Recovery methods · locally deleted Windows files
Windows File Recovery: How to Use It and Cost
How can I use Windows File Recovery?
Short answer
Only from the command line: install Windows File Recovery free from the Microsoft Store, open it as administrator and run winfr with a source drive, a different destination drive and a mode. Regular mode suits recent deletions on healthy NTFS, extensive mode formatted, corrupted or FAT and exFAT drives. Check the Recycle Bin first.
The situation
Microsoft's free tool runs from the command line.
Windows File Recovery is a free Microsoft app that recovers locally deleted files through the command line. Install it from the Microsoft Store, open it with administrator permission and run winfr with a source, separate destination and suitable mode. Check the Recycle Bin and backups first. It is separate from File Recovery Hero and does not require a File Recovery Hero license.
01 / Diagnose
Work out what actually disappeared
This guide targets Windows 11; Microsoft also documents the app for Windows 10. The source's actual file system and condition determine the approach. Microsoft recommends Regular for recently deleted files on healthy NTFS. Extensive covers older deletions, formatted or corrupted NTFS file systems, FAT and exFAT. Physical damage is not a suitable reason to keep repeating software scans.
The winfr command reads the selected source and saves recovered files at the specified destination. Filters limit the requested names, paths or file types. A wrong drive letter searches the wrong source or selects an unsuitable destination. Different letters alone do not establish that the source and destination are on physically different devices.
Check the last known path, trash and backups without writing to the original device.
02 / Protect the source
Preserve the best recovery chance
- 1
Get Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store and do not install anything on the affected device.
- 2
Connect a separate destination drive with enough free space and verify both drive letters carefully.
- 3
Open Windows File Recovery, approve the administrator prompt and choose Regular or Extensive for your source.
- 4
Check your adapted command, confirm the run with Y and inspect the files in the destination's Recovery folder.
If files are missing from the C: system drive, installing software and continuing to use Windows can overwrite them. Do not casually keep using that system; consider a separate computer or qualified help. Do not create a new partition for recovered files. Never run CHKDSK repairs or format the source to prepare it, and do not overwrite existing destination files.
How can I use Windows File Recovery?
These examples use E: as the source and F: as a destination on a physically different device. Replace both letters only after checking your own drives. JPG and MP4 are example filters; adapt them to the files you actually need.
For recently deleted JPG and MP4 files on a healthy NTFS source:
winfr E: F: /regular /n *.jpg /n *.mp4Extensive for FAT, exFAT or older deletions
Microsoft uses Extensive for FAT and exFAT, older deletions, formatting or file-system corruption on NTFS. The source must still be stable and readable. This scan may take longer and cannot restore overwritten data.
winfr E: F: /extensive /n *.jpg /n *.mp4Is Windows File Recovery free?
Yes. Microsoft offers Windows File Recovery free of charge in the Microsoft Store (checked on August 27, 2026). You do not need to buy a File Recovery Hero license for Microsoft's program. A separate storage destination and any professional assistance are independent of that download.
03 / Choose the method
Match the tool to the source
Windows File Recovery does not recover from cloud storage or network shares. It cannot restore overwritten data or original blocks no longer readable after SSD TRIM. The NTFS and FAT modes described here belong to Microsoft's tool, not to File Recovery Hero. A free download is not a guarantee of complete or usable results.
04 / Verify
Check the recovered content, not just its name
Windows File Recovery creates a destination folder whose name begins with Recovery_ and includes the date and time. Inspect the files actually saved there rather than relying on a result count. Compare sizes and content and check photos and videos completely. No results in Regular mode may justify trying Extensive while the source remains stable and readable; that alone does not establish a final outcome.
Keep the source until two verified copies exist. One working preview is not enough.
Sources and technical references
FAQ
Questions about this recovery case
Can locally deleted Windows files be recovered in this situation?+
Windows File Recovery is a free Microsoft app that recovers locally deleted files through the command line. Install it from the Microsoft Store, open it with administrator permission and run winfr with a source, separate destination and suitable mode. Check the Recycle Bin and backups first. It is separate from File Recovery Hero and does not require a File Recovery Hero license. The result still depends on what remains readable on the source.
What should I avoid before scanning?+
If files are missing from the C: system drive, installing software and continuing to use Windows can overwrite them.
Does scanning write to my memory card?+
Your memory card is only read. Nothing is saved to it.
How do I know whether the result is complete?+
Windows File Recovery creates a destination folder whose name begins with Recovery_ and includes the date and time.
Preserve what remains.
Check the source first, then choose the appropriate next step.
Scan for free first, then decide.