Many a times a lightroom is not able to recognize or find the photos on our systems. This generally happens when we use programs other than lightroom to delete, move, or import photos on our systems. For instance, if we have used Windows Explorer to move the folders from one destination to another after importing the photos to lightroom, then lightroom will display a “?” next to the folder icon in the Folder panel.

Therefore to avoid such issues, it is recommended to move or delete photos using the Folder panel in lightroom!

Also, you will get to see a “!” mark to let you know that the particular file is missing and there is no smart preview built. Otherwise, you will get to see a rectangle with dots around it to let you know that the image is missing but there is a Smart Preview for you to continue editing.

In case you cannot remember the location of the moved files, follow the steps listed below:.

1. Drag-select the name of the file and use the following shortcut: Command + C (Mac) or Control + C (Win)
2. Click OK and in the subsequent dialog, Command + V (Mac) or Control + V (Win), to paste the name into the operating system’s search feature.
3. Check the option to “Find Nearby Missing Photos” if more than one image from the same folder is missing

Lightroom is not able to find your files because of following reasons!

• If the storage device(external/network) containing the photos is not connected properly.
• There is a change in the drive letter or drive mount point.
• If you have change the system.

Fixing Steps when lightroom cannot find files:

1. First, try to locate your files on your hard drive. Lightroom will not be able to locate your files or folders if you have renamed, moved, or deleted your files after importing them in lightroom.
2. Next, look at the folder panel of lightroom. You have to check if the whole drive is showing as offline or not. Such incident occurs when the drive is not connected properly or the concerned drive letter or name has changed. You need to plug it or reconnect it if this is the actual cause.

However, if the drive letter has changed, then you can easily change it back by using “Finder” options in Mac or “Computer Management” in Windows.

3. If some of the folders are marked as missing, then crosscheck whether you have deleted, renamed, or moved a folder recently. You can check the recycle bin or trash folder to restore the deleted files. You can also rename the newer file to the older orprevious one so that the lightroom can relate to it. You can rename it afterwards. This way, lightroom can relate to the new name orlocation if the file is moved to a new location.
4. If the whole folder structure or hierarchy is missing, right click on the parent folder and select ‘Find Missing Folder.’ Go to the new location of that folder. If the name and structure of the subfolders are the same, then all the subfolders will be fixed. In case of a single missing folder, right-click on the missing folder and select ‘Find Missing Folder.’ Go to the new location of the folder where lightroom updates its records to the new location.

If you still cannot find your files.

If you are still not able to locate photos in your device, then consider restoring it through a backup. However, if there is no backup as such, then consider a Photo Recovery Software to recover lost photos from your hard drives or external storage devices. Click to know how to retrieve lost photos.