How to Recover the Lost Data After Windows Update?

Updating Windows OS introduces new features on your device. It enhances security, improves performance, and fixes bugs or vulnerabilities. However, sometimes you may encounter unintended data loss on your Windows PC after updating its operating system. Recovering data lost after Windows OS update is a crucial task, especially when important files go missing. 

Luckily, there are several recovery workarounds, including professional data recovery software or manual methods that you can apply to recover those lost data.  This guide will walk you through various methods to help you learn how to recover lost files after Windows upgrade. So, let’s get started!

Why Data Get Deleted After Windows Update?

Data loss after a Windows update can occur due to several reasons, some of them are:

• Update Errors: Incomplete or interrupted updates can cause corruption of data or their deletion.

• System Restore Points: Restoring the system to a previous state might remove files created after that point.

• Accidental Deletion: Files may be accidentally deleted during the update process.

• Software Conflicts: Some third-party applications may interfere with the update, causing file deletion or corruption.

• Storage Issues: Insufficient storage space or hard drive errors can lead to the deletion of stored data during updates.

Immediate Steps to Take After Data Loss

When you encounter data loss on your device after a Windows update, it's important to take immediate action to maximize the chances of recovery:

• Stop Using the Affected Device: Continuing to use the device may overwrite the deleted data, making recovery more difficult or impossible.

• Check the Recycle Bin: Sometimes, files may be accidentally moved to the Recycle Bin during the update process. If you find them there, you can easily restore them.

• Look for Temporary Files: Windows often creates temporary files during updates. These may contain copies of your lost data.

How do I Recover Lost Data After Windows Update?

In this part of the blog, we will discuss some popular Windows data recovery methods that you can try to restore lost data after Windows update:

Method 01: Restore from File History Backup

The best method to recover lost data is via using a backup. Windows OS provides several in-built options to back up data, including File History, Backup and Restore, and cloud services like OneDrive. Here are quick steps to restore lost data using File History backups:

• Type CP in the search box of your desktop and launch the Control Panel.

• Now, go to "System and Security" and then click on "File History."

• Select the Restore personal files option from the left navigation pane. Browse through the available backups to find and select the version of the file you want to restore.

• Click the “Restore” button to save the selected file to your device.

Method 02: Restore Files Using Backup and Restore Utility

Another backup alternative to recover lost or deleted files after Windows update is via the built-in Backup and Restore option. If you’ve created a backup on your PC using the Backup and Restore utility, follow the below steps to restore your missing files:

• Launch Control Panel, go to System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

• Now, click on Select another backup to restore files from.

• Select the backup you need to restore and click Next.

• Search for missing files using the Browse for files or Browse for folders option.

• Lastly, choose a location where you need to save the backup, select your files and click Restore to recover them.

Method 03: Recover Data Using Previous File Versions

Windows automatically saves previous versions of files and folders that you can use when data loss occurs. If System Protection is enabled on your Windows device, you can restore lost files from these previous versions. All you have to do is:

• Firstly, open File Explorer and go to the folder where your files were stored before deletion.

• Right-click on that folder and select Properties. 

• Now, in the Properties window, navigate to the Previous Versions tab. Here, you'll see a list of available previous versions.

• Select the previous version that contains your lost files and click Restore.

Method 04: Use Third-Party Data Recovery Software

If the above methods do not work, you can use a professional data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery Professional to get your deleted data back. This all-in-one data recovery tool can restore your files deleted due to any reason, including accidental deletion, formatting, system errors, etc. with a higher success rate. 

• You can easily use the Stellar Data Recovery Professional tool to recover lost or deleted files from HDDs, SSDs, USB Drives, etc. 

• It supports recovery of data deleted from formatted, encrypted, or corrupted drives.

• Compatible with both Windows and Mac devices. 

• Recovers data from NTFS, exFAT, and FAT formatted drives.

• Offers both Quick Scan and Deep Scan options to perform a comprehensive scan and restore data by thoroughly scanning the storage drive.

• Allows you to preview the recoverable files after scanning the storage drive.

Here’s how to recover the lost data after Windows update using the Stellar Data Recovery Professional tool:

Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Data Recovery Professional software on your Windows device. Launch the software and from the Select What to Recover window, choose the type of file you need to recover and click Next.

Step 2: Now, select the folder location or storage drive where deleted data was earlier stored and click Scan to initiate the scanning process.

Step 3: Select the files you need to restore and click the Recover button to save recovered data at the desired location. 

Preventive Tips to Avoid Data Loss After Updates

To minimize the risk of data loss after OS updates in the future, consider implementing the following preventive measures:

• Regular Backups: Maintain regular backups of your important files using multiple methods, such as external drives, cloud storage, and system backups.

• Check for Update Compatibility: Before you proceed with the Windows update, ensure your system and applications are compatible with the new version.

• Use Reliable Software: Only use trusted and reliable third-party applications that are known to be compatible with your Windows version.

Conclusion 

Losing important data after a Windows update can be frustrating and stressful, but with a professional data recovery software and manual methods, recovery is often possible. Start by checking for backups and using built-in Windows recovery features. If those methods don't work, use third-party professional data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery Professional to retrieve lost files. Lastly, adopting preventive measures like maintaining regular backups, using reliable antivirus software, etc. can help ensure your data remains safe and secure during future updates.

As Microsoft prepares for Windows 10 end of life, users should be proactive in securing their data and planning for future updates. Ensuring regular backups and considering an upgrade to a supported operating system can help prevent data loss and compatibility issues.