How to Find Recently Deleted Files on Mac
In the fast-paced digital world, losing important files can be a distressing experience. However, with the advanced file management systems in place on Mac computers, you can often retrieve recently deleted files without much hassle. In this article, we will discuss various methods to help you find recently deleted files on your Mac.
1. Utilize the Trash Bin
The most straightforward method to recover recently deleted files on a Mac is by checking the Trash Bin. When you delete a file, it is initially moved to the Trash, where it remains until you empty it. Here’s how you can retrieve files from the Trash:
– Open the Trash Bin from the Dock or by navigating to the Applications folder.
– Locate the deleted file you want to recover.
– Right-click on the file and select “Put Back” to restore it to its original location.
2. Use the “Recently Deleted” Folder
Starting with macOS Catalina, Apple introduced a “Recently Deleted” folder that automatically stores deleted files for a specific period. This feature is designed to make it easier for users to recover recently deleted files. Here’s how to access the “Recently Deleted” folder:
– Open the Finder and click on the “Recently Deleted” folder in the sidebar.
– Locate the file you want to recover.
– Right-click on the file and select “Put Back” to restore it to its original location.
3. Enable “Show Recently Deleted” in Finder Preferences
If you want to ensure that the “Recently Deleted” folder is always visible in the Finder sidebar, you can enable this option in the Finder Preferences:
– Open the Finder and go to “Finder” > “Preferences” > “Sidebar”.
– Check the box next to “Recently Deleted” to make it visible in the sidebar.
4. Use Time Machine for Older Versions
If the file you’re looking for was deleted before the “Recently Deleted” folder was introduced or if it has been removed from the Trash, you can use Time Machine to restore older versions of the file. Here’s how to do it:
– Make sure Time Machine is enabled and connected to an external drive or network location.
– Open the Time Machine interface by clicking the Time Machine icon in the menu bar.
– Navigate to the date when the file was still present on your Mac.
– Find the file you want to recover and click “Restore” to save it to its original location.
5. Third-Party File Recovery Tools
If the above methods do not work or if you need to recover files from a formatted drive or an unresponsive Mac, you can consider using third-party file recovery tools. These tools can scan your Mac’s storage and recover deleted files, even if they have been emptied from the Trash or the “Recently Deleted” folder. Some popular file recovery tools for Mac include Disk Drill, Stellar Data Recovery, and Data Rescue.
In conclusion, finding recently deleted files on a Mac is a relatively straightforward process, thanks to the built-in features and tools provided by Apple. By utilizing the Trash Bin, the “Recently Deleted” folder, Time Machine, and third-party file recovery tools, you can retrieve your lost files and restore them to their original locations.
