Windows File Recovery
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.
What Windows File Recovery 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 is available through the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Recovery sources include internal and external drives, USB devices, SD cards, and flash drives; cloud storage and network file shares are not supported. 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 this mode. Command switches can narrow a search by file name, path, type, or wildcard, while signature mode targets groups of file extensions. The source and destination drives must be different. Continued use of the computer can overwrite space left by deleted files and lower the chance of recovery. Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, including software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes.
Good
- Free through the Microsoft Store.
- Supports internal, external, and removable storage.
- Includes Regular and Extensive recovery modes.
- Search can be filtered by names, paths, or types.
Watch out
- Cloud storage and network shares are unsupported.
- The source and destination drives must differ.
- Non-NTFS recovery requires Extensive mode.
- Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025.
Who it suits
It suits Windows users trying to recover deleted files from local drives or removable storage. Users should be comfortable working with a command-line app and selecting a separate destination drive.
Verdict
Windows File Recovery offers a free way to attempt local file recovery, with modes for different file systems and deletion situations. Avoid continued computer use after deletion, since it may overwrite recoverable space.
Plans and prices
From Windows File Recovery's own pricing page, checked 12 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Windows File Recovery | Free | Microsoft Store listing labels it “Free” |
The facts
Each one read from Windows File Recovery's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Cloud and network
- Recovery from cloud storage and network file shares is not supported.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Drive requirement
- The source and destination drives must be different.checked 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.checked 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.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Installation
- Microsoft says the app is available from the Microsoft Store.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Memory card recovery
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Operating systems
- Windows 10,Windows 11checked 21 Sep 2026
- Overwrite risk
- Continued computer use can overwrite the free space left by deleted files and reduce the chance of recovery.checked 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.checked 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.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Recovery sources
- internal drives,external drives,USB devices,SD cards,flash driveschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Support note
- Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, including free software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes.checked 12 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
The company
- Maker headquarters and founding
- Microsoft lists its corporate address in Redmond, Washington, and says it was founded in 1975.checked 12 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Supported devices
- Supported local storage includes internal drives, external drives, and USB devices.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Windows versions
- The support page applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11.checked 12 Oct 2026
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