File Not Found: Check Files Name and Recover in Windows

⚠️Problem: File Not Found Error in Windows

The problem: File Not Found always happens when the operation is invalid due to hard disk corruption or when a specific system file goes missing. Many Windows users face this error, especially after upgrading to Windows 11, and wonder about quick and effective solutions.

Like this user above, suppose when you are working on anything essential, the file not found issue can be really frustrating. Numerous people have noticed this frequent problem. Fortunately, there are solutions for this issue. Before that, let us check the causes behind the problem.

• 👾Damaged file because of a bad sector
• 📶Failed Windows 11 installation
• ✒️Corrupt master boot record file
• ❌The targeted file is renamed or deleted
• 👐There is error when copying file or folder

📌Fix 1. Recover Missing Files via Professional Tool

The safest method to recover deleted files is by using a file recovery tool to prevent data overwriting or additional file loss while resolving the issue. In any challenging circumstance, the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is dependable and can recover hidden, erased, formatted, and corrupted files.

The EaseUS data recovery software is effective at recovering deleted files from SD card, hard drives that have been formatted or damaged, USB drives, and empty Recycle Bins. This utility's macOS version also excels at fixing damaged mp4 films, images, and documents.

Why can it solve the "file not found" issue?

• ✔️Recover deleted files from memory cards, flash drives, digital cameras, and camcorders after emptying the recycle bin.
• ✔️Support data recovery from dead hard drives, formatting, virus assault, and system failure in various circumstances.
• ✔️Any data that has appeared in the results during the scan process can be recovered.

Step 1. Choose the exact file location and then click the "Scan" button to continue.

Step 2. After the process, select the "Deleted Files" and "Other Lost Files" folders in the left panel. Then, you can apply the "Filter" feature or click the "Search files or folders" button to find the deleted files.

Step 3. Click the "Recover" button and save the restored files – ideally, it should be different from the original one.

If you find it helpful to repair the file not found error. Don't forget to mark this passage by sharing it on Facebook, Twitter, or SNS.

📌Fix 2. Disable Controlled Folder Access

A further ransomware defense is offered by the Windows Security setting called Controlled Folder Access. Even if you trust the protected apps, you might be unable to save your work on them if you've activated the functionality and made certain risky changes.

Before you fix the file not found error by managing the Controlled Folder Access, watch this video first. It provides you with more details on Mac document recovery.

• 00:02 - Window Settings
• 00:51 - Folder Access
• 00:56 - Manage Control to Folder Access
• 01:01 - Turn Off this Option

Try turning off Controlled Folder Access as a result. Please be aware, nevertheless, that doing so will expose your PC to dangerous and shady attacks.

Step 1. Navigate to "Virus & threat prevention" > "Ransomware protection" > "Manage ransomware protection".

Step 2. Control the ransomware defenses.

Step 3. Turn off the toggle under Controlled folder access.

Step 4. Press "Yes" at the User Account Control confirmation prompt.

Now see if the "File not found" issue still occurs after saving, opening, or transferring your file.

📌Fix 3. Reboot to Safe Mode to Fix File Not Found

Try starting the computer in Safe Mode if the issue is unresolved. An operating system's Safe Mode is a diagnostic setting that only launches the bare minimum of necessary drivers, services, and programs.

Step 1. After turning on the computer, constantly press F8 (Windows 7 and 8.1) or Shift+F8 (Windows 10) until the Advanced Boot Options screen appears.

Step 2. To start in Safe Mode, choose "Safe Mode" and hit "Enter."

Step 3. Press the Windows key and type cmd.

Step 4. To run as administrator, right-click "Command Prompt" and select that option.

Step 5. Type shutdown.exe /r /o on and press Enter.

Step 6. Turn off the pop-up message and allow your Windows to reboot into Recovery Mode.

Then, in this mode, you can try to open the folder or continue the problematic operation to see if the error still exists.

📌Fix 4. Configure Protected Folder to Find Files

Controlled Folder Access safeguards both the configured folders and the programs. Windows system folders cannot be removed because they are automatically added, but you can edit the ones that are specific to you.
So, here's how to take your folder off the list if you already trust it and don't want to use the Controlled Folder Access feature:

Step 1. Go to "Windows Security" > "Virus & threat protection" to defend yourself from ransomware.

Step 2. Choose "Protected Folders" from the Controlled folder access menu.

Step 3. To move on to the next window, click "Yes".

Step 4. Select your folder now, then click "Remove".

Step 5. Press "Ok" on the confirmation prompt.

📌Fix 5. Run SFC Scan Option

Additionally, Windows comes with the tools System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM). You can use the SFC scan command to scan and fix the file not found error.

Step 1. Press Windows + R keys to open the "Run" window.

Step 2. Type cmd and hit Enter to launch the Command Prompt.

Step 3. In the command panel, type sfc /scannow.

Step 4. Give it time to finish the verification at 100%. A cached copy of the file can be found in a compressed folder at /WINDir/System32dllcache, and if any damaged files are discovered, the sfc /scannow command will replace them. T

his program scans all protected and essential system files. It can prompt you for the Windows installation disc if a cached copy of the necessary file cannot be located. You can also utilize a USB device for Windows installation or system repair.

To Sum Up

By monitoring the condition of your system and hard disk, you can prevent file not found errors. Install a reliable antivirus program to shield your computer from threats, and run routine CHKDSK scans to maintain the integrity of your hard drive.

Use the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Professional application to restore data from deleted, formatted, or inaccessible hard disk partitions if you run into a similar problem again. You may easily recover large amounts of data in pieces with the Save Scan Information tool, saving both time and resources.

File Not Found FAQs

Here are 4 additional questions about fixing "file not found Windows 10/11". Check here for the answers.

1. Why is my computer saying file not found?

When the system is turned ON, an error appears. The issue recurs whenever you hit any key to continue. The hard disk usually becomes corrupted or destroyed, or system files disappear due to malware or virus attacks.

2. How do I fix a missing file in Windows?

Select "Windows File Recovery" after pressing the Windows key and typing Windows File Recovery in the search box. Choose Yes when asked if you want to give the app permission to modify your device. Regular and Extensive are the two fundamental modes that you can utilize to recover files.

3. How do I fix a file not found in Command Prompt?

Type the command sfc /scannow into the Command Prompt window. Then hit Enter. Restart the computer after checking and fixing any issues to see whether the "the system cannot find the file specified" error has been resolved.

4. How do I fix my hard drive not showing files?

• Recover missing files with EaseUS Data Recovery software.
• Format the hard drive or reformat the hard disk.
• Run the CHKDSK to fix the external hard drive not showing files.
• Show hidden files from the hard drive.
• Remove the write protection from the hard drive.