How to Fix File Not Found Error in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Encountering a “File Not Found” error in Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when you need quick access to your files. This error usually means the operating system cannot locate the file at the specified path.

There are several reasons why this might happen, from simple typos to file corruption or accidental deletion. Fortunately, many solutions are straightforward and don’t require advanced technical skills.

In this guide, we will walk you through easy-to-follow steps to fix the “File Not Found” error and get your files back.

Follow each step carefully, starting from the simplest checks to more detailed troubleshooting.

Quick Note: Basic Checks Before You Start

Verify the file path: Make sure the file location you are trying to access is correct. Even small spelling mistakes can cause this error.
Check external drives: If the file is on a USB or external hard drive, ensure it is properly connected.
Look for file renaming: Sometimes files get renamed accidentally. Try searching for similar file names.
Restart your PC: A simple reboot can fix temporary glitches causing the error.

Step 1: Use Windows Search to Locate the File

Sometimes the file has been moved to a different folder. Using the built-in Windows Search helps you find it easily.

Click on the Search icon (magnifying glass) on the taskbar or press Windows + S.
Type the name of the file you are looking for.
Look through the search results to see if your file appears in a different location.
If found, right-click the file and select Open file location to confirm the path.

This step helps ensure the file is not simply misplaced or moved by mistake.

Step 2: Check the Recycle Bin

If the file was deleted accidentally, it might still be in the Recycle Bin.

Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
Use the search box or scroll through to find your missing file.
If located, right-click the file and choose Restore. This will return the file to its original folder.

Restoring from the Recycle Bin is the quickest way to recover deleted files without special tools.

Step 3: Verify File Extension and Name

File extensions (like .docx, .jpg, or .pdf) are important. If the file extension is missing or changed, Windows might not recognize the file correctly.

Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where the file is supposed to be.
Click the View tab on the top menu.
Check the box for File name extensions to make sure extensions are visible.
Look for the file and confirm the name and extension are correct.
If the extension is missing or wrong, rename the file by right-clicking and selecting Rename, then add or correct the extension.

This step ensures Windows can properly recognize and open your file.

Step 4: Run the System File Checker Tool

Sometimes, corrupted system files can cause errors like “File Not Found.” The System File Checker (SFC) scans and repairs these system files.

Press Windows + S and type cmd.
Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
In the command window, type the following command and press Enter:
```
sfc /scannow
```
Wait for the scan to complete. It may take several minutes.
If any issues are found, the tool will attempt to fix them automatically.

Running SFC helps fix underlying system issues causing file access problems.

Step 5: Check Disk for Errors

Disk errors on your hard drive could prevent Windows from locating files correctly.

Open File Explorer and right-click the drive where the file is stored (usually C: drive).
Select Properties, then go to the Tools tab.
Under Error checking, click Check.
If errors are found, follow the prompts to repair the drive.

This process helps fix physical or logical errors on your disk that affect file availability.

Step 6: Restore from Backup

If you regularly back up your data, restoring the missing file from a backup is a safe option.

Open the folder where your backup is stored (such as an external drive or cloud storage).
Locate the missing file.
Copy and paste it back to the original or desired location on your PC.

Backing up files is a preventive measure that can save your data in cases of file loss.

Alternative Method: Use File Recovery Software

If the file is deleted and not in the Recycle Bin, specialized recovery tools like Recuva or Disk Drill can help retrieve it.

These programs scan your drive for deleted files and allow you to restore them if possible. However, success is not guaranteed and depends on how much the drive has been used since deletion.

FAQs

Why does Windows say “File Not Found” even if the file exists?

This can happen if the file path is incorrect, the file is corrupted, or if there are permission issues preventing access.

Can antivirus software cause this error?

Yes, some antivirus programs quarantine or block files, making them temporarily inaccessible.

Is it possible to recover files after formatting the drive?

Sometimes recovery tools can restore files after formatting, but the chances decrease if new data has overwritten the old data.

How can I prevent this error in the future?

Regularly back up your files, avoid abrupt shutdowns, and keep your system updated to prevent file errors.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still see the “File Not Found” error, you might be dealing with deep file corruption or hardware issues.

At this point, consider these options:

Contact Microsoft Support for professional help: https://support.microsoft.com
Consult a data recovery specialist if the files are critical.
Consider reinstalling Windows as a last resort, but ensure you back up all important data first.

Conclusion

The “File Not Found” error in Windows 11 can often be fixed with simple checks like verifying file paths, searching your PC, or checking the Recycle Bin. More advanced steps like running system scans and checking disk integrity help resolve deeper issues.

By following these step-by-step solutions, you can quickly identify and fix the problem without stress. Remember to back up your files regularly to avoid data loss in the future.