Top 3 Methods to Recover Files after Reinstalling Windows 10/8.1/8/7

If you are a Windows user, then you know that sometimes you have to reinstall the Windows system in order to solve certain issues e.g. corrupted Windows system files, corrupted Windows registry, fail to remove virus/spyware, etc. However, sometimes reinstalling Windows results in loss of your important files. Fortunately, you can recover those files after reinstalling windows via some methods.

1Recover Files after Reinstalling Windows with AnyRecover

Using a professional data recovery software is one of the best ways to recover old files from hard drive after reinstalling Windows. It is recommended that you use AnyRecover for this purpose. AnyRecover features advanced data scanning and recovering algorithms and can recover virtually all kinds of files quickly and efficiently.

Steps to Recover Files after Reinstalling Windows

Step 1. Launch iMyFone AnyRecover, please select a Recovery mode according to your situation. Here you'll need to use the Lost Partition Recovery mode.

Step 2. Select a partition to start finding data.

Step 3. Different file types will be shown on the list. Select the types you wish to recover, and click the "Scan" button to process.

Step 4. It will take a few minutes to scan your selected partition. Once it finishes, you can check and preview the recoverable files.

Tips for Successful and Efficient Recovery

• Save the recovered files in a different location otherwise they may become irrecoverable.

• Once you have started the recovery process, don't interrupt it.

• Preview the files that you wish to recover, it will save time and storage space as you will only recover the files that you need.

2Recover with Windows Backup File History

Windows automatically creates backups of your files from time to time if you have enabled the File History feature. When needed, you can use this feature to restore files or folders that you want from the backup location. File History also allows you to restore your files from external storage mediums such as a network drive or a USB.

Steps to Recover Deleted Files after Reinstalling Windows

The process of recovering files via Windows Backup File History is pretty straightforward.

Step 1. Open Start Menu > Settings > Update & Security.

Step 2. Once there, look for the Backup option. Under that section, you can either recover your files with File History or Looking for an Older Backup option.

Step 3. Finally, target the lost files and  restore them by following the on-screen instructions.

Keep in mind that the File History feature of Windows can back up only certain types of files such as videos, desktop folders, music, photos, as well as offline files of OneDrive available on your system. If the files are stored elsewhere on your computer, you can still add them to these folders and the File History will back them up.

3Recover Though System Restore Point

Another method to recover files after reinstalling Windows is by using the System Restore Point feature of Windows. A restore point in Windows is the feature that allows you to restore certain files to an earlier point. Windows automatically creates the restore point for files that are changed frequently.

Steps to Recover Old Files after Reinstalling Windows

Follow these instructions to recover your lost/deleted files through system restore point:

Step 1. On your Window PC, open Control Panel and click on Recovery option.

Step 2. Now select the Open System Restore option.

Step 3. Select a restore point and click Next. Then click Finish when prompted to complete the restore process.

Keep in mind that the feature must be enabled in order for it to automatically create system restore point. You will need to turn the system protection ON. You can do this by navigating to Configure System Restore > Configure and then clicking the Turn ON option.

Also, never create backups on the same drive that contains your Windows operating system. This is because when Windows is reinstalled, the partition containing the Windows gets formatted. You'd better to store data on other partitions of your hard drive. If possible, use external storage medium for backups such as external hard drive.