How to Find Recently Deleted Files on Windows
In the digital age, we often find ourselves accidentally deleting important files from our Windows computer. Whether it’s a crucial document, a cherished photo, or a vital project, the need to recover these deleted files can be quite urgent. But fear not, as there are several methods to find recently deleted files on Windows. In this article, we will explore the various ways to retrieve your lost data and ensure that your important files are not gone forever.
1. Check the Recycle Bin
The first and simplest place to look for recently deleted files on Windows is the Recycle Bin. When you delete a file, it is typically moved to the Recycle Bin instead of being permanently deleted. To check the Recycle Bin:
1. Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking on its icon on your desktop.
2. Look for the deleted file in the list of files and folders.
3. To restore the file, right-click on it and select “Restore.” This will move the file back to its original location on your computer.
2. Use the Search Function
If the Recycle Bin doesn’t have the deleted file, you can use the search function to look for it. To do this:
1. Open the Start menu and type the name of the deleted file in the search bar.
2. If the file appears in the search results, right-click on it and select “Restore” to recover it.
3. Use File History
If you have enabled File History on your Windows computer, you can use this feature to restore deleted files. File History automatically backs up your files to an external drive or network location. To use File History:
1. Open the File Explorer and click on the “History” tab in the left pane.
2. Navigate to the folder where the deleted file was located.
3. Find the version of the file you want to restore and click on the “Restore” button.
4. Use a File Recovery Tool
If the above methods do not work, you can use a file recovery tool to help you find and recover recently deleted files on Windows. Some popular file recovery tools include:
– Recuva
– EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
– Disk Drill
These tools can scan your computer’s storage for deleted files and recover them, even if they have been emptied from the Recycle Bin.
5. Check the Shadow Copies
Shadow Copies, also known as Volume Shadow Copies, are snapshots of files and folders taken at specific points in time. To check for Shadow Copies:
1. Open the File Explorer and navigate to the folder where the deleted file was located.
2. Right-click on the folder and select “Properties.”
3. Go to the “Previous Versions” tab and look for a date when the file was still present.
4. Click on the “Restore” button to recover the file from the Shadow Copy.
In conclusion, finding recently deleted files on Windows can be a straightforward process if you know where to look. By checking the Recycle Bin, using the search function, enabling File History, using a file recovery tool, and checking Shadow Copies, you can increase your chances of recovering your lost files. Remember to act quickly, as the longer you wait, the higher the chances that the deleted files will be overwritten and become unrecoverable.
