Can't find ProgramData folder in Windows 10? Fix it Quickly!

What is the ProgramData folder?

The ProgramData folder in Windows is an important system folder used to store application data. Different from other folders, this folder mainly stores application settings, configuration files, and other essential data that are shared by all users on a computer instead of a specific user. It is typically located on the C: drive and hidden by default, playing an irreplaceable role in the smooth operation of applications and the Windows operating system.

Can't find ProgramData folder in Windows 10?

Typically, you can't find ProgramData folder in Windows 10 because it is invisible by default, but you can easily view it by enabling the option to show hidden files in the C: drive. Although casually moving system files is not recommended, you may do so without realizing it, which may result in loss of access. Moreover, the most unfortunate situation is that your ProgramData folder has been accidentally lost due to various reasons, including:

► Accidental Deletion

► Unexpected System Corruption

► Software Glitches

► Hard Disk Failure

► Virus Attacks

How to find ProgramData folder in Windows 10?

“Where is ProgramData folder in Windows 10?” In this section, you will learn three practical ways to locate your ProgramData folder in Windows 10. You can find the folder successfully on the condition that it still remains on your device.

Solution 1. Check Hidden Items

Can't find the ProgramData folder in Windows 10? Don’t panic. By default, this folder is hidden on the C: drive and cannot be viewed directly, but you can access it by showing hidden files in File Explorer. Here are the detailed steps:

Step 1: Press Windows + E to open File Explorer first.

Step 2: Navigate to your C: drive.

Step 3: Click on the View tab at the top bar, and then check if the Hidden items box is selected. When you select it, all the hidden files can be visible, including the ProgramData folder.

Solution 2. Open the ProgramData Folder Using the Run Dialog

Alternatively, you are able to directly open the ProgramData folder by using the Run dialog. Please follow the steps below:

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

Step 2: Type C:\ProgramData in the box and press the Enter key to directly open the ProgramData folder.

Solution 3. Find ProgramData Folder in Windows Search

In addition to the methods above, you can also locate the ProgramData folder indirectly through the installed applications on it. Here are steps on how to find ProgramData folder:

Step 1: Press Windows + S to open the Windows search box. 

Step 2: Input the name of any application that stores in the ProgramData folder in the box.

Step 3: Right-click the result and choose Open file location. Then you can access a subfolder within the ProgramData folder.

What if ProgramData Folder is deleted?

Still can't find the ProgramData folder in Windows 10? Unfortunately, your ProgramData folder might have been deleted. How to find ProgramData folder in this situation? Keep reading to learn three effective solutions to recover deleted files.

Solution 1. Check the Recycle Bin

If you fail to find ProgramData folder on your PC, check the Recycle Bin first. The Recycle Bin is a built-in feature in Windows that temporarily stores deleted files and folders and allows you to recover items if you change your mind or delete something by mistake. 

Follow these steps to recover your ProgramData folder:

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

Step 2: Search the ProgramData folder within the search bar.

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

However, if the size of your ProgramData folder exceeds the Recycle Bin’s limit or the Recycle Bin has been emptied before, it is regarded as permanently deleted. Recovery can be challenging in this situation.

Solution 2. Recover ProgramData Folder with Software

If you cannot find the ProgramData folder in the Recycle Bin, consider using professional recovery software to restore it.

AOMEI FastRecovery is a robust and reliable data recovery software for retrieving various deleted files from different storage devices on Windows PCs and servers. With its excellent performance, you are able to quickly scan and locate the desired files and recover them to the specific path. If you are tired of figuring out the loss reasons or seeking a high-efficiency process, please free download it to have a try:

A step-by-step guide on how to use AOMEI FastRecovery to recover the missing ProgramData folder:

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

Step 2: Scan your drive to find the deleted ProgramData 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.

★Using Tips:

You can recover files as soon as they appear on the interface, even while the scan is in progress.

It is suggested to preview your files before recovery, ensuring you recover the right one.

Choose a new location to save recoverable files to prevent your data from being overwritten.

Solution 3. Recover ProgramData Folder via System Restore

Except for the previous two methods, using System Restore to recover your ProgramData folder is also a good option. System Restore is a built-in Windows tool, designed to protect and repair the computer software. By default, it creates restore points once a day. When encountering an unexpected failure or data corruption, System Restore can repair the Windows environment by reverting back to the files and settings that were saved in the restore point. Keep in mind that this feature works only if you have created a System Restore point before losing files.

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

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

Step 2: Type rstrui.exe, and then press Enter.

Step 3: Click on the Next option 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 I delete ProgramData folder in Windows 10?

No, you should not delete it in Windows 10. ProgramData is a system folder mainly used to store shared application data for all users. Removing this folder can result in essential data being lost, thus leaving your programs or system to crash.  

Q2: What is the difference between ProgramData and AppData in Windows 10?

They are two kinds of system folders used to store different data. The ProgramData folder typically saves program files and configurations that are shared by all users on this device. However, the AppData folder is mainly used to store application data, settings, and temporary files of each personal user.

Q3: Can I move the ProgramData folder to another drive in Windows 10?

No. It’s not recommended to move the ProgramData folder to another drive. The folder contains huge, important application data. Casually moving it can cause serious issues, including applications being unable to work, crucial data corruption, and even a system crash. To prevent unnecessary risks and data loss, it is advised to leave this folder alone.

Final Thoughts

The ProgramData folder in Windows is an important system folder used to store application data. Can't find the ProgramData folder in Windows 10? Take it easy! This folder might be invisible because it has been hidden by default. This post shows you how to find the ProgramData folder with three useful methods.

If you still cannot find it after checking the relevant locations, it might have been accidentally deleted. In such a case, you can attempt to recover it from the Recycle Bin. Additionally, it’s highly recommended to use a professional recovery tool when the folder has been permanently deleted.