Is Data Still Retrievable After a Factory Reset?
Yes, but not always. If you chose the Keep files option during the factory reset then all of the typical files and folders in your user folder (C:\Users\ProfileName) will be safe. However, other files, as well as all applications that you installed, will be deleted in the process. These files can be recovered through hard drive data recovery, but there is no way of telling how much data can be recovered.
Deleted data still remains on the drive until it is overwritten with new data at the same physical location. When you perform a factory reset, the operating system will be written to the disk, potentially overwriting some of your data. When data is overwritten, it becomes unrecoverable. However, even though it’s impossible to predict your chances of data recovery after factory reset, some data may remain and it’s worth scanning the drive with data recovery software to see what you can restore.
Important: Be aware that your data will not be recoverable if you factory reset Windows on an SSD that has TRIM enabled. The TRIM command automatically erases blocks of data on an SSD that have been marked as deleted. In such cases, you must restore from a backup.
How to Recover Data After Factory Reset on Windows 10/11
There are multiple ways to recover data after a factory reset. We’ll show you two main methods: recovering with software and restoring from a backup.
Method 1: Recover Data After Factory Reset With Recovery Tool
Before we move on to the software that we’ve chosen to recover data after a factory reset, we’d like to remind you that Pandora Recovery is dedicated to helping you recover your data using software that’s ideal for your situation. All software we review is put through strenuous testing spanning multiple days, revealing everything that the application is capable of achieving, right down to the finest details. This allows us to make trustworthy, fact-based decisions on which software gives you the best chance of getting your data back.
Notice: Our database of reviews is always expanding. Reading our reviews and software comparisons, as well as comparing applications yourself using our software comparison tool, all help contribute to our growth. Furthermore, you can help yourself find the perfect tool by using our interactive survey tool which takes you through a brief questionnaire and pairs you with the right software based on your needs.
The ideal data recovery tool for recovering data from a factory reset hard drive should have:
- The ability to restore original file names and folder structure. Good data recovery software is able to restore the original file names and folder structure of lost data, making it much easier for you to identify individual files and keep them organized in their folders following recovery.
- Support for signature scanning. When your data cannot be recovered through a quick or clever scan, a signature scan can attempt to reconstruct the files based on known patterns. Each data recovery tool has its own database of patterns which determines what files can be reconstructed.
- Great usability. All functions and features should be easy to locate and within reach without cluttering the user interface. A well-planned user interface reduces the learning curve for beginners and allows users to start recovery as soon as possible.
- Easy scanning and recovery. Scanning and recovery should be possible in as few clicks as possible. Good data recovery solutions take into account what the user will need and incorporates features, such as smart scanning, to reduce the number of scans the user needs to perform themselves.
In regards to recovering data after a factory reset, we’ve chosen Disk Drill and R-Studio for the following reasons:
Attribute | Disk Drill | R-Studio |
Supported file systems | NTFS FAT16 FAT32 exFAT | NTFS FAT16 FAT32 exFAT |
Supported file types | Supports 400 file types | Supports 500 file types |
Trial limits | Recover up to 500 MB for free. | Recover files smaller than 256 KB for free. |
Supported external devices | Hard drives Solid-state drives | Hard drives Solid-state drives |
Data recovery efficiency | During our recovery performance tests, Disk Drill recovered 100% of the lost sample files using its deep scan. | Likewise, R-Studio was also able to recover 100% of our lost sample files during our recovery performance tests using its deep scan. |
Although there’s no way of determining your chances of data recovery following a factory reset of Windows, scanning your drive is a good idea to see what data can be recovered.
Option A: Disk Drill
Our first choice of software is Disk Drill. In our in-depth Disk Drill review, we found that the software equips you with everything that a good data recovery tool should. Disk Drill is available on Windows and macOS and has excellent support for NTFS-formatted drives.
During our tests, we discovered that Disk Drill was more than capable of recovering our data with its original file names and folder structure so it was neatly organized once recovery was finished. We were also impressed with its signature scanner which supports 400 file types, increasing the recoverability of files that can’t be recovered with other scan modes.
👀 Insight: From a hands-on perspective, Disk Drill was super easy to use and navigate. The user interface is appealing and makes each step clear so you don’t get lost along the way. One particularly useful feature was the all-in-one scanner, which combines multiple scan modes into one click to eliminate the need to perform multiple scans in succession.
Now that you’re aware of why we’ve selected Disk Drill for recovering data from factory reset hard drives, it’s time to take a look at the recovery process. Follow these steps:
- Download and install Disk Drill. Don’t install it to the same drive you’re recovering data from.
- Select the drive that was recently factory reset. You can sort the list by clicking on the header of each column. When you’re ready to start the scan, click the Search for lost data button located in the right panel.
- Click Review found items once the scan is complete. You can also click on the colored file type icons to automatically filter the results screen accordingly. Alternatively, you can recover all data from the factory reset hard drive by clicking Recover all.
- Select the data you want to restore. The results screen can be tailored to your liking. If you’re looking for deleted or lost files exclusively, you can do this using the Show dropdown menu. The filter buttons give you more control over the results, with options like file type, file size, date modified, and recovery chances. Be sure to use the recovery chances indicator and preview pane to quickly see what data can be recovered. When ready, click Recover.
- Select a recovery location. You can select one of the predefined destinations or specify a custom one by clicking Choose destination. Click Next to complete the recovery of data from the drive that was factory reset.
After data recovery is complete, make sure the data is in working condition and be sure to back your data up so it’s safe in case another data loss event occurs in the future.
Option B: R-Studio
R-Studio is another strong data recovery tool that comes packed with lots of useful features. It’s a competitively priced professional data recovery solution that did really well in most of our recovery tests. In fact, like Disk Drill, it was able to recover all 200,000 of our lost files (learn more in our Disk Drill vs R-Studio comparison).
Our findings show that it does have the ability to restore the original file names and folder structure of data. It also has a signature scanner with support for 500 file types. As it’s geared towards professionals, the user interface can be very technical and difficult to navigate for beginners. Even so, its recovery performance is worth the learning curve.
Follow these steps to recover data from factory reset hard drives using R-Studio:
- Download and install R-Studio to a separate drive than the one you’re recovering data from.
- Select the factory reset drive from the device/disk list. Click Scan.
- Click Scan after you confirm all of the scan settings (the default settings will scan your entire hard drive).
- Right-click the partition on your drive, then click Show Files.
- Select the files you want to recover, then click Recover Marked.
- Select the output folder, then click OK.
Method 2: Recover Data After Factory Reset Using Backup
Backup and Restore was the primary option for backing up data in Windows Vista and Windows 7. Although it has since been succeeded by File History, it still remains a part of Windows for its reliability (and for the sake of backward compatibility). If you had the foresight to make a backup before the factory reset, we’ll show you how to recover deleted files on Windows 10 and 11 using Backup and Restore.
On Windows 10
Follow these steps to recover files after a factory reset on Windows 10 using Backup and Restore.
- Press Windows Key + I on your keyboard to open Settings.
- Click Update & Security.
- Click Backup in the left panel.
- Click Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
- Click Restore my files.
- Click Browse for files or Browse for folders and select what data you want to restore.
- Click Next.
- Choose where you want to restore the files, then click Restore.
On Windows 11
The process is very similar on Windows 11, with some slight variations. Follow these steps to recover files after factory reset on Windows 11 using Backup and Restore.
- Press Windows Key + S and search “Control Panel”. Open it.
- Click Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
- Click Restore my files.
- Click Browse for files or Browse for folders and select what data you want to restore.
- Click Next.
- Choose where you want to restore the files, then click Restore.
Conclusion
Deleted data, unlike wiped data, can often be recovered. This is true even if you’ve factory reset your computer. Your first action should be checking for backups of your data and using them to restore the files where possible. If no backup is available, you should use a data recovery tool to scan the factory reset hard drive and recover what data you can find before it’s lost for good.
FAQs
How do I recover files after factory reset Windows 10 11? ›
- Search for file history in the Search box.
- On the File History window. You will see all the backup files, including photos, videos, and documents. ...
- Choose the target files you want to recover, and then click the green arrow to restore the files.
Restore Your Data
To recover data after factory reset Android, navigate to the "Backup and Restore" section under "Settings." Now, look for the "Restore" option, and choose the backup file you created before resetting your Android phone. Select the file and restore all of your data.
You may recover files after Windows 10 reset from your backup folder, if available. Several people use external storage devices such as Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid-State Drives (SSD), USB drives, etc., to backup their data. If you have used external storage to take back up of your data, you may quickly retrieve it.
Can you recover data after a factory reset Windows 11? ›If you are a Windows 10/11 user, the File History feature allows you to automatically back up important files and documents to an external drive or network location, so you can get your files back easily after a factory reset.
Does Windows 11 factory reset delete everything? ›It will remove everything and reinstall Windows. If the Operating System is upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on your computer, you will not be able to return the previous version after resetting the computer.
Does factory reset permanently delete files Windows? ›Formatting drive and resetting Windows to factory mode does not delete data permanently. When a drive is formatted or the Windows system is reset, the system only overwrites the Master File Table (MFT).
Can you undo a PC reset? ›- Step 1: Go to Control Panel and click Recovery, select "Open System Restore".
- Step 2: Select "Undo System Restore" and click "Next".
- You can click "Scan for affected programs" to see what will be changed after undoing the System Restore.
- Step 3: Click "Finish" to complete.
Right-click the file or folder, and then select Restore previous versions. You'll see a list of available previous versions of the file or folder. The list will include files saved on a backup (if you're using Windows Backup to back up your files) as well as restore points, if both types are available.
How do I find lost files on Windows 11? ›Recently deleted files reside in the Recycle Bin in Windows 11. As long as you haven't perma-deleted them or emptied the Recycle Bin by habit, you can open the Recycle Bin and browse through recently deleted files. If you want to restore a file, right-click on it and select the "Restore" option.
How do I reinitialize my computer Windows 11? ›To reset your PC, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get Started.
Does factory reset remove all data permanently? ›
Important: A factory reset erases all your data from your phone. If you're resetting to fix an issue, we recommend first trying other solutions. Learn how to troubleshoot Android issues. To restore your data after you reset your phone, you must enter security info.
Does factory reset delete data forever? ›When you do a factory reset on your Android device, it erases all the data on your device and returns the phone back to its original out-of-the-box state as it was from the factory.
What data is left after factory reset? ›A reset will remove all of your personal data and files.
Make sure to save anything that will be erased. That includes files, photos, videos, and any extra programs you've put on the computer. To back everything up, you can save your data using cloud storage, a flash drive, or an external hard drive.
Does Windows 11 have Backup and Restore? Yes. In Windows 11, you can restore files from a backup created with Backup and Restore or File History. Connect the external storage device that contains your backup files.
What is the difference between a clean install and a factory reset Windows 11? ›Windows reset will remove user-installed applications and software, but if your Laptop comes with Windows preinstalled means, then reset will not remove OEM-installed applications and software. Windows clean installation will not include third applications and software.
What gets deleted when you reset Windows 11? ›This reset option will reinstall Windows operating system and keeps your personal files, such as photos, music, videos or personal files. However, it will remove apps and drivers you installed, and also removes the changes you made to the settings.
Does resetting Windows 11 remove activation? ›No worries. Resetting Windows 11 like in the tutorial below will not affect activation.
How long does a full factory reset take Windows 11? ›As a factory reset takes away all your data, it is essential to Backup before the process. It usually takes around 30 minutes to 3 hours to reset, depending on your device configuration. Further, you can use Windows Backup and Restore or EaseUS Todo Backup for the same.
Can data be recovered after a factory reset on laptop? ›Is there a way to recover data after a factory reset if you don't have backups? Yes, using specialized data recovery software, like Recuva, PhotoRec, or Disk Drill. Alternatively, if you can afford the cost and wait, you can send your storage device to a professional data recovery service.
How do I not lose data after factory reset? ›Go to “Settings” app and navigate to the “Backup > Reset > Reset Settings” tabs. Step 2. If you have the option that says “Reset Settings”, then it's possible for you to reset only settings without losing storage data.
Can data be recovered without backup? ›
If your pictures are permanently deleted from the Android gallery, the only way to get them back if you don't have a backup is to use a data recovery tool like FoneDog. You can install it on your Windows or Mac to check its main features and get help.
Does factory reset delete everything permanently on laptop? ›Resetting to Factory Settings
During the factory resetting process, your PC's hard drive is completely erased and you lose any business, financial and personal files that may be present on the computer. Once the resetting process starts, you cannot interrupt it.
- Step 1 Right-click on the Recycle Bin from your desktop.
- Step 2 Click on 'Properties' and then choose the drive for which you want to delete the data permanently.
- Step 3 After selecting the drive, mark the option called 'Don't move files to the Recycle Bin.
- Select Start > Settings > System > Recovery.
- Open Recovery settings.
- Next to Reset this PC, select Reset PC. Open the dropdown table.
- Select Remove Everything.
- Data erasure will be set to "on" by default. Leave it at that setting for a full system wipe.
- Click System Restore from the System Protection tab.
- Click Next.
- Select a restore point.
- Click Next.
- Confirm the restore point and system restoration, and then click Finish. ...
- Once your computer restores the files and data, click Restart.
If you don't have any backups, consider using data recovery software to search for and restore your deleted files. Solutions like Disk Drill, Windows File Recovery, and PhotoRec are powerful and effective at scanning your drive and recovering any data that's found.
How do I recover deleted files forever? ›Press the Windows key, enter Windows File Recovery in the search box, and then select Windows File Recovery. When you are prompted to allow the app to make changes to your device, select Yes. There are 2 basic modes you can use to recover files: Regular and Extensive.
How to recover permanently deleted files in Windows 11 using cmd? ›- In the search bar, type command prompt, and right-click on Command Prompt, select "Run as administrator". Click "Yes" to run Command Prompt as administrator.
- Type: chkdsk F: /f in Command Prompt and hit Enter.
- Type: F:\>attrib -h -r -s /s /d *.
Upgrading your system from Windows 10 to Windows 11 will not erase all your files. After the update is completed, you should have access to all user files that were previously available in Windows 10.
Where are Windows 11 files stored? ›Starting with Windows 11, version 22H2, you can find your files from Office.com in File Explorer Home. To change this setting, select More > Options . On the General tab, under Privacy, choose your settings for Show files from Office.com.
Where is file history stored in Windows 11? ›
Open Start on Windows 11. Search Control Panel and select the top result to open the app. Click on System and Security. Click on File History.
How to restore Windows 11 from BIOS? ›- Start computer.
- Immediately after the Power-On Self-Test (POST), press the Power button again to shut down.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 twice, and in the third restart, Windows 11 should enter WinRE. ...
- Click the Advanced options button.
- Click on Troubleshoot.
You can access the BIOS from the Windows Settings menu on your computer. To do this, click on the Start menu and go to Settings. Once here, click on “Update”, and then select “Recovery.” Under “Advanced Startup”, select “Restart Now.” This will restart your computer and bring you to the BIOS menu.
How do I create a Windows 11 recovery USB? ›- In the search box on the taskbar, search for Create a recovery drive and then select it. ...
- When the tool opens, make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is selected and then select Next.
- Connect a USB drive to your PC, select it, and then select Next.
- Select Create.
Simply open the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop. As with any folder, you can sort the files by name, location, date, and other criteria. You can also search for a file by name. Once you find the file you wish to recover, right-click on it and select Restore.
How to restore Windows 10 from Windows 11 without losing data? ›- Open Windows Settings.
- Open the System tab and click on Recovery.
- Scroll down to Recovery options.
- Click the Go Back button.
- Choose your reason for downgrading and click Next.
- On the Check for Updates screen, select No, thanks.
Where do permanently deleted files go on Windows 11? Permanently deleted files will reside on your drive until the data is overwritten by new data. Until then, there's a chance of recovery using data recovery software. If your files were just regularly deleted, they can be found in the Recycle Bin on your desktop.
Where do deleted files go in Windows 11? ›When you delete a file or folder, it goes into the Recycle bin, where you have a chance to restore it.
Does Windows 11 back up files? ›In Windows 11, you can restore files from a backup created with Backup and Restore or File History. Connect the external storage device that contains your backup files.
How to recover data after factory reset without backup Windows 10? ›- Install Disk Drill on the Windows 10 PC that has experienced a factory reset.
- Launch Disk Drill & scan your system drive.
- Wait for the scan process to finish.
- Select all lost files and click Recover.
Is there a way to reinstall Windows 11 without losing data? ›
Use the installation media to reinstall Windows 11
Select Change to determine what to keep: Select one of the following options, and then select Next: Keep personal files and apps – This will preserve your personal data, apps, and settings.
If the Go back option is not available, it might be possible the previous installation files is removed. In this case, you need to make clean install of Windows 10 if you still want to go back: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-windows_install/clean-install-windows-1... Hope this helps!