- Home
- Data recovery software
- Windows File Recovery
Windows File Recovery
What it is
Windows File Recovery is a free command-line app for trying to recover deleted files from local storage when they cannot be restored from the Recycle Bin. It works with internal and external drives, USB devices, SD cards, and flash drives on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Regular mode is suggested for recently deleted files on NTFS; Extensive mode is intended for older deletions, formatted or corrupted NTFS drives, and FAT or exFAT drives. Non-NTFS recovery is available only in Extensive mode. Command switches can narrow recovery by file name, path, type, or wildcard, while signature mode targets groups of extensions. The source and destination must be different drives. Cloud storage and network file shares are not supported. Continued computer use can overwrite the space left by deleted files and reduce recovery chances, so avoid using the computer more than necessary. Microsoft makes the app available through the Microsoft Store. Microsoft also states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, including free software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes.
For and against
For
- Free through the Microsoft Store.
- Supports internal, external, USB, SD, and flash storage.
- Offers Regular and Extensive recovery modes.
- Filters can narrow recovery by name, path, or type.
Against
- Cloud storage and network shares are unsupported.
- Source and destination must be different drives.
- Continued computer use can reduce recovery chances.
The verdict
Windows File Recovery provides two recovery modes and filtering options for local storage. It requires command-line use, and using the computer after deletion may lower the chance of recovery.
Who it suits
It suits Windows users who need to try recovering deleted files from local drives or removable storage. Users should be comfortable working with a command-line app and choosing between recovery modes.
Plans and prices
Windows File Recovery
Microsoft Store listing labels it “Free”
Read 12 Oct 2026 · microsoft.com
On the record
- Cloud and network
- Recovery from cloud storage and network file shares is not supported.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Drive requirement
- The source and destination drives must be different.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- File selection
- Command switches can filter recovery by file name, path, type, or wildcards, and signature mode can recover specific extension groups.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- File systems
- The article describes support for NTFS, FAT, and exFAT file systems, with non-NTFS recovery supported only in Extensive mode.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Installation
- Microsoft says the app is available from the Microsoft Store.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Maker headquarters and founding
- Microsoft lists its corporate address in Redmond, Washington, and says it was founded in 1975.news.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Memory card recovery
- Yessupport.microsoft.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Operating systems
- Windows 10,Windows 11support.microsoft.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Overwrite risk
- Continued computer use can overwrite the free space left by deleted files and reduce the chance of recovery.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- It is a command-line app for trying to recover deleted files from local storage devices when they cannot be restored from the Recycle Bin.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Recovery modes
- The app offers Regular and Extensive modes; Regular is suggested for recently deleted files on NTFS, while Extensive is used for older deletions, formatted or corrupted NTFS drives, and FAT or exFAT drives.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Recovery sources
- internal drives,external drives,USB devices,SD cards,flash drivessupport.microsoft.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Supported devices
- Supported local storage includes internal drives, external drives, and USB devices.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Support note
- Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, including free software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
- Windows versions
- The support page applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11.support.microsoft.com · read 12 Oct 2026
