Documents Folder Missing in Windows 10? 4 Ways to Fix It Fast

Why Was My Documents Folder Missing in Windows 10?

Folder loss happens frequently on a daily basis and can lead to your important data to lose. Not being able to locate the desired folder on your device usually falls into two categories. On the one hand, the folder remains on the device but can’t be seen because it is being hidden or stored in another location that you have forgotten. In such a case, you can easily find it by checking the hidden items or searching for its name in File Explore.

On the other hand, if you still cannot see it, the folder may have been removed from your device. There are a variety of factors that might cause your folders to be deleted in Windows 10, including:

• Accidental Deletion
• File System Corruption
• Software Bugs
• Hard Disk Failure
• Virus Attack

Can I Recover a Deleted Folder in Windows 10?

Absolutely! It is possible to recover the Documents folder missing in Windows 10.

When files and folders are deleted, they still remain on your system until they are overwritten by new data. This also means you are able to get them back with the right methods and tools during this period. To maximize your chances of successful recovery, it is suggested to restore your missing folders as soon as possible.

In the following sections, you will learn four practical solutions to recover the deleted Documents folder missing in Windows 10. These methods support addressing various scenarios of folder loss. You can choose the one as needed.

Restore Documents Folder Using Recovery Software

My Documents folder is missing in Windows 10! Take it easy. One of the most straightforward methods is to restore it by using recovery software.

I’d like to introduce you to a powerful data recovery tool for Windows 10—AOMEI FastRecovery. It is designed to help users quickly locate and recover deleted, corrupted, and lost data on Windows PCs and servers. If you are tired of figuring out the loss reasons or seeking a high-efficiency process, AOMEI FastRecovery is a perfect choice.

★Highlights of AOMEI FastRecovery:

User-Friendly Interface: Guides users to effortlessly recover what they want, step-by-step.

Preview-Supported Recovery: Allows users to verify the content of files before recovering, ensuring that they are restoring the right documents.

Excellent Compatibility: Supports retrieving various file formats from different devices.

High Security: Guarantees your data 100% security during the recovery process.

Free Download Windows PCs & Servers

100% Secure

Let's use AOMEI FastRecovery to recover the Documents folder missing in Windows 10:

Step 1: Download and install AOMEI FastRecovery; choose the C drive.

Step 2: Scan your C drive to find the deleted Documents folder. It offers two modes, Quick Scan and Deep Scan, supporting thoroughly scanning your storage devices for finding lost data.

Step 3: After scanning, all missing files will be displayed. Kindly choose the specific folder and then click Recover.

Step 4: Specify a path for it and wait for the process to complete.

Restore Documents Folder Manually

In addition to using software, you can also manually recover your Documents folder missing in Windows 10 through the following methods.

Recover Documents Folder from Recycle Bin

The Recycle Bin is a built-in feature in Windows that temporarily stores deleted files and folders. It allows you to recover items if you change your mind or delete something by mistake. In other words, when you accidentally deleted folders on your PC, you can easily retrieve them from the Recycle Bin.

Here are the steps to recover your Documents folder missing in Windows 10:

Step 1: Open the Recycle Bin first. Often, accidentally deleted folders can be found here.

Step 2: Search your Documents folder within the search bar.

Step 3: Right-click on the search result and select Restore to return it to its original location.

Recover Documents Folder through Backup and Restore

As previously mentioned, if your Documents folder cannot be found in the Recycle Bin, it may have been permanently deleted. Recovering it through Backup and Restore (available in Windows 7 and later versions) is also a good option, provided you have enabled this feature in advance. This method is particularly effective for recovering data in more complex scenarios, such as system failure or hard disk corruption.

The specific recovery steps are as follows:

Step 1: Go to the Control Panel, and select System and Security > Backup and Restore in turn.

Step 2: Click Restore my files.

Step 3: Click Browse for files to choose the folder you want to recover, and then click Next.

Step 4: Specify the saving path for your recovered folder, and click Restore.

Recover Documents Folder by System Restore

If the previous two methods don’t work, consider recovering your Documents folder using System Restore. This utility will restore your system to a previous state when the Documents folder was still available. This method is applied to the situation where your Documents folder is missing in Windows 10 due to updates, downgrades, or other system changes. Please note that it works only if you have created a System Restore point before changes.

Follow the steps below to recover your Documents folder via System Restore:

Step 1: Right-click on the Start and select Run.

Step 2: Type rstrui.exe, and then click OK > Next to continue.

Step 3: Choose an appropriate restore point according to your needs.

Step 4: Confirm your selected restore point, then click Finish to recover your Documents folder.

FAQs

Q1: Can a Windows update remove the Documents folder?

Yes, it is possible. Although rare, updates sometimes may result in file location changes, user profile corruption, or folder loss. Thus, it is advised to back up your crucial files before updating, avoiding potential data loss.

Q2: How do I check if my Documents folder has been accidentally deleted?

When you cannot find your Documents folder, search it in File Explore first. Sometimes, it might have been hidden unexpectedly. Check the hidden items to verify whether it still remains on your PC. If you still can’t find it, the folder is likely deleted. You can retrieve it with the solutions mentioned in this post.

Q3: How can I prevent my Documents folder from disappearing again?

Be careful when handling and managing it on a daily basis. Ensure that your actions do not lead to the accidental loss of folders. Besides, cultivate the habit of regular backups to reduce the risk of file loss. There are various reliable backup tools available, such as AOMEI Backupper Standard, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, and more.

Final Words

The missing Documents folder on PC can always result in inconvenience and massive loss for you. Fortunately, you can fix the issue using the solutions mentioned above. This post covers the details of folder loss and presents four effective techniques to recover the Documents folder missing in Windows 10. To enhance your recovery experience, we advise utilizing a reliable and easy-to-use tool, such as AOMEI FastRecovery.