How to Make Recently Deleted Photos Private
In today’s digital age, privacy is a significant concern, especially when it comes to personal photos. Whether you accidentally deleted a photo or intentionally deleted it but later changed your mind, there are ways to make those recently deleted photos private again. This article will guide you through the steps to recover and secure your deleted photos, ensuring they remain private and out of prying eyes.
1. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash Folder
The first and simplest step to make recently deleted photos private is to check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash Folder (Mac). When you delete a photo, it often gets moved to this temporary storage location. To access it:
– On Windows, open the Recycle Bin from the desktop or search for it in the Start menu.
– On Mac, open the Trash folder from the dock or search for it in Spotlight.
Once inside, look for the deleted photo and right-click on it. Select “Restore” to move it back to its original location. If you want to keep it private, move it to a folder within your private documents or create a new private folder and move the photo there.
2. Use File Recovery Software
If the photo is not in the Recycle Bin or Trash Folder, you can use file recovery software to restore it. There are many free and paid options available, such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill. Here’s how to use file recovery software:
1. Download and install a file recovery program from a reputable source.
2. Run the program and select the drive where the photo was stored.
3. Choose the file type you want to recover (in this case, photos).
4. Start the scanning process and wait for the program to find the deleted photo.
5. Once found, select the photo and choose the “Recover” option.
After recovering the photo, move it to a private location on your computer to ensure its privacy.
3. Encrypt the Photo
If you have successfully recovered the deleted photo, you can further secure it by encrypting it. Encryption converts the photo into a coded format that can only be accessed with a password. Here’s how to encrypt a photo:
– Right-click on the photo and select “Properties.”
– Go to the “General” tab and click on “Advanced.”
– Check the “Encrypt contents to secure data” box and click “OK.”
– Enter a password and confirm it to encrypt the photo.
Now, the photo is encrypted and can only be accessed by someone who knows the password, ensuring its privacy.
4. Use a Secure Cloud Storage Service
If you want to keep the deleted photo private and accessible from any device, consider using a secure cloud storage service. Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive offer end-to-end encryption, ensuring that your photos are safe from unauthorized access. Here’s how to upload a photo to a secure cloud storage service:
1. Sign up for a free or paid account with a secure cloud storage provider.
2. Log in to your account and navigate to the upload or import option.
3. Select the recovered photo and upload it to your account.
4. Ensure that the service offers end-to-end encryption for added security.
By following these steps, you can make recently deleted photos private and secure them from prying eyes. Always remember to regularly back up your photos to prevent accidental loss and ensure their privacy.
