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Lost your files after Windows 10 upgrade: Here’s what to do

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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You can’t find your files after upgrading to Windows 10? This isa common issue, but the good news is that you can restore them. In this article, we’re going to list four workarounds that you can use to restore yourlost files.

How to recover lost files after Windows 10 update

1. Make sure you’re not signed in with a temporary profile

The very first thing you need to do is check if you aresigned in with a temporary profile. After upgrading to Windows 10, the new OS may have created a new account for you.

2. Use the Search option to find your lost files

If you aren’t signed in with a temporary profile, use the search box to locate your missing files. If you still can’t find your files, use theSearch troubleshooter.

If this action hasn’t fixed your problem, go back to the Search box and typeShow hidden files and folders. UnderHidden files and folders, selectShow hidden files, folders, and drives. Then try searching for your files again.

3. Restore files from a backup

If the two previous methods didn’t solve the problem, you can also try restoring the data from abackup point.

Sometimes you can restore a file by creating a new new file with the same name and format. Here’s how to do that:

4. Enable a Windows 7 Administrator account

If you’ve upgradedfrom Windows 7 to Windows 10, your files may have got stuck in thedisabled administrator account. To restore your lost files, you need to re-enable the account. Here’s how to do that:

We hope one of these four solutions helped you to find your lost Windows files. If you’ve come across other workarounds to fix this issue, feel free to list the troubleshooting steps in the comment section below.

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Madalina Dinita

Networking & Security Specialist

Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.

She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.

Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.

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Madalina Dinita

Networking & Security Specialist

Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.