Recover Missing Files After Windows 10/11 Upgrade: Tips & Tricks

Upgrading to a new operating system should feel like an exciting leap forward, but for many users, it can lead to the unsettling experience of discovering that some files appear to have vanished into the digital ether. If you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 or 11 and suddenly find yourself playing a frustrating game of hide-and-seek with your saved documents, photos, or other critical files, fear not! Microsoft's support page offers a treasure trove of tips for locating those elusive files and restoring your data.

The Search Expedition​

Before diving into more complex solutions, let’s start with the basics: searching your PC. Here’s how to search for missing files effectively:

1. Open File Explorer: Right-click on the Start menu and select "File Explorer."
2. Navigate to "This PC": From the left-hand navigation panel, select "This PC."
3. Search for Files: In the top right-hand corner, there’s a search box. Type in the name of the missing file.

But what if the files still refuse to show themselves? If that’s the case, and you aren’t using a temporary profile, you may need to troubleshoot the search functionality:

• Right-click the Start menu and select Settings.
• Choose Privacy & security and look for Searching Windows.
• Under Related settings, select Advanced indexing options to access the indexing settings.

This is akin to ensuring you have your GPS set correctly before continuing your digital treasure hunt. If issues persist, follow the Search and Indexing troubleshooting wizard found there.

Show Hidden Files​

Sometimes, files are simply playing hard to get because they’re hidden. To reveal these undercover documents:

• Right-click the Start menu and select Settings, then navigate to System > For developers.
• Under File Explorer, toggle Show hidden and system files to "On."

When it comes to searching by file type, wield the power of the asterisk (*). For instance:

• To locate all Word documents, search for *.doc.
• For MP3 files, input *.mp3.

Remember, during the upgrading process, files may shift locations. To check where a found file is hiding:

• Right-click on the file and select Open file location.

Restoring Files from Backup​

If you created a backup before the upgrade, you can recover your lost files using external storage devices. Here's how:

1. Connect the external storage device containing the backup.
2. Search for and open the Control Panel.
3. Type backup in the search box.
4. Click on Backup and restore (Windows 7).
5. Follow the prompts to restore the files from your backup.

Having backups is like having a security blanket—one that can soothe the anxieties of sudden data loss.

Checking for Disabled Administrator Accounts​

If you upgraded without transferring your old files and created a new Microsoft account, your files might still be hidden in a disabled Administrator account. To enable it:

1. Search for and open Computer Management.
2. Navigate to Local Users and Groups > Users.
3. If you see the Administrator account with a down arrow, it’s disabled. Double-click on it, clear the “Account is disabled” checkbox, and apply the changes.
4. Sign out and then back in using the Administrator account.

Dealing with Temporary Profiles​

If you encounter a message indicating that you’re logged into a temporary profile, it’s time for some troubleshooting:

• Sign out and restart your device. This can often resolve account-related issues and restore access to your files.

Sometimes, you may need to restart your PC more than once to resolve login problems. In the interim, it's wise to back up any work done since the upgrade to an external drive to avoid losing it if the temporary account becomes inaccessible.

The Final Word​

Navigating the aftermath of an operating system upgrade can feel like wandering through a digital maze, but with the right strategies, you can navigate your way back to your cherished files. Whether through effective searching, examining hidden files, restoring from backups, or enabling hidden accounts, the path to rediscovering your data is thoroughly laid out.
Embrace the digital journey, and remember: when in doubt, consult the Microsoft knowledge base. After all, it’s there to help you make sense of the technological challenges life throws your way. Happy hunting!
Source: Microsoft Support Find lost files after the upgrade to Windows 10 or 11 - Microsoft Support