How to Restore Files from Backup Windows 10/11

Can I Restore Files from Backup Windows 10?

Yes, you can restore files from a backup in Windows 10 using several methods, depending on which tools you want to use. Here is a brief introduction to the commonly used tools.

⇒ File History:

It can back up personal files (documents, photos, music, etc.) automatically to an external drive or network location. File History saves multiple versions of files, allowing you to restore older copies.

• Continuous backup (runs in the background).
• Simple file/folder restoration via File Explorer.
• Exclude specific folders.

⇒ Backup and Restore (Windows 7):

It is a legacy tool (still available in Windows 10/11) for creating full system backups or file backups. Also, it saves data to an external drive or network location.

• Back up files, system settings, and programs (optional).
• Can create a system image (like System Image Backup).
• Scheduled backups (not continuous).

⇒ System Image Backup:

It creates a complete snapshot of your entire system (OS, apps, settings, files) and saves it as a single “.vhdx” / “.vhd” file on an external drive or network location.

• Used for disaster recovery (e.g., hard drive failure, malware infection).
• Requires significant storage space.
• Restored via Windows Recovery Environment.

How to Restore Files from Backup Windows 10/11

In this part, you can see the specific steps of how to use the mentioned 3 tools to restore files from backups on Windows 10 or 11. Choose your preferred one and try it to get your data back.

Method 1. Restore File History Backup Windows 10

This method is for users who have enabled File History before, so they can find the backups on another external hard drive and restore files from them.

► Note: To turn on File History, go to Settings on your Windows PC, choose “Update & Security” > “Files Backup”, and turn on the button under “Automatically back up my files”. Then, click “Add a drive” to choose an external hard drive as the backup destination.

Step 1. Type "Restore your files with File History" in the Start menu and open it.

Step 2. Look through the files and folders and select which you want to restore.

Step 3. Right-click the restore button (a green button) and you can see 2 options which you can use to decide where to save the restored files:

• Restore: Restore the files or folders to the original location.
• Restore to: Restore the files to a new location.

Method 2. Restore Files from Windows 7 Backup to Windows 10 (Backup and Restore Windows 7)

Since the Backup and Restore (Windows 7) feature is not enabled by default. If you want to use it, you have to turn it on first.

► Note: To enable Backup and Restore (Windows 7): enter “Control Panel” in the Start menu > choose “System and Security” > click “Backup and Restore (Windows 7)” > tap “Back up now”. Then, follow the instructions to finish enabling it.

Step 1. Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Step 2. Choose “Select another backup to restore files from”.

Step 3. Select the backup you want to restore and click “Next”.

Step 4. Check the box next to “Select all files from this backup” and click “Next”.

Step 5. Choose the location where you want to save the backup and tap “Restore” to execute the task. Then, wait for the task to be accomplished until you see a pop-up window saying “Your files have been restored”.

Method 3. Restore Individual Files from Windows 10 Backup (System Image Backup)

If you want to restore individual files from System Image Backup, here are the steps.

Step 1. Search for the system image backups on your computer. They are always “.vhd” or “.vhdx” files.

Step 2. Enter “Disk Management” in the Start menu to open the panel. Then, click “Action” in the upper bar and choose "Attach VHD".

Step 3. Browse to the ".vhd" or ".vhdx" file and open it. Then you will see a virtual drive in File Explorer. The virtual drive is your system image backup, but it is more convenient for you to view your files.

Step 4. Open the virtual drive and copy the files you want to restore. Then, paste them into another location.

Step 5. Back to “Disk Management”, select “Action”, and choose “Detach VHD” to let the virtual drive disappear in File Explorer.

MyRecover: Restore Files Without Windows Backup (All Windows Systems)

If you do not want to or always forget to back up your data to an external hard drive, MyRecover will make everything easier. It can help you directly recover the lost data by the Deleted Files Recovery, Recycle Bin Recovery, Format Recovery, Disk Data Recovery, Partition Lost Recovery, or PC Crashed Recovery functions. Whether you are using a Windows 10, Windows 11, or Windows 7 PC, these functions are all accessible.

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For example, if you lost all your data on one disk, you can use Disk Data Recovery to quickly scan this disk to find the files you want to restore. If you cannot find them, try the Deep Scan instead. Whether you permanently delete the data on the disk or in the Recycle Bin, MyRecover can find it. Then, all you need to do is click the “Recover” button to restore the lost files. Much easier, right?

When you choose which files to restore, you can also preview the files with the Professional Edition. Moreover, this edition allows you to restore unlimited files rather than 500MB of files in the Free Edition.

Conclusion

Now you have 3 ways to restore file from backup on Windows 10 or 11. You can choose to use File Backup, Backup and Restore (Windows 7), and System Image Backup. Moreover, if you have to restore files without Windows backup, MyRecover can be your best choice since it gives multiple functions for different scenarios and the operations are easy for novices.

What’s more, if you want to use MyRecover for your company, it is recommended to download and install the Technician Edition because the subscription can be used on unlimited computers.