Restore files backed up in previous versions of Windows

If you used Backup and Restore in a previous version of Windows to back up your personal files, you can still restore them from those backups. If you need to restore Windows, see How to restore, refresh, or reset your PC.

To restore previous backups

  1. Tap or click to open Windows 7 File Recovery.

  2. If it’s not already turned on, tap or click Set up backup, and then follow the instructions. Administrator permission required You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.

  3. Tap or click Restore my files.

  4. Choose one of the following:

    • To browse the contents of a backup, tap or click Browse for files or Browse for folders.

      When you're browsing for folders, you won't be able to see the individual files in a folder. To view individual files, tap or click Browse for files.

    • To search the contents of the backup, tap or click Search, enter all or part of a file name, and then tap or click Search.

    Tip

    Tip

    You can improve your search results for files or folders that belong to a specific user account by entering the location of the file or folder in the Search for box. For example, to search for all backed up JPG files, enter JPG in the Search for box. To only search for JPG files for the user Bill, enter C:\Users\Bill\JPG in the Search for box.

  5. Select the files you want to restore, tap or click Add files, and then tap or click Next.

  6. Choose where you want to restore your files, and then tap or click Next.

Note

Note

If you upgraded from a previous version of Windows and had scheduled backups set up in Backup and Restore, Windows will continue to use your backup schedule. You can choose to turn on File History to back up your libraries, contacts, favorites, and desktop, but you can't use both features at the same time. For more info, see How to use File History.

Was this helpful?
Thank you.
Do you want to add anything else?
Thank you. Your feedback helps us to continually improve our content.
1200 400 How can we make this more helpful for you? Submit Skip this Do you want to add anything else? Submit No thanks