Recover Deleted WebP File | 5 Free Methods to Restore Images

Have you accidentally deleted a Webp file or image? Don't worry since your photos and graphics may still be recoverable. This guide explores multiple ways to recover deleted Webp files, from using free recovery tools to professional software solutions.

By @Emma
Last Updated August 29, 2025

What is Webp File Format?

Webp is a modern image format developed by Google that provides superior compression while maintaining high visual quality. It can use both "lossy" (smaller file size but possible quality loss) and "lossless" (perfect image quality preserved but larger file size) compression methods, so it can reduce file size without sacrificing much detail.

Unlike traditional formats such as JPEG or PNG, WebP supports "transparency (alpha channel)" and even "animations", making it versatile for web use. Besides, it can make websites load faster and reduces bandwidth usage. However, its biggest drawback is that it’s not as universally supported as JPEG or PNG in older software and some devices.

Briefly, WebP is designed to balance "quality, speed, and smaller file size", making it especially popular for websites and online platforms.

How to Recover Deleted Webp Images?

While WebP files are efficient, they can still get lost due to transfer errors, power outage, software failures, human error (like accidental deletion, mistaken formatting of drives), system issues, malware infection, and more. If you’ve lost important WebP images, there are several proven methods to get them back no matter whether you want to perform the recovery using Windows built-in features or professional recovery software.

Method 1. Recover Deleted Webp Images from Recycle Bin

The simplest way to restore deleted WebP images is by checking the Recycle Bin. When files are deleted using the regular "Delete" key (but not when using "Shift + Delete"), they usually remain there temporarily unless emptied.

Step 1: Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop.

Step 2: Locate the WebP images you want to restore.

Step 3: Right-click the file and select "Restore".

Your Webp files will be restored to their original folder. Since this process is quick and effortless, it should be the first solution you try when your images go missing.

Method 2. Recover Deleted Webp Images with File History

File History, a Windows built-in backup and recovery tool, aims to automatically saves backup copies of your files, including Webp images. If you have turned it on and the Webp images have been added as the backup source, you can easily recover Webp images from it:

Step 1: Type "Restore your files with File History"in the Windows search menu after pressing "Win+S". Click "Open" under the exact result.

Step 2: Browse through the available file versions.

Step 3: Select the Webp image you want and click "Restore".

Method 3. Restore Webp Images from Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

Additionally, Windows also includes the "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)" feature, which lets you recover personal files from previously created backups.

Step 1: Open "Control Panel" and select "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)" under "System and Security".

Step 2: Click "Restore my files".

Step 3: Search and choose backup version including the deleted WebP images you want to recover.

Step 4. Once the target backup is found and chosen, click on "Next".

Step 5. Choose to restore the deleted Webp images either to their original location or to another different safe location, then click "Restore".

Method 4. Recover Deleted Webp Images with Windows File Recovery (WinFR)

If your WebP files were permanently deleted and are not in the Recycle Bin or backups, you can try Windows File Recovery (WinFR), a free command-line tool from Microsoft.

Step 1. Download Windows File Recovery from official Microsoft store and follow the prompts to finish the installation.

Step 2. Find the installed Windows File Recovery tool from Windows start menu, right click it and select "Run as administrator."

Step 3. Run the proper winfr command. For example: winfr H: D: /regular /n *.webp (This command scans drive H: for deleted Webp files and restores them to drive D:)

When the recovery process is finished, you can directly hit on "Y" on your keyboard to directly view the recovered files.

While Windows File Recovery (WinFR) is powerful, it has some limitations:
Requires using the Command Prompt, which can be intimidating for beginners.
Only works on Windows 10 and Windows 11, and recovery may fail if the deleted files have been partially overwritten.
Withouta graphical interface or file preview, it is harder to identify the exact files before recovery.

Method 5. Use MyRecover to Restore WebP Images Easily

Winfr command does not work or you encounte kinds of error messages like "No recovery files were found with this mode", "Switch used is incompatible with recovery mode", "There was an error parsing your command", etc.? Or you just want a more user-friendly alternative that doesn’t require command-line skills? Either way, you can rely on MyRecover, a professional data recovery software with a clean GUI interface, making the Webp image recovery process easy and intuitive.

🌟Compared with Windows File Recovery, MyRecover comes with the following overwhelming advantages:
  • Works on all editions of Windows PC and Server operating systems, able to recover files from ReFS, NTFS, exFAT, FAT and even Ext drives.
  • Allows you to preview content before executing the final recovery (only available in Professional or Technician version), so as to avoid wasting precious time, but recover wrong files.
  • Supports more than 1000+ file formats, including texts, pictures, videos, audios, emails, compressed files, etc..
  • Compatible with HDD, SSD, USB, SD card, camera, PS4/5, drone, and more as you need.
  • Applies to 500+data loss situations like inadvertent deletion, disk formatting, system crash, virus attack, or more.

Step 1: Download, install and open MyRecover.

Step 2: Select the drive where your WebP images were stored and click "Scan".

Step 3: Search and choose the Webp images you need, and click "Recover".

Step 4: Choose a safe location to save the recovered deleted webp images.

With its graphical interface and powerful scanning technology, MyRecover makes file recovery straightforward for both beginners and experienced users alike.

Final Thoughts

You can always find a way to recover deleted Webp images, no matter how you lose them. While built-in tools like the Recycle Bin, File History, Backup and Restore, or Windows File Recovery can help in many situations, MyRecover stands out as the most user-friendly and reliable solution.

With its intuitive interface, advanced scanning technology, and support for various data loss scenarios—including deletion, formatting, system crash, disk corruption, or virus attacks—MyRecover ensures that even beginners can safely restore their valuable WebP images with just a few clicks.

FAQs about Webp File

Q: Is Webp Better Than JPEG?
 
A: Often yes. Webp typically delivers the same visual quality at a smaller file size and also supports transparency and even animation. JPEG can still be preferable for wide legacy compatibility or certain photography workflows.
Q: How To Avoid Saving Webp?
 
A: Use a browser extension that forces JPEG/PNG downloads. You can also open the image in a new tab and look for a JPG/PNG variant (sometimes by removing "webp" or query parameters in the URL) before saving.
Q: What Is The Main Disadvantage Of Webp?
 
A: Compatibility and tooling. Some older apps, editors, and websites don't handle WebP well, and workflows that expect JPG/PNG may break. Encoding can also be slower on low-power devices.
Q: How To Get An Original Image From Webp?
 
A: Check the page's image link for a JPG/PNG version (remove "webp" or parameters) or use the browser's "Developer Tools → Network" to find the original file. If none exists, convert the Webp to JPG/PNG with an editor or online tool—just note that this is a conversion, not the true original.