How to recover files from a PC that won't boot

Step by step

1. Stop changes to the disk

   Avoid Reset this PC, reinstalling Windows or running repair tools that write to the disk. They can overwrite the very files you want back. If the disk clicks or grinds, switch the PC off and see the hardware section below.

2. Choose a method

   If the PC can boot from USB, the rescue USB is quicker and needs no tools. If it cannot, or it is a laptop you can open easily, removing the disk works with any PC. Both methods read the disk without changing it.

3. Method 1: rescue USB

   On a working PC, make a Windows installation USB with Microsoft's Media Creation Tool, then copy the FileFix rescue helper to a USB stick from the app's Rescue USB screen. Boot the broken PC from the installation USB, press Shift+F10 at the Setup screen and run FileFix-Rescue.cmd from the stick.

4. Method 2: connect the disk to another PC

   Remove the disk and connect it with a USB enclosure or a SATA-to-USB adapter. NVMe SSDs need an NVMe enclosure. Windows usually assigns it a drive letter; if Windows offers to format or initialise it, refuse.

5. Copy or recover the files

   If the folders are visible, copy them normally. For deleted or missing files, scan the drive with FileFix Ultimate and save the results to a different disk, never back to the same drive.

6. Repair or reinstall afterwards

   Only after your files are safe on another disk should you try startup repair, a reset or a clean installation.

Software failure or hardware failure?

A failed update, a damaged boot configuration or a corrupted system file stops Windows from starting but leaves your data alone. In these cases the disk reads normally from a rescue USB or another PC, and copying files is quick.

Hardware failure looks different: the disk is not detected, makes clicking noises, or reads extremely slowly with many errors. Then create a disk image first, which the rescue helper offers as an option, or stop and contact a professional service if the data is valuable.

Encrypted disks

Many recent laptops encrypt the system disk with BitLocker or device encryption. On another PC, or in the Setup command prompt, the disk asks for the 48-digit recovery key. You can usually find it in the Microsoft account used on that PC. Without the key the data cannot be read by any tool.

When it won't work

• The disk is not detected at all, or it clicks or grinds. That needs a recovery lab.
• BitLocker is on and the recovery key is lost.
• Files were already overwritten by a reset or reinstall, or deleted from an SSD with TRIM.
• Some laptops solder the storage to the board, so it cannot be removed; the rescue USB is then the only home option.

How FileFix Ultimate helps

• Makes a rescue USB with a keyboard-only helper that runs in the Windows Setup command prompt.
• Scans an internal disk connected through USB on another PC, including NTFS, FAT and exFAT volumes.
• Creates a disk image of failing disks that skips bad areas first.
• Refuses to save to the source drive and asks for confirmation before using the same physical disk.

Frequently asked questions