Solved: Switch Used is Incompatible with Recovery Mode When Running Winfr Command

About the Error: Switch Used is Incompatible with Recovery Mode

When using Windows File Recovery, a powerful command-line tool by Microsoft, users sometimes encounter confusing error messages that interrupt the recovery process. One such common error is:"Switch used is incompatible with recovery mode."

Why the Error Message Pops Out When Running Winfr Command?

This error typically appears because certain command-line switches (like /n,/y, etc.) are used without matching the appropriate recovery mode. Understanding how Windows File Recovery modes workand which switches they supportis key to resolving this issue and successfully recovering your lost files.

Windows File Recovery has two main recovery modes and another two additional modes, and each supports different command-line switches:

• Regular Mode: default mode, works with NTFS file systems, for recovering files deleted recently.
• Extensive Mode: More powerful, works with FAT/exFAT or NTFS drives that were formatted or where files were deleted long ago, perfect for recoveringolder or deeply deleted/ formatted files.
• Segment mode: recovery option for NTFS drives using file record segments.
• Signature mode: recovery option for all file system types using file headers.

How to Solve? [Examples]

When you encounter the error message "Switch used is incompatible with recovery mode", it means that the switch (command option) you used does not match the recovery mode you selected. Next, we will look at some examples to help you understand this better.

❌ Wrong Command: winfr H: D: /signature /n *.jpg

This command is incorrect because the "/signature" mode does not support the "/n" switch.

✅ Correct Command: winfr H: D: /signature

Use this to recover all supported file types (including ".jpg") from drive H: to D: using Signature mode. You do not need to specify "/n".

If you want to recover only JPG or PNG files, you should use "Regular" or "Extensive" mode with the "/n" switch, like this:

"winfr H: D: /regular /n *.png" or "winfr H: D: /extensive /n *.png"

❌ Wrong Command: winfr H: D: /segment /x /n *.docx

This command is incorrect because the "/x" switch is not supported in Segment mode. "/x" is only valid in Extensive mode.

✅ Correct Command: winfr H: D: /segment /n *.docx

Use this to recover word files from drive H: to D: using Segment mode, which works on NTFS file systems and relies on file record segments (FRS) for recovery.

If the Segment mode doesn’t return your files, consider using Extensive mode for deeper scanning: winfr H: D: /extensive /n *.docx

Alternative When Stuck in "Switch Used is Incompatible with Recovery Mode" Error

If you’ve tried multiple commands and still can’t get Windows File Recovery to work properly, you’re not alone. While powerful, this tool can be confusing for beginners, especially with its strict syntax and mode-switch limitations.That’s where an easier, more user-friendly solution like MyRecover comes in.

This professional data recovery software is quitepowerful, capable of handling 500+ data loss scenarios, including:

Accidental deletion (even after emptying Recycle Bin)

Formatted drives or corrupted partitions

Virus or malware attacks causing file loss

System crashes, BSODs, or unexpected shutdowns

File system errors, RAW drives, and inaccessible disks

File loss during transfer or OS reinstallation

Whether you lost photos, documents, videos, or entire folders, MyRecover offers a one-click scan and easy file preview so you can get your data back fast—no technical skills required. Follow the steps below to learn how it works.

Step 1. Download and install MyRecover on your computer.

Step 2. Run the software, select the target drive and click on "Scan" button.

Step 3. The software intelligently selects the appropriate scanning method based on the condition of your drive. For healthy drives, it begins with a Quick Scan to locate recently deleted files. However, if the drive is formatted or damaged, it will automatically initiate a Deep Scan, which may take longer but can uncover more lost data. You also have the option to manually switch to Deep Scan at any time for a more thorough search.

Step 4. After the scanning, you can quickly locate the files by making use of the "Filter" or "Search" feature.

Step 5.Once you’ve located the files you want to recover, simply check the boxes next to them and click "Recover." You can also preview the files before recovery to make sure they’re exactly what you need.

Step 6. Choose a different location (not the original drive) to save the recovered files. This helps prevent overwriting and ensures a safer recovery process.

Wait for the recovery to complete. The time will vary depending on the size and number of files, but once finished, your lost data will be safely restored and ready to use.

In the End

If you encounter errors like "Switch used is incompatible with recovery mode", try the above methods to correct the command. If all fails and you needa more intuitive solution, MyRecover is a better choice, with more advanced functions even recovering files from crashed computers.

Whether you're a beginner or just want a faster solution, MyRecover makes data recovery easy and stress-free. You can quickly filter, preview, and restore files—no confusion. Plus, it works on all major Windows versions, including 11, 10, 8, 7, and Server 2008–2025, unlike Windows File Recovery, which only supports Windows 10 and 11.