How to Find Files Lost After a Windows 10 Update

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Just the thought of losing your files can cause fear. The worry has created industries designed to protect your data.

Many people haven't upgraded to Windows 10 due to this fear.

This guide will walk you through recovering your lost files after you've upgraded to Windows 10.

Tools You'll Need:

• A paperclip
• iPhone charging cable
• Access to a computer with iTunes installed
• Any other non-consumable tools needed
• Comment out tools section if no tools are necessary

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Supplies You'll Need:

• Zip ties
• Any other consumable supplies
• Comment out supplies section if no supplies are necessary

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Before You Begin:

• You must have access to a computer with iTunes installed.
• You must have that thing for the other thing so you can do the thing.

You must have this thing before you whatever.

• Title of GP User Should Do First
• Title of GP User Should Do First
• Each individual prereq should have its own box like this. Not all will contain multiple links.
• Comment out prerequisites section if no prereqs are necessary

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2. Check for Temporary Profile

1. Select Start.
   

1. Select Settings.
   

1. Select Accounts. 
   

1. Select Sync Your Settings.
   

1. If you see a message at the top that states, You are logged on with a temporary profile. Roaming options are currently unavailable, you are in a temporary account.
   

1. Restart your PC and sign in again. This should remove the temporary account and your files should be available again.

3. Restart Your PC

Before your restart or shut down your PC, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.

• Using the Mouse
• Select the Start menu.
  

• 
  
• By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.
• Select Power, then select Restart.
  

• Using the Keyboard
• Press the Windows and X keys at the same time. This minimizes any open windows you may have.
  

• Press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time. This tells Windows to close the desktop.
  

• Select Restart, then OK.
  

4. Log Into Your Real Profile

After rebooting, select your account and log into it.

Your account should now be working properly.

5. Search for Files

1. Select the search bar and type in what you want to search for.
   

1. Look for all files of a certain type using the asterisk (*). For example, to search for all Word documents, search for *.doc. For music files, search for *.mp3. For pictures you could search for *.jpg.
2. When you find the file you want, right click it and select Open File Location.
   

1. A window will open showing the location of the file and the file will be highlighted.
   

6. Restore from Backup

1. Select Start.
   

1. Select Settings.
   

1. Select Update & Security.
   

1. 
   
2. Select Backup.
3. Select Backup and restore (Windows 7).
   

1. Select Restore my files and follow the instructions to restore your files.

7. What's next?