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Stop using the drive where the file was deleted, then check that Windows File Recovery is scanning the right drive with a suitable mode and filter. For a recent deletion on NTFS, start with Regular mode; if it finds nothing, try Extensive mode if the file type is supported. A scan cannot guarantee recovery: ordinary computer use may overwrite deleted data, and Microsoft notes this can be a particular risk on SSDs.
First, protect the deleted file’s former storage space
Deleted-file space is marked as free for reuse. Creating, downloading, installing, or copying files on the affected drive can overwrite that space and reduce the chance of recovery. Minimize use of the affected computer, especially activity that writes to the source drive. Microsoft says to minimize or avoid using the computer to improve the chances of recovery; it also notes that recovery may fail if free space has been overwritten, especially on an SSD.
Do not create a new partition on the affected drive after losing data. If you need to run a scan, use another drive or partition for recovered files.
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Windows File Recovery is a command-line app available from Microsoft Store for recovering deleted files from local storage, such as internal drives, external drives, and USB devices, when they cannot be restored from the Recycle Bin. It does not recover files from cloud storage or network file shares. See Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery guidance for its supported scope and usage.
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If the file may not actually be deleted
If you can’t see a file, search Windows before scanning. Search from the taskbar or File Explorer; Windows Search can find documents on the PC and in OneDrive. Also check any backup copies. Microsoft’s file and app search guidance explains how to find items in Windows.
If the file is in a cloud service or network share
Use that service’s or organization’s own recovery options rather than Windows File Recovery. The utility is intended for local storage and does not support cloud or network file-share recovery.
Check the drives before scanning
The source is the drive where the file was deleted. The destination is where recovered files will be written; Microsoft requires these to be different drives or partitions. If the computer has only one drive, connect a USB drive or external hard drive and use it as the destination. Make sure it has enough free space for the files you hope to recover. Microsoft documents that a full destination can interrupt a run and present options to free space and resume, skip a file, or abort.
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Identify the source drive’s file system by opening its Properties in File Explorer. NTFS is common on computers and external drives; FAT or exFAT is common on SD cards and flash or USB drives. The file system affects which scan mode to use.
Choose Regular or Extensive mode
Microsoft’s recommended starting point depends on the file system and what happened to the drive:
| Drive and situation | Mode to try |
|---|---|
| NTFS, file deleted recently | Regular |
| NTFS, file deleted a while ago, drive formatted, or disk corrupted | Extensive |
| FAT or exFAT | Extensive |
If you are unsure, start with Regular. If it does not locate the file, try Extensive if the file type is supported. These modes are recovery approaches, not guarantees that a file can be found.
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Verify the command, path, and filter
The general command structure is:
winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches]
- Use a colon after each drive letter and leave a space between the source and destination.
- Choose the actual drive containing the deleted file as the source, and a different drive or partition as the destination.
- Use
/nto filter by filename, full path, extension, or wildcard. Check spelling, folder path, and extension against the file as it existed before deletion. - When filtering by a folder, include a trailing backslash. Put any path containing spaces in quotation marks.
For example, Microsoft documents this Regular-mode command for searching for PDF and DOCX files:
winfr C: E: /regular /n *.pdf /n *.docx
It also documents this Extensive-mode filename-filter example:
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winfr E: C: /extensive /n *invoice*
The drive letters in the second example are illustrative, not a recommendation for your setup. In every case, make sure the source is the drive where the file was lost and the destination is separate.
Recovered results are written to a Microsoft-created Recovery_<date and time> folder on the destination drive. When scanning the Windows operating-system drive, filters can help narrow results because system-generated files may otherwise appear. For command details and other supported options, consult Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery instructions.
What it means if the scan still finds nothing
If Regular mode fails on a recent NTFS deletion, try Extensive mode when the file type is supported. If Extensive mode also does not locate the file, it may have been overwritten or may not be recoverable with this utility. A failed scan does not establish which of those possibilities applies. Avoid further writes to the source drive; Microsoft suggests contacting an administrator if you need more help.
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For other recovery options, Microsoft’s Windows backup, restore, and recovery overview describes Windows recovery and backup features.
Windows version note
Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery guidance applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11. Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025; that support date does not change the scan steps, but it matters when considering the operating system’s ongoing support status.
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