What to do if you lost WhatsApp images, videos, and documents on Windows? This full guide will help you learn 4 solutions to WhatsApp recovery in Windows 10/11/8/7.
Losing important data on WhatsApp can be frustrating, but understanding the common causes can help prevent it. Here’s a breakdown of why WhatsApp data loss might occur:
Sometimes, in a rush or by mistake, users might delete a chat or media file that holds valuable information. With no recent backup, restoring this data becomes challenging. Double-checking before hitting "delete" can save a lot of trouble.
If WhatsApp is uninstalled without backing up the data, everything on the app can be wiped. While reinstalling may restore data from cloud backups, local files not backed up are often lost permanently.
WhatsApp data, like any other digital data, can be affected by file corruption. This can happen due to software glitches, malware, or even storage issues, leading to the loss of chats, photos, or other attachments.
OS updates or malfunctions sometimes disrupt the smooth functioning of apps, including WhatsApp. A crash or an error during an update may cause data to be deleted or damaged, especially if the app isn't backed up.
If you've lost important WhatsApp messages or media on Windows 10 or 11, don't worry! Here are four effective methods to help you recover your data and restore your WhatsApp chats, whether you deleted them accidentally or lost them due to system issues.
If you've previously backed up WhatsApp messages on your PC, you can recover them from the local backup. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1. Locate the local backup file on your computer. These files are usually saved in the "WhatsApp/Databases" folder.
Step 2. Rename the file you want to restore from “msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12” to “msgstore.db.crypt12”.
Step 3. Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp on your device.
Step 4. Copy the renamed backup file back into the WhatsApp/Databases folder on your phone.
Step 5. Open WhatsApp and choose "Restore" when prompted.
If you used WhatsApp Desktop on Windows 10/11, you might find local files for recent chats and media stored on your PC. Here’s how you can retrieve them:
Step 1. Open File Explorer.
Step 2. Go to C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\WhatsApp or C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\WhatsApp.
Step 3. Look for folders named Media, Databases, or Backups.
Step 4. If you find any media files, copy and save them to a separate folder to avoid accidental deletion.
If you've been saving your WhatsApp media files on your PC, you can use Windows' built-in File History feature to recover them:
Step 1. Go to the folder where you saved your WhatsApp media on your Windows 10/11 computer.
Step 2. Right-click on the folder and select "Restore previous versions".
Step 3. Choose the date and version you wish to restore, then click "Restore".
This method is useful for retrieving lost photos, videos, and other files that were backed up on your PC.
If neither Google Drive nor local backups are available, specialized WhatsApp recovery software can help retrieve deleted messages. Here we highly recommend AOMEI FastRecovery. It is known for its powerful data recovery capabilities and user-friendly interface, making it a solid choice for both beginners and advanced users. Here’s why AOMEI software stands out:
» Comprehensive data recovery: AOMEI FastRecovery is equipped to handle various types of data loss scenarios, from accidental deletion to data corruption. It can recover files from both internal and external storage drives, including those associated with WhatsApp data on your phone. » User-friendly interface: Navigating through AOMEI FastRecovery is straightforward, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. This accessibility makes it a convenient option for anyone needing to recover WhatsApp data quickly. » Advanced features for data recovery: Unlike other data recovery tools, AOMEI FastRecovery combines disk management capabilities with data recovery functions, enabling users to recover lost data while optimizing storage devices for better performance. » Reliable and safe to use: AOMEI ensures data integrity throughout the recovery process, reducing the risk of further data loss or corruption.
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 starts to scan and search. lt will execute the “Quickly Scan" first to find 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 recovery to end.
Losing WhatsApp data can be unsettling, but with the steps outlined above, recovery on Windows 10/11 is straightforward. By local backup, exploring local storage, or using reliable data recovery tools, you can regain lost chats, photos, videos, and documents. Remember, prevention is crucial—establish regular backups and secure your data to avoid future losses.