Windows File Recovery Command

If you select "Remove everything", there are also methods you can try to recover lost files. Windows File Recovery is a built-in data recovery tool provided by Microsoft, which allows you to recover permanently lost files from a Windows storage device. It works by scanning your hard drive for deleted files and restoring them to a separate location. But note that Windows File Recovery only works on Windows 10 and 11.

Step 1. Download and install Windows File Recovery on your computer from Microsoft official website.

Step 2. Locate Windows File Recovery in the Start menu and run it as administrator.

Step 3. Enter the following command "winfr C: D: /extensive" and hit the "Enter" key. Replace the drive letters "C" and "D" with your actual drive letters. This command can help you recover all lost files from C drive to D drive.

Step 4. Wait for the scan to complete, you can press "y" to view the recovered files in the destination folder.

Recover Data After Factory Reset Using MyRecover

If you're uncomfortable with command-line tool or you need more comprehensive recovery options, MyRecover is an excellent alternative. It adopts a visual interface that enables real-time viewing of the full file recovery process, supporting selective recovery of desired files as needed. It also covers over 1,000 complex data loss scenarios, such as recovering data after system reinstallation, Windows updates, OS downgrades, system restores, and more.

Step 1. Download and install MyRecover on your computer from Microsoft Store, avoid installing it on the original system drive.

Step 2. Run the program and select "Disk Data Recovery" section, then choose the target disk and click "Scan".

Step 3. MyRecover will search for deleted files that can be recovered. After the scan is completed, choose the files you attempt to recover from the recoverable lists and click "Recover".

Step 4. Select a safe location to save the recovered files and click "Select Folder".

Once the process is done, the message "Files have been recovered successfully" will pop up. Then, you can check the recovered files by clicking on the destination folder path or "Browse" button.

How to Recover Data After Factory Reset Without Backup on Mobile

For mobile devices, a factory reset results in more comprehensive data erasure. If data has been backed up prior to the reset, all content can be readily retrieved. However, in the absence of available backups, data recovery utilities may be utilized as an alternative.

For iOS

When you perform a factory reset on your iPhone, the device erases all personal data, apps, and settings. However, if you haven't backed up your data but still want to recover it, MyRecover for iOS can be a good option. It is a powerful tool for iPhone data recovery, even without a backup. It can help you recover photos, messages, contacts, and other data from an iPhone that has been factory reset.

Step 1. Download and install MyRecover for iOS on your computer.

Step 2. Connect your iPhone to the computer with a correct USB cable and trust the device on your iPhone.

Step 3. Launch MyRecover for iOS and click "Scan Now" to scan for lost files on your iPhone.

Step 4. Choose the files you want to recover from the recoverable lists and click "Recover" in the upper-right corner.

For Android

This is true for Android phones too. If you didn’t back up your data, getting it back after a factory reset is really tough. Your only options are to use a trustworthy third-party data recovery app like Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver etc. or ask professional data recovery services for help.

The Bottom Line

In summary, recovering data after a factory reset without backup is possible, but the chances of success depend on how much time has passed since the reset and whether new data has been written over the deleted data. If you're unable to recover the data using conventional methods, consider seeking professional data recovery tool. MyRecover offers an easy-to-use and reliable solution for recovering data lost after a factory reset, even without a backup.