Yes, Windows 11 includes built in file recovery tools designed to help users recover lost or deleted files. These tools are part of the broader suite of utilities aimed at data protection and recovery. 

1. File History

File History is a backup feature in Windows 11 that continuously backs up files stored in libraries, desktop, contacts, and favorites. It provides a way to restore previous versions of files and folders if they are accidentally deleted or modified. Here’s how it works:

Activation: File History must be turned on and configured. To activate it, go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Add a drive and select an external drive or network location to save the backups.

Configuration: Once activated, you can configure how often File History backs up your files and how long backups are kept. This configuration can be found under More options in the Backup settings.

Restoring Files: To restore files, navigate to the folder where the file was originally located, then click on the Home tab in File Explorer and select History. This opens a window where you can browse through different versions of the file or folder and restore the desired one.

2. Previous Versions

Previous Versions is a feature that uses restore points created by the System Protection tool or backups made with File History. This feature allows you to restore files or folders to a previous state:

Accessing Previous Versions: Right-click on the file or folder you want to restore, select Properties, and then go to the Previous Versions tab. Here you’ll see a list of available versions of the file or folder based on restore points or File History backups.

Restoration: You can either view or restore the file to its original location or copy it to a new location.

3. System Restore

System Restore helps you revert your system to a previous state in case of system instability or errors. While it is not specifically a file recovery tool, it can help in situations where system changes or software installations have caused problems:

Activation: System Restore needs to be enabled for your system drive. This can be configured in Control Panel > System and Security > System > System Protection. Here, you can create restore points manually or configure automatic restore points.

Using System Restore: To perform a system restore, go to Settings > System > About > System Protection. Click on System Restore and follow the prompts to select a restore point and complete the process.

4. Windows Backup

Windows Backup is a more recent addition that provides additional flexibility compared to File History. It allows users to back up their entire system, including files, settings, and applications:

Setup: To set up Windows Backup, go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7). From there, you can create a system image backup or set up regular backups.

Restoration: To restore from a backup, use the same Backup and Restore utility. You can restore files from a backup image or use the recovery options to restore individual files or your entire system.

5. OneDrive

OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage service that integrates with Windows 11. It offers additional file recovery options:

Version History: OneDrive maintains version history for files stored in the cloud. You can access this feature by right-clicking a file in OneDrive and selecting Version History.

Restore: You can restore previous versions of files or even recover files that were deleted from OneDrive’s recycle bin. Deleted files are kept in the OneDrive recycle bin for up to 30 days before being permanently removed.

6. Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) provides advanced recovery options for system issues, including file recovery scenarios where the operating system may not boot properly:

Accessing WinRE: You can access WinRE by booting your computer and pressing the Shift key while selecting Restart from the Start menu. Alternatively, you can use installation media or recovery drives to boot into WinRE.

Tools in WinRE: In WinRE, you have access to Startup Repair, System Restore, Command Prompt, and System Image Recovery. The Command Prompt can be used for more advanced recovery tasks, such as using chkdsk or sfc /scannow to check and repair disk errors.