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How to Recover Data from a Hard Drive on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Losing important files from your hard drive can be stressful. Fortunately, Windows 11 offers several ways to recover lost or deleted data. Whether you accidentally deleted files or your drive is not functioning correctly, this guide will help you recover your data step-by-step.

This article covers simple methods first, then moves on to more advanced options if needed. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along. Just take your time and carefully complete each step.

Remember, acting quickly improves the chances of successful recovery. Avoid saving new files on the affected drive until you recover your data.

Let’s begin with some quick notes before diving into the recovery process.

Quick Note Before You Start

  • Stop using the drive: Continued use can overwrite lost data, making recovery harder.
  • Check physical connections: Ensure your hard drive is properly connected to your PC.
  • Backup important files: If your drive is accessible, copy important files before attempting recovery.
  • Have enough free space: Recovery software may need space to save recovered files.
  • Use an external drive: It’s safer to recover files to a different drive or USB stick to avoid overwriting.

Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin

When you delete files, Windows usually moves them to the Recycle Bin first. This is the easiest way to restore files.

  1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
  2. Browse or search for the file(s) you want to recover.
  3. Right-click the file and select Restore.
  4. The file will be restored to its original folder.

This step is important because it is quick and requires no additional software. Always check here before moving on.

Step 2: Use File History to Restore Previous Versions

If you enabled File History on Windows 11, you can restore previous versions of your files or folders.

  1. Right-click the folder where the file was located.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Go to the Previous Versions tab.
  4. Look for available versions with dates and select the one you want.
  5. Click Restore or Copy to save it elsewhere.

This feature is useful because it allows you to recover files even if they were changed or deleted some time ago.

Step 3: Run Windows 11’s Built-in Recovery Tool (System Restore)

System Restore helps recover your system files and settings but can sometimes help with file recovery indirectly.

  1. Press Win + S, type Create a restore point, and open it.
  2. Click on the System Restore button.
  3. Choose a restore point dated before you lost the data.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Note that System Restore does not always recover personal files but can fix system errors causing data loss.

Step 4: Use Third-Party Data Recovery Software

If the above methods don’t work, specialized recovery software may help. Some popular options include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill.

  1. Download and install the recovery software on a different drive or PC.
  2. Launch the program and select the drive where the lost data was stored.
  3. Start a scan (quick or deep scan options are available).
  4. Preview the found files and select those you want to recover.
  5. Save recovered files to a different drive or external storage.

Recovery software works by scanning the disk for file remnants that haven’t been overwritten yet. The deeper the scan, the higher the chance of recovery but it takes longer.

Step 5: Check for Drive Errors Using CHKDSK

If your drive is corrupted, Windows’ CHKDSK tool can fix errors that might be causing data access problems.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator: Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
    chkdsk X: /f /r
    Replace X: with your drive letter.
  3. Wait for the process to complete. It may take some time depending on drive size and errors.
  4. After completion, restart your PC and check if your files are accessible.

This step is important because fixing file system errors can restore access to otherwise hidden or inaccessible files.

Alternative Advanced Method: Using Windows PowerShell to Recover Files

For those comfortable with command line tools, Windows PowerShell offers some file recovery commands, although it’s less user-friendly.

Get-ChildItem -Path X: -Recurse -Include *.docx,*.xlsx,*.jpg

This command searches for specific file types on drive X. You can customize the command to locate files by extension. This method helps locate misplaced files but doesn’t recover deleted files.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I recover permanently deleted files on Windows 11?

Yes, but only if the data has not been overwritten. Using recovery software soon after deletion improves the chance of recovery.

Is data recovery safe?

Data recovery tools are generally safe if downloaded from reputable sources. Always scan software for malware before installation.

What if my hard drive is physically damaged?

Physical damage requires professional data recovery services. Avoid opening or repairing the drive yourself to prevent further damage.

Can I recover data from SSDs like from HDDs?

Yes, but SSDs use different storage technology and TRIM commands, which can permanently erase deleted data more quickly, making recovery harder.

Does Windows 11 have built-in data recovery?

Windows 11 offers tools like File History and System Restore but does not include a full-featured data recovery program.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still cannot recover your data, it may be time to consider professional help.

  • Professional Data Recovery Services: Look for certified data recovery companies that specialize in your type of drive.
  • Microsoft Support: Visit Microsoft Support for additional help and troubleshooting guides.
  • Backup Plans: Once you resolve this issue, set up regular backups using Windows File History or cloud services to prevent future data loss.

Conclusion

Recovering data from a hard drive on Windows 11 can be straightforward if you follow the steps carefully. Start with simple checks like the Recycle Bin and File History, then move on to recovery software or system tools if needed.

Always remember to stop using the affected drive to avoid overwriting lost data. If your files are very important and recovery attempts fail, professional services are the safest option.

By staying calm and following this guide, you increase your chances of successfully retrieving your valuable information.

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