Lost Data After Windows 11 Update – System Repair Wiped Files

Hi,
I updated my HP ProBook to Windows 11 recently. After the update, the system failed to boot and showed a recovery or repair error. I used a USB recovery drive to fix it, and the laptop finally booted.

But now, all my personal files are missing. Documents, pictures, and downloads are gone — even though I didn’t format the drive.

Is there any way to recover the lost files after this kind of update issue? I haven’t added or changed anything on the laptop since recovery.

Tagged: data recovery, External drive recovery, Windows, Windows 11, Windows Update Error

Windows PC/ Laptop

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Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)

Frisky

Participant

May 30, 2025 at 11:35 am

Talia’s right—sometimes after a recovery, Windows creates a new user profile, so check in C:\Users\ for any old folders with your files. If you don’t see them there, it’s important not to use the laptop too much to avoid overwriting lost data.

Next, try running a free data recovery program to scan the drive. Since you haven’t done much after the repair, there’s a solid chance you can recover your missing documents and pictures.

Talia Rho

Participant

May 30, 2025 at 10:03 am

Looks like the Windows 11 recovery might’ve created a new user profile or shifted your files. Check C:\Users\ and see if there’s an old user folder with your stuff in it.

If nothing’s there, don’t use the laptop much—using it can overwrite the missing data. Run a Free data recovery software to scan your drive and try to get the files back. Since you haven’t added anything after the recovery, you’ve got a good chance of recovering most of it.

Viewing 2 replies - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)