Microsoft understands the pain of accidentally deleting a file you didn't mean to. In early 2020, Microsoft released the Windows File Recovery tool, allowing users to recover permanently deleted files from anywhere, including the Recycle Bin.
Windows File Recovery is a command-line tool that functions similarly to other third-party tools, but the difference is you don't have to pay for a premium version. However, you can only access this tool via Command Prompt, making it slightly less user-friendly. Nevertheless, Microsoft is redesigning Windows File Recovery to simplify data recovery and new enhancements are currently being deployed.
Microsoft's data recovery tool for Windows 10 will be upgraded in the next update, expected to be released later this year, with changes already implemented for testers in the Windows Insider program.
With the latest Preview update, Windows File Recovery will operate faster and support 2 new modes: 'Regular' and 'Extensive'.
By utilizing the new Regular mode, you can now scan the drive (NTFS file system) to search for deleted files and recover them. Microsoft has noted that this mode is the standard recovery option for users and should be used when attempting to retrieve recently deleted files.
The Regular mode offers a simpler usage than other methods, and anyone with basic knowledge of Command Prompt can recover their files. However, it's not effective if the free space on your drive has been overwritten, especially if your PC has an SSD.
If you're trying to recover long-deleted data, Microsoft advises using the new Extensive mode, which works even when the drive is damaged.
Since its initial release in 2020, Windows File Recovery has garnered valuable feedback from users, and Microsoft promises more improvements for this tool in the future.
The first major update for the file recovery tool will be available to all users running Windows 10 version 2004 and above in early 2021. If you're unsure how to update Windows 10, you can refer to the guide here and follow along.
- Read more: How to update Windows 10.
