How to Recover Files from Windows Image Backup

Introduction

Ever had that mini heart attack when your PC crashes, and you think you’ve lost everything? Yeah, we've all been there. But if you were smart enough to create a Windows image backup, there’s good news—you can recover your files. In this article, we're going to walk you through how to recover files from Windows image backup the easy way, without all the tech jargon.

What is a Windows Image Backup?

Before we dive into the recovery part, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what a Windows image backup actually is.

Why You Might Need One

A Windows image backup is basically a snapshot of your entire system—files, programs, settings, you name it. Think of it like a time machine for your PC. If your system crashes or becomes unusable, this image helps you bring everything back, just like it was.

What It Contains

It includes:

• System files
• Installed apps
• System settings
• Personal files (if selected)

It’s stored in a .vhd or .vhdx file and can be used to restore your PC or selectively recover data.

Can You Recover Files from Windows Image Backup?

Short answer: Absolutely. But let’s bust some myths first.

Common Misconceptions

• Myth: You can only restore the whole system.
• Truth: You can extract individual files, too.

What's Actually Possible

With the right approach, you can browse the backup like a regular folder and pull out only what you need—no need to nuke and rebuild your whole system.

Prerequisites Before Starting Recovery

Let’s make sure you're set up for success.

Check Backup File Availability

Locate your backup—usually stored in:

• External hard drive
• Network location
• Secondary partition

Make sure it hasn’t been corrupted or deleted. >> Look here to know how to recover files from external hard drives.

Make Sure You Have Enough Storage

When recovering files, especially large ones, you’ll need enough free space on your current drive to accommodate them.

How to Recover from Windows Image Backup

Here are 2 easy ways to recover from Windows image backup, depending on your needs.

Method 1: Restore a Full System

Perfect for when your entire system is toast.

1. Access Advanced Startup Options:

Go to Settings > System > Recovery (in Windows 11) or Update & Security > Recovery (in Windows 10). Click "Restart now" next to "Advanced startup".

2. Navigate to System Image Recovery:

In the "Choose an option" window, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Image Recovery. If you don't see it, select "See more recovery options" first.

3. Follow the Wizard:

The System Image Recovery wizard will guide you through the process of selecting the backup image and restoring it.

This will restore everything exactly as it was when the backup was made.

Method 2: Selectively Recover Individual Files and Folders

This is where it gets fun—you can treat your backup like a USB drive.

1. Open Disk Management:

Right-click the Start button and select Disk Management.

2. Attach VHD:

Go to Action > Attach VHD. Browse to the location of your system image backup file (usually a .vhdx file) and select it.

3. Mount the Image:

Click Open and then OK. The mounted image will appear as a drive in File Explorer.

4. Copy Files:

Navigate to the mounted drive and copy the desired files or folders to your desired location.

5. Detach VHD:

Once finished, detach the VHD by right-clicking on the drive and selecting "Detach VHD".

How to Recover Files Without Restoring Entire System

If the built-in methods aren’t doing it for you, third-party tools can make life way easier. One top recommendation is MyRecover—a powerful, user-friendly tool that’s perfect for recovering files without doing a full system restore.

Step 1. Download and Install MyRecover

Download and install MyRecover on your computer.

Step 2. Launch and Scan

Launch the tool and find the specific location where the file is lost or damaged, such as Drive D. Let it scan this location and show you recoverable files.

Step 3. Save Recovered Data

Choose the files you need and hit Recover. Then, in order to avoid destroying the unrecovered data in that path, select another folder path to save the recovered files.

It’s really that simple—no confusing menus or risk of overwriting anything important.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Even the best plans can run into hiccups. Here’s how to deal.

1. Mounting Errors

Fix: Make sure the .vhd file isn’t corrupted. Try another PC if needed. You can also use command-line tools like diskpart to manually mount the image.

2. File Access Denied

Fix: Right-click the file > Properties > Security tab > Edit permissions. You may need admin rights to access some files.

3. Files Are Missing from Backup

Fix:

• Make sure you’re browsing the correct partition inside the mounted image.
• Check hidden folders or system folders—your files might be tucked away there.
• Use MyRecover to deep-scan the image for deleted files.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Whether you’re dealing with a system meltdown or just need a single file, knowing how to recover files from Windows image backup can be a total lifesaver. And while Windows has its built-in options, tools like MyRecover make the process faster, easier, and a lot less stressful, especially helping you recover data from cashed Windows.