How can I get back my lost data after refreshing Windows?

Question

I refreshed my laptop, and now all my important pics have disappeared from a folder that used to be on the desktop.

How can I get them back?

Answer 1

There are a couple of ways that you could have refreshed Windows. How did you do it?

• If during the recovery, you selected Refresh your PC without affecting your files, then your files should have been saved in C:\Windows.old

• If you selected Remove everything and reinstall Windows, then your files were deleted. At best, you could try using data-recovery software to attempt to get at least some of them back (which may or may not work depending on numerous factors specific to your system and usage).