Solved! Recover Deleted Files with System Restore in Windows 10/11

What is System Restore?

As a Microsoft Windows feature, System Restore is designed to protect and repair the computer software. To be more specific, it could revert your PCs (system files, installed programs, Windows Registry, and system settings) to a normal working condition rather than reinstalling the Windows OS. Obviously, it’s hard to recover data after reinstalling Windows. 

System Restore is a complete PC backup. It creates System Restore Points by taking a “snapshot” of some system files and the Windows Registry. Therefore, restoring files from System Restore refers to restoring files to your selected restore point.

Will System Restore recover deleted files?

Will System Restore recover deleted files? It’s proven to be possible. Please note these tips if you’re going to recover deleted files with System Restore.

How to recover deleted files with System Restore in Windows 10, 11?

So how to recover deleted files with System Restore in Windows 10/11? Please refer to the following steps.

Step 1. Enter “Create a restore point” in the search box and “Open” it in the control panel.

Step 2. Click “System Restore” > “Next”.

Step 3. Select a restore point from the list and “Scan for affected programs” to confirm the items that will be wiped out after the restoration process. Then “Close” the window.

Step 4. After checking your selected restore point, click “Finish” > “Next”.

Step 5. Click “Yes” to begin the restoration process. Once started, System Restore cannot be interrupted. After that, you can “Close” the last window.

How to recover lost/deleted files in Windows 10/11 after System Restore

Without turning on System Restore under the system protection tab, you cannot recover permanently deleted files in Windows 10/11 via the above method. Moreover, if you’re unwilling to lose newly added files and customized settings, what can you do?

At the moment, why don’t you consider reliable data recovery software such as MyRecover? This powerful software could save you from complicated backup steps and provide advanced recovery technology with you.

Step 1. Install and run MyRecover on your PC.

Step 2. After loading the disk, select the partition/disk that includes the deleted files you want to restore. Hover the mouse over the drive and click Scan to scan.

Step 3. You can see all the deleted files and other missing files after performing Quick Scan and Deep Scan automatically.

Step 4. Confirm the scanning results and select the deleted files you want to restore. Then click the “Recover x files” button and store these recovered files in a new location.

Wrapping up

This tutorial shows you how to recover deleted files with System Restore. Please ensure you’ve turned on System Restore by yourselves if you want to try out this method.

Some users think there’s no need to recover deleted files with System Restore because this Windows feature is better suitable to restore the whole PC instead of some files. If you only need to recover deleted files in Windows 10/11, it is enough to utilize the most recommended data recovery software-MyRecover. 

What’s more, if you’ve made backups and updated them regularly, you can restore your needed files or folders from these backups directly. Perhaps you can use this freeware - AOMEI Backupper to make a “File Backup,” “Disk Backup,” “Partition Backup,” or “System Backup” according to your scenarios. Does this post resolve your issue?  

Recover deleted files with System Restore FAQs

1. Does System Restore restore deleted files?

No, System Restore does not recover deleted files. It can only restore your system to a previous state, but it won’t bring back files that were deleted. To recover deleted files in Windows 10, you'll need to use file recovery software, like EaseUS.

2. Can System Restore recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin?

No, it can’t. System Restore does not recover personal files. A restore point only includes system files, settings, installed programs, and the Windows registry. It won’t touch your files, folders, or anything in the Recycle Bin.

3. Can System Restore remove or affect user data files?

System Restore does not affect your personal files, like documents, photos, or videos. However, it will remove any apps, drivers, or updates that were installed after the restore point was created.

4. Where do permanently deleted files go in Windows 10?

Permanently deleted files don’t disappear immediately. On an internal hard drive, they typically go to the Recycle Bin unless you’ve emptied it or used Shift+Delete. If you’re using an external drive, deleted files won’t go to the Recycle Bin—they remain on the drive until overwritten.