Windows File Recovery Tool Is Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It

Quick Answer: How Do I Fix Windows File Recovery Tool Not Working?

If the Windows File Recovery tool is not working, first check that it is installed correctly and that your Windows version supports it. Then run Command Prompt as an administrator and verify the winfr command, recovery mode, source drive, and destination drive.

If the tool still fails, use advanced troubleshooting methods or recover your files with MiniTool Power Data Recovery.

Why Is Windows File Recovery Tool Not Working?

The Windows File Recovery tool may not work because of installation problems, incorrect winfr commands, insufficient permissions, unsupported Windows configurations, or issues with the source or destination drive.

The specific cause depends on what happens when you try to use the tool. Check the common problems below to identify the issue before trying the appropriate fix.

Once you identify the problem, follow the corresponding troubleshooting method below. If your files are important, consider recovering them before performing extensive troubleshooting.

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Recover Lost Files When Windows File Recovery Fails

Before troubleshooting the Windows File Recovery tool, protect the data you want to recover. Avoid saving new files to the affected drive, as new data may overwrite deleted files and make them harder to recover.

If the lost files are important, consider recovering them first with a dedicated data recovery tool.

Recover Important Files with MiniTool Power Data Recovery

If the Windows File Recovery tool is not working, you can use MiniTool Power Data Recovery as an alternative way to recover lost or deleted files.

Unlike Windows File Recovery, which relies on command-line operations, MiniTool Power Data Recovery provides a graphical interface for scanning a drive, finding recoverable files, previewing them, and saving them to another location.

If you prefer a graphical recovery process or Windows File Recovery is not working as expected, MiniTool Power Data Recovery can be a simpler option for locating and recovering your files.

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How to Recover Files with MiniTool Power Data Recovery

Step 1. Select the drive and scan it

Launch MiniTool Power Data Recovery, select the drive where your files were lost, and click Scan to search for recoverable data.

Step 2. Preview and find the needed files

After the scan finishes, browse the results or use Filter and Search to locate specific files. When available, preview a file before recovery to check whether it is the one you need.

Step 3. Select the files and save them to another drive

Select the files you want to recover, click Save, and choose a different drive as the destination. Do not save recovered files to the same drive where the lost data was stored, as this could overwrite other recoverable data.

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How to Fix Windows File Recovery Tool Is Not Working

If the Windows File Recovery tool is not working, try the following fixes in order. Start by checking the installation and Windows version, then verify permissions and your winfr command.

If the basic fixes do not help, check the recovery mode and repair possible Windows system file issues.

# 1. Reinstall Windows File Recovery

If Windows File Recovery is not installed correctly, the tool may fail to open or respond to the winfr command. Reinstalling it from the Microsoft Store can help restore the required files.

Here is how to reinstall Windows File Recovery:

Step 1. Open the Microsoft Store and search for Windows File Recovery.

Step 2. If it is already installed, select Library and find Windows File Recovery from the app list.

Step 3. Click the three dots next to it and select Uninstall. If a confirmation window pops up, click Uninstall to confirm.

Step 4. Once the process is ended, restart the PC. Then, open Microsoft Store and download the Windows File Recovery tool again.

Step 5. Open the tool and enter winfr to check whether it responds correctly.

If the command displays the available syntax and switches, the tool is installed and responding. You can then try your recovery command again.

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# 2. Check Your Windows Version

Windows File Recovery only works on Windows 10 version 2004 or later and Windows 11. If you are using Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, or a Windows 10 version earlier than 2004, the tool is not supported and may not work as expected.

Checking your Windows version first can help determine whether system incompatibility is causing Windows File Recovery not to work. If your system meets the requirements, you can rule out an unsupported Windows version and continue with the fixes below.

To check your Windows version:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type winver and press Enter.
3. Check the Windows version and build information in the pop-up window.

If you are running Windows 10 version 2004 or later or Windows 11, your system meets the basic requirements for Windows File Recovery. If the tool still does not work, continue with the fixes below.

# 3. Run Windows File Recovery as Administrator

Windows File Recovery might require admin permissions to access the source drive and perform recovery tasks. Using an elevated Command Prompt to run the command can help eliminate permission issues.

Follow these steps:

1. Type Command Prompt in the Windows search box.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. Select Yes when User Account Control appears.
4. Enter your winfr command and press Enter.

If you receive an access-related error, make sure that the source drive is accessible and that you have permission to use it.

# 4. Check the Winfr Command Syntax

Incorrect command syntax is one of the most common reasons why Windows File Recovery appears not to work. Microsoft uses the following general syntax:

winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches]

Make sure each part of the command is correct:

• Source drive: The drive where the lost files were stored.
• Destination drive: The drive where Windows File Recovery will save recovered files.
• Mode: Use /regular or /extensive as appropriate.
• /n filter: Specifies the file name, file path, file type, or wildcard pattern to search for.
• File path: Check that the path is correct and includes the required backslashes (\).
• Quotation marks: Use quotes around a file or folder path containing spaces.

For example, to recover PDF and Word files from the C: drive to the E: drive, you can use:

winfr C: E: /regular /n *.pdf /n *.docx

The source and destination drives must be different. If you are recovering files from the C: drive, do not use C: as the recovery destination.

If your file or folder path contains spaces, enclose the path in quotation marks. For example:

winfr C: E: /regular /n “\Users\<username>\Documents\Quarterly Statement.docx”

post recommended: https://www.powerdatarecovery.com/windows-data-recovery/recover-files-using-cmd.html

# 5. Use the Correct Recovery Mode

Windows File Recovery provides two basic recovery modes: Regular and Extensive. The right recovery mode depends mainly on the drive’s file system and how the files were lost.

If you are not sure which mode to use, start with Regular mode when the source drive uses NTFS and the files were recently deleted. If Regular mode cannot find the files, or the files were lost after formatting or because of file system corruption, try Extensive mode.

Extensive mode is also the appropriate choice for FAT and exFAT drives.

For example, to recover recently deleted Word documents from an NTFS drive:

winfr C: E: /regular /n *.docx

If a broader scan is needed:

winfr C: E: /extensive /n *.docx

Keep in mind that Extensive mode may take longer, particularly when scanning a large drive.

# 6. Run DISM and SFC

Windows File Recovery may also not work properly when system files are corrupted. To fix them, run DISM and SFC scans:

First, open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After DISM finishes, run:

sfc /scannow

Wait for both commands to complete, restart your computer, and then try Windows File Recovery again.

If Windows File Recovery is still not working after repairing the system files, continue with the next troubleshooting step.

# 7. Close Conflicting Apps

Temporary issues with Windows or with applications that use the same storage device can interfere with recovery operations. Restarting the computer often resolves these temporary problems.

Before trying Windows File Recovery again:

1. Close File Explorer and other applications that may be using the affected drive.
2. Close any existing Command Prompt windows running recovery commands.
3. Restart Windows.
4. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
5. Run the winfr command again.

If the tool still fails, check the specific error message rather than repeatedly running the same command. The following section explains some common Windows File Recovery errors and what they mean.

How to Fix Common Windows File Recovery Errors

If Windows File Recovery returns an error while you are running a recovery command, the message can help you quickly identify what went wrong. Below are some common errors and their typical fixes.

winfr.exe is not recognized

This error usually means Windows cannot find the Windows File Recovery tool.

Make sure:

• Windows File Recovery is installed from the Microsoft Store
• You are using a new Command Prompt window
• You run Command Prompt as administrator

If the issue persists, reinstall the app and try again.

There Was an Error Parsing Your Command

This error is caused by incorrect “winfr” command syntax.

Common causes include:

• Missing or incorrect drive letters
• Wrong recovery mode or parameters
• Invalid file path or filter
• Missing quotation marks for paths with spaces

Double-check your command format and try again using a simplified version first.

Windows File Recovery Is Not Finding My Files

If the tool runs but returns no results, it does not necessarily mean it is broken.

Possible reasons include:

• Files were overwritten by new data
• Incorrect recovery mode was used
• The search filter is too narrow
• The original file location is incorrect

Try using a broader search or a different recovery mode if needed.

How to Prevent Data Loss in the Future

Regular backups are the most effective way to prevent permanent data loss, especially because overwritten files are often difficult or impossible to recover with tools like Windows File Recovery.

To reduce the risk of losing important data in the future, you can store files on an external drive or another secure location and set up a regular backup routine. For example, tools like MiniTool ShadowMaker can help you create automatic and scheduled backups.

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Backup tools are used to prevent data loss in advance, while recovery tools are only used after files have already been lost.

Windows File Recovery Tool Is Not Working FAQs

Final Thoughts

The Windows File Recovery tool may not be working for several reasons, including installation issues, command-line errors, permission issues, or incorrect recovery settings. Start with the simplest fixes and verify your winfr command carefully.

If the files are important, recover them before proceeding with extensive troubleshooting, and avoid writing new data to the affected drive. Additionally, if you encounter any issues with MiniTool software, contact us at [email protected].