How to Recover Lost Data after a Windows 11 Update?

Installing the latest Windows 11 OS ensures improved device performance, enhances security, and also provides access to new features and tools. Despite these features, sometimes you may find a few files missing from your Windows PC after these updates. Such data loss instances mainly occur due to errors, compatibility issues, or incorrect configurations.

Luckily, there are several free data recovery software tools and techniques available to recover lost data in Windows without any cost. This guide will help you understand why data loss occurs on your Windows PC after the latest OS installation and some common recovery workarounds to recover lost files effectively. Keep reading!

Why Data Loss Occur After the Windows Update?

Before diving into recovery methods, understanding why data might be lost during or after a Windows 11 update is significant. Some main reasons for data loss are:

• Update Errors: Failed or Incomplete updates may corrupt system files or cause the deletion of personal data from your device.
• User Profile Issues: Sometimes, the OS update process creates a temporary user profile, making it seem like data is missing.
• Compatibility Issues: If the latest update conflicts with outdated software or drivers, you may be unable to access files.
• Accidental Deletion: When resolving update-related issues, users may inadvertently delete files.  

How do I Recover Files Deleted After Windows 11 Update?

When you encounter data loss on your Windows PC after installing the latest OS update, avoid saving new files on it and immediately proceed with the recovery methods. In this part of the blog, we will discuss some common and easy Windows data recovery methods that you can try if data loss happens after Windows 11 update:

Method 01: Check for Temporary User Profiles

You might have been logged into a Temporary profile after the upgrade, which would make your original files appear to be missing. Follow the below steps to check if the files are present in the Temporary folder:

• Press the Windows + Alt + Delete keys simultaneously and select Sign Out.
• Now, log in again using your usual login credentials and check whether your files have returned.
• Open File Explorer and go to C:\Users.
• Locate the folders that contain TEMP or your username. Your original files may still be in your old profile folder.
• Once you find the required files, save them at a safe location on your PC. 

Method 02: Use File History Backups 

It might be possible that your file is deleted after Windows 11 update. In such cases, you can use any previously created backups to restore lost data. Windows OS provides a built-in File History backup utility that can restore previous versions of your files, when enabled. To recover lost files using File History, you need to:

• Locate and open the folder containing the lost file. 
• Right-click on that folder and choose the Properties option. 
• Navigate to the Previous Versions tab and select the backup version you need to recover. 
• Click Restore after choosing the desired version and save it at a different location.

Method 03: Check OneDrive or Cloud Backups

If you’ve backed up your file to cloud backup services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive prior to the OS upgrade, try restoring deleted files using it. Follow the below steps to recover lost files using OneDrive backup:

• Launch any web browser on your device and open OneDrive.
• Open the folder where your deleted file was earlier stored.
• Once found, download the file to your computer. 

Method 04: Use Free Data Recovery Software

If all above fails, try using a free data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery Free to restore your lost files. This all-in-one data recovery software supports the recovery of files lost due to accidental deletion, formatting, virus attacks, or any other reason without any cost. You can easily recover your lost photos, videos, documents, and other type of files using this professional tool in a few simple clicks. 

The software provides a user-friendly interface for easy and hassle-free recovery of your deleted files. This data recovery software is known for its comprehensive scanning capabilities and quick recovery process. To recover your lost data after Windows 11 update, you need to go through the following steps:

Step 1: Visit Stellar official website, then download and install the Stellar Data Recovery Free software on your Windows PC. Launch the software, select the file type you need to restore and click Next.

Step 2: Choose the folder location/drive where the deleted file was earlier stored and click Scan to initiate the scanning process.

Step 3: Wait till the scan process is done. After that, preview the recoverable files and select the ones you need to restore. Click Recover to save selected files at the desired location.

Note: The free version of the software supports recovery of only up to 1 GB of files for free. To restore files of larger size, you can check and use their paid versions. 

Method 05: Try Professional Data Recovery Services

If none of the above methods work, you can reach out to Microsoft Support for assistance. They may guide you through advanced recovery techniques or help diagnose underlying system issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does data get deleted after Windows 11 update?

Data is mainly deleted due to failed or incomplete updates, temporary user profiles, file system changes, or accidental deletion. In some cases, updates may hide or relocate files instead of deleting them.

Can I recover files deleted after OS updates using the File History feature? 

Yes, if File History was enabled before the update, you can easily restore the backed-up version of your lost file. Right-click the folder where the files were stored, go to Properties, and check the Previous Versions tab to restore backups.   

How can I prevent data loss during future updates?

Consider preventive measures like maintaining regular backups of your important files, and enabling Windows built-in backup utilities such as File History, etc. to avoid sudden data loss issues. 

Conclusion

If you ever lose data after a Windows 11 update, go with the aforementioned Windows data recovery tools and methods to restore your lost files. Start by checking temporary profiles or the previously created cloud backups. However, if manual methods fail, turn to free data recovery software to recover deleted files without any cost. By following these steps, you can get access to your lost files and then save them at a safe and secure location.