How to Recover Recently Deleted Files on Windows
Losing important files on your Windows computer can be a distressing experience. Whether it’s due to accidental deletion, system crashes, or malware attacks, the thought of permanently losing your cherished documents, photos, or other files can be overwhelming. However, there are several methods you can use to recover recently deleted files on Windows. In this article, we will explore some of the most effective ways to retrieve your lost data and restore your peace of mind.
1. Use the Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin is a built-in feature in Windows that stores deleted files until they are permanently deleted. To recover files from the Recycle Bin, follow these steps:
1. Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking on its icon on your desktop.
2. Scroll through the list of deleted files and find the one you want to recover.
3. Right-click on the file and select “Restore” to move it back to its original location.
4. If you want to restore multiple files, you can select them all and right-click to choose “Restore.”
2. Check the Recently Deleted Folder
Windows 10 introduced a new feature called the “Recently Deleted” folder, which works similarly to the Recycle Bin. This folder stores deleted files for a certain period, allowing you to recover them easily. To access the Recently Deleted folder, follow these steps:
1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the location where the file was originally stored.
2. Look for a folder named “Recently Deleted” and double-click on it.
3. Find the file you want to recover and right-click on it, then select “Restore.”
3. Use File Recovery Software
If the Recycle Bin or Recently Deleted folder doesn’t help, you can turn to file recovery software. There are many free and paid tools available that can scan your hard drive and recover deleted files. Some popular options include:
– Recuva
– EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
– Stellar Data Recovery
To use file recovery software, follow these general steps:
1. Download and install the chosen file recovery tool.
2. Run the software and select the drive where your deleted files were stored.
3. Choose the file types you want to recover and start the scanning process.
4. Once the scan is complete, preview the recoverable files and select the ones you want to restore.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to save the recovered files to a safe location.
4. Restore from a Backup
If you have a backup of your files, you can easily restore them from the backup. This method is highly recommended, as it ensures that your data is protected against accidental deletion or loss. To restore files from a backup, follow these steps:
1. Open the backup software you use (e.g., Windows Backup and Restore, Macrium Reflect, etc.).
2. Select the backup file that contains the deleted files.
3. Choose the files you want to restore and specify the location where you want to save them.
4. Start the restore process and wait for it to complete.
In conclusion, recovering recently deleted files on Windows is possible with various methods, from using the Recycle Bin and Recently Deleted folder to employing file recovery software and restoring from a backup. By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of permanent data loss and ensure that your important files are safe and sound.
