Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery tool is a free app that is designed for Windows 10 version 2004 or newer. It’s a super-small download that’s under 9MB because of its simple, command-line user interface.
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Features of Microsoft’s new Windows File Recovery tool
Microsoft’s new Windows File Recovery app can help users recover lost files from their internal and external drives. According to a recent Microsoft post (opens in new tab), the app can operate in three modes: Default Mode, Segment Mode and Signature Mode. Default Mode is optimized for recently deleted files while Segment Mode is a better option for files that were deleted a long time ago. For retrieving a file on an external storage device (e.g. USB drive or SD card), Signature Mode will be your best bet.
How to get Microsoft’s new Windows File Recovery tool
The Windows File Recovery tool is now available for download in the Microsoft Store (opens in new tab). “Let this app be your first choice for helping to find what you need from your hard drive, SSD, USB drive, or memory cards,” the Microsoft Store description said. Microsoft offers an in-depth tutorial on how to use the command-line Windows File Recovery app here (opens in new tab), but let’s hope that the Redmond-based giant updates the raw-looking app with a graphical user interface that’s a lot easier on the eyes.
