New, free Windows 10 tool from Microsoft could prove to be invaluable
You can restore files, documents, and videos with this free tool from Microsoft.
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What you need to know
If you’ve ever accidentally deleted files that were important, you know the dread associated with losing data. Now, a new tool from Microsoft is here to reduce that stress, Windows File Recovery. The new tool is a command line app that can recover files and documents from your PC as well as USB drives, hard drives, and SD cards. Windows File Recovery isfree through the Microsoft Store.
You should use Windows File Recovery as soon as you realize you’ve wiped files that you want to keep. The more you use a storage device and save new content, the less likely it is that you’ll be able to recover your files.
Windows File Recovery has two modes, default and signature. The default mode is for NTFS file systems. This mode can be used to recover a drive after you’ve formatted it or when a disk is corrupted. The signature mode expands further than NTFS file recovery and adjusts to specific storage devices. For example, it can recover wiped data from an SD card.
If you haven’t backed up files that you’ve accidentally deleted, or have external media that’s been corrupted or wiped, Windows File Recovery might be able to get your data back.
This tool can recover wiped data from hard drives, USB drives, and SD cards. It has two modes to help you recover your lost data.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
