[Solved] How to Recover Video Files From Formatted Windows 11/10

Every day, countless people capture precious memories and crucial information in the form of videos. Yet, there’s a universal fear that binds every digital content creator: the loss of their video files due to formatting. As digital content is becoming increasingly valuable, protecting and recovering your video files is more crucial than ever.

In this guide, we will delve into the world of video recovery, explaining why your video files might get formatted and presenting step-by-step solutions on how to recover them on your Windows operating system. From simple and accessible methods like using your data backup to more advanced techniques such as recovery through the command prompt, we’ve got you covered. Moreover, we’ll introduce you to powerful, novice-friendly data recovery software options available in the market.

So, without further ado, let’s embark on this journey!

What Causes Formatted Windows 11/10

Formatted system can occru unexpectedly due to errors or manual operation. Corruption, bad sectors, malware, update issues and even drive repair failure may result in Windows proposing or forcing a full format and reinstallation to fix the problems. Check the common causes for formatted Windows 11/10 and relevant solutions to them.

Causes	Solution
Drive errors or bad sectors	Run CHKDSK scan and repair utility
Malware infection	Use Windows Defender or security software to remove malware
Registry corruption	Use System Restore to revert registry changes
Failed Windows update	Rollback problematic update, clear software distribution folder
Accidental full format	Recover data using file recovery software
Hard disk full	Free up disk space by deleting unused files
Improper system shutdown	Allow proper shutdown process to avoid issues
Failed drive repair	Back up data and perform full format reinstall as needed

Can You Recover Videos from Formatted System?

Yes, data in formatted system doesn’t disappear immediately. It’s still possible to retrieve video files from formatted Windows 11/10. When you format a hard drive, even if you see an empty drive, the data or file is still there waiting to be overwritten. Unless new data is loaded on the drive, the previous data is still recoverable.

How to Recover Video Files in Windows 11/10 After Formatting

In this section, we will explore various methods to recover video files from formatted PC, each method suited for a particular situation or level of tech proficiency.

Solution 1: Use Your Data Backup

One of the easiest methods to recover formatted video files is to restore them from your data backup. If you’ve been proactive and backed up your video files to an external device, you can retrieve them with a few clicks:

Step 1: Connect your backup storage device to your computer or log into your cloud storage account.

Step 2: Navigate to the folder where your backup files are stored.

Step 3: Locate the formatted video files you want to recover.

Step 4: Copy the video files and paste them into your desired location on your computer.

Data backup is the best preventive measure against data loss. If you don’t have a backup routine in place yet, consider starting one to safeguard your valuable files.

Solution 2: Recover through CMD

The Command Prompt, known as CMD, is a built-in feature in Windows that allows you to perform advanced administrative functions and fix various system issues, including data recovery. It’s a little more technical than other methods but can be very effective.

We will look at two methods with CMD. Before we proceed, it’s important to note that using CMD for data recovery requires a bit of technical know-how, as a wrong command can lead to further data loss. Always double-check your commands before executing them, and consider seeking professional help if you’re unsure about the process.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to recover video files from formatted USB or SD card on Windows using CMD:

Method 1 (Only to retrieve your data):

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box. Type cmd and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2: Type ‘drive letter’>attrib -h -r -s /s /d *.* (e.g., F:\>attrib -h -r -s /s /d *.*) and hit Enter. This command will recover all your files, including videos, from the drive. They’ll be restored to a newly created folder in the drive.

Method 2 (To repair the disk and restore your data):

Step 1: Run Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2: Once the Command Prompt window appears, type chkdsk ‘drive letter’: /f /r /x and hit Enter. Please replace ‘drive letter’ with the letter of the drive where your formatted videos were located (e.g. chkdsk d: /f /r /x). The data will be restored to a newly created folder in the drive.

Check the following video on how to repair hard drive and increase its health.

Solution 3: Restore from Previous Version of the Video Files

Windows provides an in-built feature known as “Previous Versions” that allows you to restore previous versions of your files if they get deleted, formatted, or altered. You can recover your video files in 4 quick steps using this feature:

Step 1: Navigate to the folder where the formatted videos were stored.

Step 2: Right-click on the folder and select “Restore previous versions”.

Step 3: From the list of previous versions, find the version before the formatting occurred.

Step 4: Click “Restore…” or “Copy…” to recover your videos. “Restore” will replace the existing version, while ‘Copy’ will let you save it to a new location.

Solution 4: Resort to Video Recovery Software

While the above-mentioned solutions are effective in their own right, they may sometimes fall short due to various reasons such as lack of recent backups, overwritten data, high requirements for professional knowledge, or simply the nature of the formatting. That’s where dedicated deleted video recovery software comes in. In this section, we will have a closer look at some popular video file recovery software.

ONERECOVERY

ONERECOVERY is a powerful tool designed to address a vast range of data loss scenarios, including accidental deletion, hard drive failure, a computer OS crash, virus attacks, and over 500 other situations. When it comes to video file recovery, ONERECOVERY is capable of recovering Ultra HD 4K and 8K videos with no compromise in quality, bringing your cherished memories or important projects back to life. It supports 1000+ video formats including MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI and etc. You’ll be able to retrieve precious video from formatted hard drive, USB flash drive, SD card and more.

No advanced skill is needed during video recovery with ONERECOVERY. It lets you filter and preview a specifc file with ease. You can The success rate stands at an impressive 95%. Simply follow these steps to get back your cherish memories!

Step 1. Launch ONERECOVERY and select a location to scan

Step 2. Enable quick or deep scan on your drive

Step 3. Preview and recover the lost video.

If you need further help, you can check its step-by-step user guide or reach out to their 24/7 online tech consults via email. Just free download ONERECOVERY to see if it’s the right fit for your recovery needs!

Recoverit

Recoverit is another robust data recovery tool that can resolve a multitude of data loss problems. It efficiently handles accidental deletion, hard drive failure, computer OS crash, virus attacks, and a whole host of other scenarios. Notably, Recoverit caters to both PC and Mac users. In terms of video recovery, Recoverit excels by supporting nearly all video formats, significantly increasing your chances of successful retrieval.

Ease of use is a central feature of Recoverit. The recovery process consists of 3 simple steps: scan, select, and data back.

Recoverit offers a comprehensive PDF user guide available on its website, ensuring you have the necessary resources at your fingertips.

The software is free for basic features, enabling you to test the waters before making a commitment. If you wish to unlock more advanced functions, they offer paid versions to fit your needs.

EaseUS

EaseUS is well-known in the data recovery sphere for it can remedy a wide range of problems such as accidental file deletions, emptied Recycle Bin, formatting mishaps, hard drive issues, and even system crashes. It as well caters to both PC and Mac users. When dealing with formatted video files, EaseUS supports an impressive array of more than 1000 video formats, including but not limited to AVI, MOV, MP4, and M4V, enhancing your chances of successful recovery.

Using EaseUS is as simple as 3 quick steps:

Step 1: Launch the program on your computer.

Step 2: Direct the software to scan the drive for deleted/lost videos.

Step 3: Preview and recover the video files of your choice.

EaseUS prioritizes customer support by providing an online user guide and video tutorials on its website. You can recover up to 2GB of data for free on Windows 11/10/8/7, and more advanced functions exclusive to the Pro and Technician versions come at a price.

iMyFone

As the choice of 5 million users, iMyFone offers a comprehensive solution for the recovery of deleted, lost, formatted, or corrupted video files on both PC and Mac platforms. It supports an extensive range of formats and is absolutely novice-friendly. The recovery process is encapsulated into three simple steps: install the software on your device, scan the targeted location for lost files, and finally, recover the files you need.

It provides 24/7 technical support to ensure that assistance is available whenever needed. But priority is given to licensed customers and registered users. While basic features are available for free, iMyFone is offering an 80% off discount on more advanced functions during its 8th-anniversary sale, which ends on August 16th, 2023.

After Recovering Your Lost Video Files

Having navigated through the ordeal of losing and then recovering your video files, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent such incidents from happening again. Here, we’ll share key tips to safeguard your video files and other data types in your daily life.

Ensure Reliable Power Backup

Unexpected power outages can cause abrupt system shutdowns, leading to potential data loss or corruption. By having a reliable power backup, like an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), you can prevent these undesirable incidents and protect your data.

Install a Robust Antivirus

Viruses and malware can compromise your files, including videos. An effective antivirus software will protect your system from such threats, keeping your data safe from harm.

Store Recovered Videos Separately

After successful recovery, it’s advisable to store the recovered videos in a separate location. This measure will guard them against any issues that may affect the original location, including future accidental formatting.

Delay Emptying the Recycle Bin

When deleting files, resist the urge to instantly empty the Recycle Bin. Retaining deleted files for some time provides a safety net for accidental deletions, allowing you to easily restore them.

Stay Updated

Regularly update your system software. Updates often include security improvements that can protect your data against potential threats.

Avoid Heavy Tasks During File Transfers

Running heavy tasks or multitasking while transferring files can cause the system to freeze, potentially leading to data loss. To avoid this, ensure your system isn’t overburdened during file transfers.

FAQ

Can I Recover Videos after Reinstalling Windows 11/10?

Yes, even if you fully reinstalled Windows, it may still be possible to recover your video files. Provided the videos have not been overwritten when Windows is reinstalled, video recovery software looks at the deeper data layers on a drive to find traces of deleted video content to restore after a format.

Does Formatting a Hard Drive Erase Everything?

Yes, formatting a drive does erase everything on it. However, with specialized data recovery software like ONERECOVERY, it’s still possible to retrieve data from formatted hard drive.

Can I Recover Video after Factory Reset on Android Phone?

It can be challgening to recover video after a factory reset on Android, but may be possible in some situations. Here are a few tips:

• Stop using your device immediately to avoid overwriting data. The longer you used the device after factory reset before attempting video recovery, the less likely recovery becomes.
• Restore video from Google Photos or Dropbox if you are in the habit of backup.
• For the best result, connect your Android phone to a computer and use Windows data recovery software such as ONERECOVERY or Recuva. It gives more access to scan the raw storage and will be able to retrieve deleted video from any device.
• If your device was encrypted prior to reset, unfortunately the encryption key was erased tool, making video recovery impossible without a pre-reset backup.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of data loss, keeping your video files and other data types safe and sound. In the world of data, the adage “better safe than sorry” holds true more than ever. So, don’t wait until it’s too late. Start safeguarding your valuable data today, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your files are secure.