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Spimsown's avatar
Spimsown
Iron Contributor
Aug 04, 2025

How to access all folders / files on Windows Phone 8.1?

There has to be some way to access all the files and file structure on my Lumia 520, running Windows Phone 8.1, right?

Hooking it to a computer only allows access to folders for photos, videos, music, documents; not a true file structure menu or file search.

I truly don't care if I brick the phone accessing the system so I can search for some lost files that aren't photos, but other data. If you have any helpful information on how I can do this, please let me know.

2 Replies

  • LaMornuta's avatar
    LaMornuta
    Iron Contributor
    Aug 04, 2025

    You can unlock the file system by connecting your phone using a third-party tool, or you can extract data using the old Windows 10 Mobile SDK.

  • showgy's avatar
    showgy
    Copper Contributor
    Aug 04, 2025

    See you can do these procedures 

    Accessing the full file system on a Windows Phone 8.1 device like the Lumia 520 can be challenging due to the operating system's security features. However, there are a few methods you can try to gain more access to the file system:

     1. Use Windows Phone Explorer
    Windows Phone Explorer is a tool that allows you to browse the file system of your Windows Phone. You can connect your phone to a PC and use this tool to access files that are not visible through the standard USB connection.

    Steps:
        1. Download and install Windows Phone Explorer.
        2. Connect your Lumia 520 to your PC.
        3. Launch Windows Phone Explorer and see if it detects your device.
        4. Browse through the file system to find your files.

    2. Interop Tools
    Interop Tools can provide advanced access to your Windows Phone, including file system access. However, using these tools may require unlocking your phone's bootloader and could potentially void your warranty.

    Steps:
        1. Research and download Interop Tools suitable for Windows Phone 8.1.
        2. Follow the instructions carefully to install and use the tools.

    3. File Explorer Apps
    Some third-party apps might offer file browsing capabilities within the Windows Phone environment. However, these apps are limited by the OS's sandboxing and may not provide full access to the file system.

     4. JTAG or Other Hardware Methods
    For more advanced users, there are hardware methods like JTAG that can potentially access and recover data from the device. However, these methods are complex and can risk damaging your phone.

     5. Professional Data Recovery Services
    If the data is extremely important and you're not comfortable with the risks involved in DIY methods, consider consulting professional data recovery services. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from mobile devices.

    Precautions
    Warranty and Security: Be aware that attempting to access the file system in these ways may void your warranty and could potentially compromise the security of your device.
    Data Loss: There's a risk of data loss or damage to your device if these methods are not performed correctly.

    Given the potential risks, it's essential to proceed with caution and consider the importance of the data you're trying to recover. If possible, backing up your data regularly can prevent such issues in the future.