How to Install Windows 11 and Restore Computer Data?

Analyzing the Topic: Why Windows 11 Installation Often Leads to Data Loss

Windows 11 represents Microsoft’s boldest step toward a modern, efficient, and secure operating system. Sleek visuals, hybrid workflow optimization, and better compatibility with AI features make it worth upgrading to. Yet, many users encounter a common nightmare: lost data after Windows 11 installation or upgrade.

Whether from formatting, re-partitioning, accidental deletion, or installation failure, valuable files can vanish in an instant. Installing a new OS isn’t just clicking “Next” — it involves system-level rewriting that may overwrite important partitions or user data.

This article breaks down how to install Windows 11 properly, and more importantly, how to recover your computer data afterward using professional methods — including one trusted solution: iDatapp Data Recovery.

Part 1: Understanding the Risks Before Installing Windows 11

Before you start, it’s crucial to know what might happen under the hood:

1. Formatting Partitions: During installation, the setup may erase existing partitions.
2. Overwrite Operations: The Windows installer writes system files over old data, making recovery harder.
3. Boot Record Corruption: Improper installation can corrupt your system boot records, rendering old drives unreadable.
4. User Error: Simple mistakes — like selecting the wrong drive — often lead to complete data loss.

So, preparation and backup are key. But if the damage is already done, recovery tools can still help.

Part 2: How to Install Windows 11 Correctly (Without Losing Data)

Installing Windows 11 is straightforward — but doing it the right way can mean the difference between safety and regret.

Step 1: Prepare the Installation Media

1. Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s official website.
2. Create a bootable USB drive (8 GB or more) using the Media Creation Tool.
3. Ensure your PC meets Windows 11 requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage).

Step 2: Backup Your Important Files

1. Save your documents, photos, and project files to an external hard drive or cloud storage like OneDrive or Google Drive.
2. This is essential if your system partition (C:) contains personal files.

Step 3: Begin the Installation

1. Plug in the bootable USB.
2. Restart your computer and boot from the USB.
3. Follow the installation wizard: choose Custom Install (for clean installation) or Upgrade (to retain data).

Tip: If possible, choose Upgrade to preserve your existing data structure.

Step 4: Partition Selection

Carefully select the correct partition. Avoid deleting all existing drives unless you have verified backups.

Step 5: Complete the Setup

After installation, connect to the internet, log in with your Microsoft account, and activate Windows 11.

If something went wrong — for instance, your files disappeared after installation — move on to the recovery steps below.

Part 3: How to Restore Lost Computer Data After Installing Windows 11

Even with the most cautious preparation, data loss can happen. Below are several methods — both manual and professional — to retrieve your files safely and effectively.

Method 1: Use iDatapp Data Recovery (Most Effective)

If you’ve lost files due to formatting, partition deletion, or OS installation, iDatapp Data Recovery is your best bet.

This software specializes in retrieving data after reinstalling or upgrading Windows, even if the drive was formatted.

Win/Mac Data Recovery

Get Back Deleted/Lost Data from Windows/Mac Computer.

• Recovers data from deleted, formatted, or corrupted partitions.
• Supports photos, documents, videos, and emails.
• Works on Windows 11, 10, 8, and older versions.
• Easy interface suitable for beginners and professionals alike.

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How to Use:

1.Download and install iDatapp Data Recovery on your PC and click Hard Drive Recovery.

2.Launch the program and select the drive you lost data from (usually C: or D:).

3.Click “Start Scan” to start the deep recovery process.

4.Preview recoverable files and select those you need.

5.Click “Recover All” to restore them to a safe location (not the same partition).

Method 2: Recover Using Windows.old Folder

When upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, your old system files may be stored in a folder called Windows.old.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to C:\Windows.old\Users[Your Username].
3. Copy the missing documents, photos, or desktop files.

Note: The Windows.old folder is only available for 10 days after installation. After that, Windows may automatically delete it to free up space.

Method 3: Use System Restore (If Enabled)

If you previously enabled System Restore, you can revert your PC to a restore point before the Windows 11 installation.

Steps:

1. Search “System Restore” in the Windows search bar.
2. Click Create a restore point → System Restore.
3. Choose a restore point created before installing Windows 11.
4. Follow the wizard to roll back system settings.

This won’t always recover personal files but can restore application and registry data.

Method 4: Retrieve Files from Backup or OneDrive

If you used File History or OneDrive backup, recovery is quick and seamless.

Steps for File History:

1. Open Control Panel → File History.
2. Click Restore personal files.
3. Select the folders you need and click Restore.

Steps for OneDrive:

1. Log into your OneDrive account online.
2. Access your backed-up documents or media files.
3. Download them to your PC.

It’s always smart to set up OneDrive sync before any system upgrade.

Method 5: Use Command Prompt to Retrieve Hidden or Lost Files

Sometimes, files are not deleted but hidden by system processes.

The Command Prompt method can help you make them visible again.

Steps:

1.Open Command Prompt (Admin).

2.Type:

attrib -h -r -s /s /d D:\*.*

(Replace D: with the affected drive letter.)

3.Press Enter and check your drive for restored files.

This method won’t recover overwritten data but can unhide inaccessible files.

Part 4: Expert Advice — Prevent Future Data Loss on Windows 11

Installing a new OS should never come with fear. Here are preventive measures for the future:

1. Create Regular Backups: Use File History or cloud backup tools.
2. Partition Your Drive: Keep system files and personal files separate.
3. Use Reliable Power Supply: Sudden shutdowns during installation cause corruption.
4. Keep a Recovery USB: You can repair boot errors without reinstalling Windows.
5. Install Professional Recovery Software Early: Having iDatApp Data Recovery pre-installed ensures instant rescue when needed.

Part 5: FAQs

Conclusion

Installing Windows 11 can be both exciting and risky — especially when data safety is overlooked. By preparing your backups, installing properly, and using recovery tools like iDatapp Data Recovery, you can easily recover your lost photos, documents, or videos after installation.

Remember: every upgrade is an opportunity — not a threat — when you know how to safeguard your data before, during, and after the process.

Win/Mac Data Recovery

Get Back Deleted/Lost Data from Windows/Mac Computer.

Free Download Free Download Learn more