(How-to & Tips) Easily Restore Files from Backup in Windows 10 from Different Scenarios

Losing crucial files from a backup can be concerning, but there's no need to worry excessively. Here are ways for you to effortlessly restore files from backup in Windows 10 based on different situations. In addition, this post shares several tips to enhance data integrity and safety.

How to restore files from backup in Windows 10

Restoring files from backup in Windows 10 can be achieved by many methods. Depending on the specific situation, here are targeted approaches.

Situation 1. Restore files from backup on local Windows 10

If you've enabled File History in Windows settings and chosen a drive or network location for backups, it automatically saves versions of your files at regular intervals. By default, it prioritizes key libraries like Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, and Desktop.

When you accidentally delete or modify a file, you can use File History through the Windows settings interface to revert to a previous version and restore files from backup in Windows 10 easily and quickly.

Step 1. Enter "File History" into the search bar and select "Recover your files using File History" from the search results.

Step 2. Afterward, search for the specific file you wish to recover, find the file, and click on the green "Restore" button.

Step 3. Next, choose "Replace the file in the destination" to begin the recovery process.

Situation 2. Restore files from backup on external hard drives

If you are using Windows 10 version 20H1 Build 19041 or a newer version, you can effectively restore files from backup on an external hard drive by using commands in Windows File Recovery.

Step 1. Get Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store and install it with administrative privileges.

Note:

• Input the command line: winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches]
• Two scanning modes can be chosen: Default and Extensive. You can select according to your specific situation.

The Extensive mode can be further classified as two modes, Signature and Segment:
• Signature mode enables the recovery of all lost files by utilizing file headers within the file system.
• Segment mode allows the restoration of lost files, utilizing file record staging designed specifically for NTFS.
• Below are several switches you can utilize to customize the recovery task.

Step 2. Select the Default mode and input the command "winfr C: D: /n *.docx" to search for all DOCX files on the C drive and copy them to the D drive. Press "Y" to proceed. Please remember to replace "C:" with the source drive and "D:" with the destination drive as per your requirements.

Situation 3. Restore backup in Windows 10 from Google Backup/Cloud

Google Backup and Google Cloud are widely used tools for data backup. In the event of accidentally deleting files from these platforms, you can follow a specific method to recover backup files.

Step 1. Log in to your "Google Admin Console" and navigate to the "Users" section by clicking on the corresponding icon. Choose the user's name from the list for whom you want to recover photos, and then click on the ellipsis (3 dots) icon located on the right.

Step 2. From the menu options, choose "Restore Data".

Step 3. Specify the required date range for the restoration operation, opt for "Drive" under Applications, and then click on the "Restore" button.

How to restore files from various backup scenarios?

Actually, there is a shortcut that allows you to restore files from backup Windows 10. AOMEI FastRecovery utilizes advanced algorithms to thoroughly scan for recoverable deleted files. Whether you backed up files locally, on SSD, HDD, SD card, USB drive, or other locations, this software enables you to efficiently restore files from backup on any Windows PC. Download it and have a try.

Functions of AOMEI FastRecovery:
✔ Recover deleted or lost files from HDD, USB, SD card and various storage devices.
✔ Retrieve Word, Excel, PPT, photos, videos, audio, emails, zipped files, and over 200 other file types.
✔ Keep the original format of recovered files.
✔ Search for target Word files by typing the file name during the scan, or wait for automatic discovery with Quick Scan and Deep Scan.
✔ Supports NTFS, exFAT, FAT32 and ReFS file systems.
✔ Compatible with Windows Server and Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 64-bit and 32-bit.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI FastRecovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your data is lost and click Scan.

Step 2. Then, the recovery tool start to scan and search. lt will execute the “Quickly Scan" first for finding your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching other lost data.

Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted files, recycle bins and other missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".

Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.

Step 5. Wait patiently for this process of recovering end.

Tips: How to back up important files in different ways?

Utilizing multiple platforms for backups can greatly improve data safety and integrity. By storing data in various locations, you increase the chances of recovering lost information from an alternative platform. If you're unsure about the process, the following guidance can help.

Option 1. Back up files in File History

Step 1. To initiate File History on a Windows 10 PC, connect your backup device and go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup. Click on "Add a drive" under the "Back up using File History" section and choose the location for your backups.

Step 2. File History is now activated, but it hasn't started backing up files yet. Click on the "More options" link to configure specific parameters.

Step 3. Open the dropdown menus.

Follow the steps:

Under "Back up my files", choose the desired frequency for backups, ranging from every 10 minutes to Daily.

In the "Keep my backups" dropdown, select the duration you want to retain backed-up files, from "Until space is needed" to "Forever".

By default, File History backs up predefined folders like Desktop, Downloads, and Music. You can customize these settings.

Here’s how to exclude folders:

Scroll down the Backup options window.

Review the default folders included in the backup.

To exclude a folder, select it and click "Remove".

If you need to add folders that not displayed in the window, you can click "Add a folder" under "Back up these folders". If you want to exclude specific folders, click "Add a folder" under "Exclude these folders".

Step 4. After the customized configuration, it is time to back up with the File History. Click "Back up now" on the Backup options screen. Windows will start backing up the specified folders, displaying the size, date, and time after completion.

Now, you can easily recover backup files with File History if you lost data, To discontinue File History, go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup, and turn off the "Automatically back up my files" option.

Option 2. Back up data to an external hard drive

It is also advisable to create a backup on an external hard drive as a secondary backup option apart from locally and Cloud. AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional provides Clone Disk for you quickly transfer all data to an external hard drive.

This includes the ability to store programs, documents, videos, and even the operating system on the hard drive. In the event of system crashes or data loss, this feature facilitates a quick restoration of files from backup on the external hard drive.

Step 1. Connect your external hard drive for backup. Run AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. Click  "Clone" > "Clone Disk” from the top pane.

Step 2. In the new window, here are 2 cloning methods. You can choose one based on your needs and click Next.

Step 3. Choose the original drive as the source disk and click the Next button.

Step 4. Choose the drive as your target disk. If the disk is an SSD, you can tick "Optimize the performance of SSD". Then read the notice and click Next.

Step 5. Edit the partition size. If the target SSD is smaller, the first option will be greyed out.

Step 6. Choose one between two available options in this window and click Next. Then, you’ll be prompted by a Note . Click Finish.

Step 7. You’ll be in the main interface. Click Apply and Proceed to commit operation.

Option 3. Transfer your data to the Cloud as a backup

Backing up data to the cloud is a convenient method, and popular platforms such as Google Cloud/Backup (Sync), Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive are reliable options for ensuring the safety of your data.

▌Google Drive:

• Upload Files/Folders:

Open Google Drive -> Click the "+ New" button on the left-hand side -> Choose "File upload" or "Folder upload" to select the data you want to upload.

▌Google Backup and Sync:

1. Download and install the Google Backup and Sync application.

2. Sign in with your Google account.

3. Select the folders you want to back up from your computer.

4. Click "Start" to initiate the backup.

▌Dropbox:

• Upload Files/Folders:

1. Open Dropbox.

2. Click the "Upload" button.

3. Choose "Files" or "Folder" and select the data you want to upload.

• Dropbox Folder on Your Computer:

1. Install Dropbox and sign in.

2. Copy or move files into the Dropbox folder. They will sync to the cloud.

▌Microsoft OneDrive:

• Upload Files/Folders:

1. Open OneDrive.

2. Click the "+ New" button and choose "File" or "Folder".

3. Select the data you want to upload.

• OneDrive Folder on Your Computer:

1. Install OneDrive and sign in.

2. Move or save files into the OneDrive folder. They will be automatically synced.

General Tips:

Automatic Backup: Many cloud platforms offer settings for automatic synchronization. Enable these features for seamless and continuous backups.

Desktop Applications: Some platforms provide desktop applications (e.g., Google Backup and Sync, Dropbox Desktop App) that make the backup process more user-friendly.

Mobile Apps: Install mobile apps for these platforms to back up and access your data from your mobile devices.

Kindly please always refer to the specific guidelines provided by each platform for the most accurate and up-to-date information. If you encounter data loss, you can just run these utilities to restore files from backup.

Summary

With the help of how-to and tips, to restore files from backup in Windows 10 is a easy task. For efficient and versatile data recovery across various scenarios of data loss, it is advisable to consider using AOMEI FastRecovery. This software can effectively function as your backup assistant, providing robust support for data restoration.

Or if you need to upgrade your device, OS Migration or Clone Disk are nice choices. Besides, Windows To Go Creator function allows you to enjoy the newest OS even your device do not support that.