Why Can't I Recover Files After Reset?
- April 4, 2025
- 3:12 am
A factory reset is supposed to give your computer a fresh start, but if you didn’t back up your files, you may find them completely gone. Why can’t I recover files after reset? The answer depends on how your system stores and deletes data.
In some cases, you can get them back, but not always. This guide will walk you through the recovery process, from checking backups to using reliable recovery software and professional services.
Understanding the Impact of a Factory Reset on Data Storage
A factory reset wipes all personal files, settings, and installed programs, restoring your system to its original state. However, whether your files are recoverable depends on your storage type.
How Factory Resets Affect HDDs vs. SSDs
- Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) store data on spinning platters. When you delete a file, it’s not erased immediately—it’s just marked as “free space.” That means data recovery tools can often restore it unless new data overwrites it.
- Solid-State Drives (SSDs) use flash memory and a process called TRIM, which permanently deletes files to improve performance. If TRIM is enabled, recovering lost files is nearly impossible.
Permanent vs. Recoverable Data Loss
Whether you can recover lost files after a factory reset depends on a few key factors. Storage type plays a major role while HDDs may allow some recovery. SSDs with TRIM enabled erase files permanently, making retrieval nearly impossible.
Another critical factor is overwriting. If new data has replaced the deleted files, no recovery software will be able to bring them back. However, if you have a backup, whether on an external drive or cloud storage, restoring your files becomes much easier.
Can You Recover Data After a Factory Reset on Windows?
In some cases, you can recover files after a reset, but it depends on the situation. The chances of recovering your files after a factory reset depend on several factors. If you continue using your PC after the reset, new data may overwrite the lost files, making recovery impossible. The file system type also plays a role. NTFS allows for partial recovery in some cases, while FAT32 and SSDs with TRIM enabled make retrieving deleted files much more difficult.
Ways to Recover Your Files
- Check Windows Backup & Restore – Go to Control Panel > Backup and Restore to see if a backup exists.
- Look in OneDrive or Cloud Backups – Many users unknowingly save files in the cloud.
- Search for Restore Points – Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore lets you roll back settings (but not personal files).
If these don’t work, you’ll need a reliable recovery program.
Step-by-Step Guide to Recover Files After Factory Reset
A. Checking for Backup Options First
- Windows File History & System Restore – If enabled, this can restore old versions of files.
- External backups or cloud storage – Check external drives, Google Drive, or OneDrive for saved copies
B. Using Windows Built-in Recovery Features
- Windows File Recovery Tool – A command-line tool that can scan for deleted files, though it’s more effective on HDDs than SSDs.
C. Trying Third-Party Data Recovery Software
When Windows tools fail, you’ll need recovery software like:
- Recuva – A free, easy-to-use tool for basic data recovery.
- Disk Drill – A reliable choice for deep scans and advanced recovery.
- Windows File Recovery – A built-in but less user-friendly option.
Select a safe recovery program, and don’t install it on the same drive where your lost files were stored to prevent overwriting.
D. Understanding When Data is Unrecoverable
If SSD TRIM has erased your files or new data has overwritten them, even the best recovery software won’t help. That’s when professional recovery might be your only choice.
Choosing the Right Recovery Tool for Lost Data
Not all recovery software works the same way, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in whether you get your files back. The best data recovery software programs offer different levels of scanning, recovery success rates, and ease of use. Before selecting a tool, it’s important to understand what features matter and when paying for software is worth the investment.
A reliable recovery tool should support various file types, including documents, photos, and videos. It should work on both HDDs and SSDs, have a safe scanning mode to avoid further damage, and allow users to preview files before recovery. These features ensure you don’t waste time recovering files that are already corrupted or beyond repair.
When deciding between free and paid recovery programs, it helps to understand their limitations. Recuva, a free option, is useful for quick recoveries but may not always find deeply buried files. In contrast, Disk Drill, a paid solution, offers more advanced scanning and a higher success rate. If the lost files are important or valuable, investing in a paid recovery program is often the better choice for maximizing your chances of success.
Why Professional Data Recovery Services Might Be Necessary
When software recovery fails, professional data recovery services may be the only option. If your drive is physically damaged, files have been overwritten, or your SSD has TRIM enabled, no recovery software, no matter how advanced, will be able to retrieve your lost data. In these cases, specialized data recovery labs use advanced tools and techniques to recover files.
Experts can repair damaged drives, extract lost data from broken storage devices, and perform deep scans beyond what consumer recovery software can achieve. These methods are useful when dealing with hardware failure or complex storage issues.
The cost of professional data recovery varies based on the level of damage and the complexity of the recovery process. Basic recovery services typically start at $300–$1,000, but prices can go higher for severe cases. If your files are critical, choosing a reliable service like Dave’s Computers ensures the best chance of getting your data back
What Should You Do Next?
If you’ve lost important files after a factory reset, start by checking backups. If that doesn’t work, use safe recovery software like Disk Drill or Recuva. For serious cases, a professional data recovery service may be the best choice.
Need expert help? Contact Dave’s Computers for professional file recovery solutions.
