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Recover Files After Factory Reset Windows 10
Wondering how to recover files after factory reset Windows 10? This complete guide covers easy methods to restore your lost documents, photos, and videos safely, helping you retrieve all important data even after a factory reset.
By Vera / Published on September 18, 2025
Introduction
Ever hit that "factory reset" button and instantly regretted it? You’re not alone. Many Windows 10 users perform a factory reset only to realize they’ve lost valuable files. Don’t panic just yet — there’s still hope. In this guide, we’ll break down how you can recover files after a factory reset on Windows 10, step by step.
Understanding Factory Reset on Windows 10
A factory reset brings your PC back to its original state — just like it came from the store. It wipes installed apps, custom settings, and personal files if you choose the "Remove everything" option. This is why it’s often used as a last resort for fixing major software issues.
Why Users Perform a Factory Reset
People choose factory resets for reasons like:
- Removing stubborn malware
- Fixing performance issues
- Prepping a computer for resale
- Clearing out junk to start fresh
While it’s helpful, the process can wipe your data clean unless backed up.
Can You Recover Files After a Factory Reset?
Is it possible to recover files after factory reset / disk formatting?
My computer had a mic issue so i took it to a professional And they said that it might work back if i were to factory reset it. And so i asked will they recover all my files? And they said yes But ... They only recovered a fraction of it I am deeply hurt because of this i just froze at that moment. The mic didn’t even get fixed and all my files are gone so now please if anyone can give help or any solution to this i would deeply appreciate it i had photos of lost loved one and such ....
- Question from Reddit
Yes — but it depends. When you perform a factory reset, your files aren’t immediately destroyed. They’re marked as “free space” on your hard drive until new data overwrites them. That’s why acting fast dramatically improves your recovery chances.
Factors Affecting File Recovery Success
- Type of reset you performed ("Keep my files" vs. "Remove everything")
- Time elapsed since the reset
- Amount of new data written to the drive
- Use of professional recovery tools
Knowing these factors helps you plan your next move.
4 Methods to Recover Files After Factory Reset Windows 10
Let’s explore five reliable methods to bring back your lost files.
Method 1: Check Windows Backup and Restore
If you’ve ever used Windows Backup and Restore, this is the easiest place to start.
Steps to Restore Files from Backup
1. Open Control Panel.
2. Go to System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
3. Click Restore my files.
4. Select the files or folders you want to restore and follow the prompts.
This works only if you had set up backups previously.
Method 2: Use File History Feature
Windows 10 has a handy File History feature that automatically saves copies of your files.
How to Recover Using File History
1. Type File History in the Windows search bar and click Restore your files with File History.
2. Browse through the backed-up files and select what you want to restore.
3. Click the green Restore button to get your files back.
This method is great if File History was enabled before the reset.
Method 3: Restore from OneDrive or Other Cloud Services
Many users sync their files with OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. If you’re one of them, recovering files is straightforward.
Step-by-Step Cloud Restore
1. Log in to your OneDrive/Google Drive/Dropbox account on your PC or browser.
2. Navigate to your saved files or folders.
3. Download the files back to your PC.
Cloud services essentially serve as off-site backups.
Method 4: Use Professional Data Recovery Software (MyRecover)
If backups aren’t available, data recovery software is your next best option. MyRecover is one of the most effective tools for recovering files after a Windows 10 factory reset.
Step-by-Step Recovery Using MyRecover
1. Download and install MyRecover on a different drive (not the one you’re recovering from).
2. Launch the program and select the drive where your files were stored.
3. Click Scan — MyRecover will perform a scan quickly to locate lost files.
4. Preview the found files and select what you need.
5. Click Recover and save the files to a new location.
MyRecover works with various file types (documents, photos, videos) and supports both HDDs and SSDs. What’s more, you can also use MyRecover to recover SD data, such as performing:
If all else fails, consider professional data recovery services. These companies use advanced tools to recover data even from severely damaged drives. While expensive, they’re often your last hope.
- Stop Using the PC Immediately: Once you realize you’ve lost files, stop using the PC to prevent overwriting the deleted data.
- Store Recovered Files on a Separate Drive: When restoring files, always save them to an external drive or USB stick to avoid overwriting other recoverable files.
Preventing Data Loss in the Future
Use Regular Backups
Windows 10 includes tools like File History and Backup and Restore. Combine these with third-party solutions to ensure your files are always safe.
Sync to Cloud Services
Services like OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox automatically back up your files in the background. That way, even if you factory reset your PC, your data stays intact in the cloud.
Conclusion
Factory resets can feel like the end of the world when you lose important files — but they don’t have to be. With backups, cloud services, or powerful recovery tools like MyRecover, you can often get your files back. The key is acting quickly and following the right steps to maximize your chances.
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