Proven Ways to Recover Data after Reinstalling Windows
Read time 9 minutes
“I was facing a continuous hang issue on my Windows laptop, and apart from hang issues, it was not able to recognize even the nearest Wi-Fi signals and Bluetooth connection. I tried updating all my drivers and packages responsible for that connection issue, but the problem was still there. Then, a friend suggested me to reinstall Windows in my system so that all the issues may also be fixed. However, after reinstalling it, I realized that some of my data files were missing. These files are very important to me, and I want to regain them. Can anyone suggest a way to do that?”
Windows is the most popular Operating System of all and is widely used across the globe. It is the primary choice for many of the users, and hence, it is very important too. Users keep all of their data on their systems, some of which are very important. In such a situation, the fear of data loss is real. In case of data loss, recovering the data becomes very necessary to get back your precious data. As per the above-mentioned query, after reinstalling Windows one may lose data.
After reinstalling Windows, you may realize that some crucial files are no longer available. It is where the need for data recovery arises. We have several proven ways to recover data after reinstalling Windows OS. In this blog, we are going to mention all the methods by which we can recover all those missing files.
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Due to any of the reasons mentioned above, you may need to reinstall Windows. But, most of the time, it has been noticed that Windows reinstallation leads to data loss. It’s because when you reinstall Windows on a computer, it asks you if you want to format the hard disk to create new partitions or want to reinstall Windows on any one of the available volumes/partitions. In case you format the hard disk, create new partitions, and reinstall Windows, then data available on the hard disk gets deleted.
On the other hand, if you do not format the hard disk, then you are prompted to select an available hard disk partition on which you want to install the Windows. Now, you should carefully select the hard disk partition because if you select the partition on which your important data is saved, then all your data will be lost.
If you have selected the wrong partition or have formatted the entire hard disk, then also do not worry about your data. Because you can still get your data back, provided you did not save more data on the hard disk after Windows reinstallation.
Data will be lost only from the partition where Windows is reinstalled. The files and folders remain unaffected in other partitions of your PC. The data resides on your computer’s hard disk even after you have formatted it. In fact, actual files still reside there until they have not been over-written with new data. Therefore, you have a chance to recover data after Windows reinstallation.
Follow the below-mentioned 3 simple methods that will quickly and efficiently help you to recover data after reinstalling Windows:
The File History restores files or folders from the backup location. You can restore your files from an externally connected drive like a USB or a network drive.
The File History can back up only the files in Photos, Music, Desktop folders, Videos, and offline files of OneDrive on your system. But you can add files to these folders for backup if they are saved elsewhere on your PC.
Now, follow these simple steps to restore your data using Windows File History:
Step 1: Open Settings and select Update & recovery
Step 2: Select the option File History from the left panel
Step 3:Look for the Backup option and recover either with Backup from File History or Looking for an Older Backup option.
Step 4: Select required files and restore them.
A restore point is used to restore the computer files to an earlier point. It is created automatically by your PC when it notices the change. Also, never backup files on the same drive that is installed with Windows. When you format or reinstall Windows, all the data will be deleted. So, it is recommended to store data on other partitions of your system or use external storage media such as external HDD, DVDs, or CDs.
Follow the below-mentioned steps to recover data using System Restore Point:
Step 1: Open Control Panel and select Recovery
Step 2: Select the restore point, click Next, and Finish
Note: Your system protection should be turned ON. To do this, select Configure System Restore >> Configure >> Turn ON.
It is a comprehensive tool that helps you to recover lost/deleted or corrupted Windows data.
It is designed with advanced algorithms that allow you to recover every bit of your lost data. Some of the extensive features that it provides are recovered data from corrupt hard drives, removable disks, and SD cards, previewing data after recovery, etc.
Here how you can recover data with the help of this utility.
Windows data and files may not get deleted permanently after reinstalling Windows. So, lost files can still be recovered either using free methods to recover Deleted Files from Windows as explained in the article, including recovery through Windows backup file in the File History, through a system restore point created previously, and automated software with general information and complete process explanation for users help.
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An excellent guide to recover data after reinstalling Windows.