How to restore my files in windows 11

BK 0 Reputation points
2026-10-13T11:49:32.6566667+00:00

My computer updated and shutdown properly. I booted it, it finished applying the updates, then instead of logging into my profile like it usually does, it then asked me to create a new account, and all my data and files were deleted. I then logged into a newly reset computer. How can I restore my PC back, because I need the files I lost. The installed software was also uninstalled and all the documents and files from those directories were also deleted. If the OS auto-reset, it should have created a Windows.old folder, but theres no folder created.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup
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  1. Emma1-N 13,695 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-10-14T03:26:16.2566667+00:00

    Welcome BK,

    Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A Forum. I understand that after Windows 11 completed an update, the computer went through account setup again and your previous applications and personal files were no longer available.

    Could you please confirm:

    • Does the C: drive still show approximately the same amount of used storage as before this happened?
    • Was this a normal monthly Windows update, or did Windows install a new Windows 11 version?

    Please make sure you already tried the Q&A Assist steps. In addition, please try the following:

    1, Check the existing Windows user profiles.

    • Press Windows + R > Enter sysdm.cpl and press Enter.
    • Open the Advanced tab.
    • Under User Profiles, select Settings.
    • Check whether your previous profile is still listed and note its approximate size.

    2, Check Disk Management for other partitions.

    • Right-click Start and select Disk Management.
    • Check whether the internal drive contains another large partition that does not currently have a drive letter.
    • Do not format, delete, or create partitions while the missing files are being investigated.

    3, Check whether Windows provides the Go back option.

    • Open Settings > System > Recovery.
    • Look under Recovery options for Go back.
    • If it is available, do not start it yet. Please confirm here first whether the missing files have been located or backed up.

    4, Check whether the recent update can be uninstalled.

    • Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.
    • Check whether the most recently installed update appears there.
    • If it does, note its KB number before making any changes.

    Looking forward to your update.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-13T11:49:55.7+00:00

    Try these recovery paths in this order:

    1. Search the whole PC for the missing files.
      • Right-click Start > File Explorer.
      • In the left pane, select This PC.
      • In the Search This PC box at the top right, enter the name of a missing file.
      • If a file is found, right-click it and select Open file location. Then copy or move it to a safe folder.
    2. Make sure hidden files are visible.
      • Right-click Start > Settings.
      • Go to System > Advanced.
      • Expand File Explorer.
      • Turn Show hidden and system files to On.
      • Search again. For broad searches, use patterns like *.doc or *.mp3.
    3. Check whether the files are in a disabled Administrator account.
      • In the search box, type computer management and open Computer Management.
      • Select Local Users and Groups > Users.
      • If Administrator has a down arrow on its icon, the account is disabled.
      • Double-click Administrator > clear Account is disabled > select Apply.
      • Sign out, then sign in with the Administrator account and check for the files.
    4. If Search is not finding files, run the Search troubleshooter.
      • Right-click Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Search.
      • Under Related settings, select Advanced indexing options.
      • Select Advanced.
      • Under Index Settings, select Troubleshoot search and indexing.
      • Follow the wizard, then search again.
    5. Restore from a backup if one exists.
      • Connect the external drive that contains the backup.
      • Right-click Start > Search and type Control Panel.
      • Open Control Panel.
      • Search for backup in the top-right search box.
      • Select Backup and restore (Windows 7).
      • Select Select another backup to restore files from.
      • Choose the external storage device and follow the wizard.
      • If the files were previously saved in OneDrive, they can also be recovered from OneDrive.
    6. If the files were deleted from local storage and are not in Recycle Bin or backup, use Windows File Recovery.
      • This is a command-line app from the Microsoft Store for recovering deleted files from local storage devices.
      • It does not support cloud storage or network file shares.
      • To improve recovery chances, minimize or avoid using the PC, because new activity can overwrite deleted file data.
    7. If the goal is to return Windows to an earlier system state, use point-in-time restore only if a restore point exists.
      • Warning: this reverts the system drive, including files, apps, settings, passwords, certificates, and keys, to the selected restore point. Any changes made after that restore point will be lost.
      • In Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), select Troubleshoot > Point-in-time restore.
      • If prompted, enter the BitLocker recovery key.
      • Select a restore point, review the information, acknowledge the risks, and start the restore.
      • Do not power off the device during the restore.

    Avoid using Reset this PC unless recovery options above fail. Reset reinstalls Windows, and depending on the option chosen, apps, settings, and personal files may be removed. If reset is ever used, back up important files first.

    References:

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