Most Effective Tools to Recover Lost Data in Windows 11

Whether it's due to accidental deletion, a system crash, a malware attack, or a problematic update, data loss can cause more than a few headaches. Fortunately, there are good solutions. Tools to recover lost data in Windows 11, both system-specific resources and third-party solutions.

In this article, we review all of these tools and, at the same time, show you how to prevent future losses using industry best practices and tools.

Main causes of data loss in Windows 11

Before we get down to the task of recovering lost data in Windows 11, It is important to understand why files can be lost in Windows 11.:

• Accidental deletion: A simple mistake, pressing the wrong key or using combinations like Shift + Delete can make a file disappear in seconds.
• Software failure: Unexpected crashes, conflicting updates, failed saves, or forced shutdowns can leave files inaccessible or corrupted.
• Hardware issues: Failing mechanical hard drives, bad sectors, power outages, or even physical damage to the equipment.
• Malware, ransomware, or virus: Some malware hides, encrypts, or deletes files en masse.
• system updates: Migrating to a new version, especially when moving to Windows 11, can result in files being moved, hidden, or redistributed between user profiles.
• Incorrect formatting or partitions: Disk modifications can inadvertently lead to the disappearance of important data.

Understanding the cause of data loss is key to choosing the best recovery strategy.For example, a recent deletion can be fixed quickly, while disk corruption may require advanced tools.

Immediate methods to recover data in Windows 11

Let's start with the simplest methods offered by the operating system itself, which are valid for most recent or accidental deletion situations.

Undo delete (Ctrl+Z and context menu)

When you delete a file in a folder, you can undo the action immediately by clicking Ctrl + Z or by right-clicking and selecting “Undo delete.” This works if you haven't taken any further action and haven't restarted your PC.It's a quick fix for one-off errors, but it's important to act quickly.

Keep in mind: If you shut down or restart your computer after deleting the file, or if you perform other file operations, this feature may no longer be available.

The Recycling Bin: Your Main Ally

Windows 11 still relies on the classic Recycle Bin to safeguard files deleted with normal methods (delete, right-click, delete key). Files are not immediately deleted from the disk, but are temporarily stored in the Recycle Bin. until you decide to empty it.

1. Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking its icon on the desktop.
2. Find the deleted file or folder. You can use the built-in search engine to help.
3. Right click on the element and select Restore. The file will appear in its original location.

Remember: If you have deleted files with Shift + Delete or you have emptied the Recycle Bin, this data will no longer be available here and other recovery methods will be necessary.

Restore Permanently Deleted Files in Windows 11

Are the files no longer in the Trash? Not everything is lost. It is still possible to recover lost data on Windows 11 with certain strategies:

1. Restore a previous version of files or folders

Windows 11 includes the feature of Previous versions, which allows you to go back through files or folders if you have them activated system restore points or File History. You can find more details in our article about missing files on your PC.

1. Right click on the folder where the deleted file was and select Restore previous versions.
2. In the corresponding tab, you will see a list of available versions (dates and times).
3. You can open to preview or just choose Restore.

Eye: This process will replace the current state of the folder with the previously saved state. If you created new files in it after deletion, back them up before restoring.

2. Restore from native Windows backups

Windows 11 includes several automatic file backup and restore options. The most notable are:

• File history: Allows you to automatically save versions of important folders (Documents, Pictures, Desktop, Videos). If you had it enabled, you can recover files in a few clicks. For more details, check out our guide on recover data from a non-booting hard drive.
• Backup and Restore (Windows 7): Also available in Windows 11, it allows you to create full backups (or “system images”) and restore them partially or completely.
• OneDrive: If you synced your documents to the Microsoft cloud, you can recover lost items from the OneDrive trash or restore entire folders.

To use the File History:

1. Connect the necessary external or network drive where you stored your backups.
2. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > File History.
3. Select “Restore personal files.” Browse through your saved backups until you find the version you want and click the green restore button.
4. For added control, right-click the source folder and choose “Restore Previous Versions” to view the associated history.

File recovery tools built into Windows 11

If the above methods have not helped us to recover lost data in Windows 11, Microsoft puts at your disposal Windows File Recovery, a free tool downloadable from the Microsoft Store.

Windows File Recovery: Advanced Command-Based Recovery

Windows File Recovery It is a command-line utility designed for users who need to recover deleted files from hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, or memory cards, even after formatting or corruption. It is available for Windows 10 2004 and higher (including Windows 11) and supports file systems. NTFS, FAT: y exFAT.

In addition, it supports two recovery modes: Regular (for recent deletions on NTFS) and Extensive (for more complex situations or alternative file systems). It is used like this:

1. Download and install Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.
2. Open Command Prompt as administrator (Windows + X > Windows Terminal).
3. Basic syntax: winfr : :

Example: winfr C: D:\Recovery /regular /n users\name\Documents\

Limitations: It lacks a graphical interface, requires certain knowledge, and recovery is not 100% guaranteed if disk sectors have been overwritten.

Professional and free file recovery software for Windows 11

If you need a more flexible solution, Third-party recovery programs are an effective alternativeThere are both free and paid versions, and some allow you to analyze, preview, and recover files from both internal and external drives. The most popular, according to specialized websites, are:

• EaseUS Data Recovery WizardIndustry leader, with a free version that recovers up to 2 GB. Compatible with all media types (HDD, SSD, USB, SD, digital cameras). Simple interface and three-step guided recovery.
• Recuva: Free and intuitive, although less up-to-date. Allows you to recover files from internal and removable devices.
• Disk Drill: Recover up to 500 MB for free and supports advanced search, filters and preview.
• MiniTool Power Data Recovery: Powerful alternative that offers free recovery and paid version.

Advantages over native methods: Greater scanning depth, recovering files even after formatting, partition loss, or logical file system corruption. Some even repair damaged photos or videos and offer data restoration features for other operating systems or mobile devices.

Advanced Methods and Command-Based Recovery in Windows 11

For experienced users or complex situations, the Command Prompt allows you to scan and recover hidden or corrupted files or restore unresponsive drives.

1. Recover using CHKDSK and ATTRIB

CHKDSK It is a diagnostic and repair tool for units:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Writes: chkdsk x: /f (replace x: with the drive letter).
3. Let it complete the entire process; it may ask for your confirmation with “Y.”

ATTRIB It is used to remove hidden or read-only attributes that could prevent you from viewing or accessing a file or folder:

1. In the same console, type: ATTRIB -H -R -S /S /DX:*.* (replace X with your drive letter).
2. Wait for the process to complete; this will make potentially "invisible" files available again.

Note: These methods do not recover permanently deleted files, but they can be helpful if the loss is due to corruption or manipulation by malware.

Recover data after updates or temporary profiles in Windows 11

One of the common problems after updating the system or due to profile errors is not finding your usual documents, images, or settings. Windows 11 sometimes logs in with a time profile If you detect any problems, this can give the impression that all is lost.

What to do?

• Check if the message "You're logged in with a temporary profile" appears. If so, restart your PC and try logging in with your usual user. Don't copy or migrate data from the temporary profile, as it will disappear when you log out.
• Go to “Settings > Accounts > Sync your settings” to make sure everything is linked correctly.
• If you used OneDrive, go to the web version to check and restore files from the cloud.

Sometimes it may also happen that the local administrator account is disabled. Access “Local Users and Groups” from Computer Management, and enable it to recover associated files.

The fundamental role of backups in Windows 11

Preventing data loss in the future is possible if you set a good backup system.

Built-in options in Windows 11:

• File history: Schedule automatic backups of your most-used folders to an external or network drive. It allows you to recover older versions and is easy to configure.
• Backup and restore: You can make full backups, scheduled backups, and even system images.
• OneDrive: Sync your documents to the cloud. Recover any previous version from the web interface.
• Create restore point: Increase the amount of space reserved for restore by going to “System Properties” > “System Protection” to save more changes and have more options when restoring files or settings.

Recommendation: Use an external drive or the cloud and schedule regular backups. This way, in case of any failure or loss, you'll always have a safety net.

Tips to improve data recovery chances

• Act quickly: The less time passes since the deletion, the greater the chances of success.
• Do not save new files or install programs on the drive where you lost data. until the recovery is complete.
• Always choose a different location (another disk, USB, cloud...) to save the restored files.
• Normalizes backups.

And remember: Prevention is always the best strategy to avoid irreparable losses.. Better than knowing how to recover lost data in Windows 11 is preventing that loss from happening.