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Losing important files can be a frustrating experience, but the good news is that deleted files are often restorable. Whether you accidentally deleted a file, emptied the Recycle Bin, or lost data due to a system crash, Windows provides several ways to restore lost files. In this guide, we will walk you through various methods to recover deleted files on Windows.
Table of Contents
1. Check the Recycle Bin
The first place to look for deleted files is the Recycle Bin. When you delete a file, it is moved to the Recycle Bin, where it can be restored easily:
- Step 1: Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking the icon on the desktop.
- Step 2: Locate the deleted file.
- Step 3: Right-click the file and select Restore.
- Step 4: The file will be restored to its original location.
If the file is not in the Recycle Bin, proceed to the next method.
2. Use File History to Restore Previous Versions
Windows File History allows you to recover deleted files if the feature was enabled prior to deletion.
- Step 1: Open the folder where the deleted file was located.
- Step 2: Right-click on the folder and select Restore previous versions.
- Step 3: Choose a previous version from the list and click Restore.
If File History was not enabled, consider using Windows Backup or third-party recovery tools.
3. Restore from Windows Backup
If you regularly back up your system using Windows Backup, you may be able to restore your lost files.
- Step 1: Open the Control Panel and go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
- Step 2: Click Restore my files.
- Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to restore deleted files from your backup.
4. Use Windows’ Built-in Recovery Tool (Windows File Recovery)
Windows 10 and later versions include a command-line recovery tool called Windows File Recovery.
- Step 1: Download Windows File from the Microsoft Store.
- Step 2: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Step 3: Run the command:
winfr C: D: /extensive /n \Users\YourUsername\Documents\DeletedFile.txtReplace C: with the drive where the file was located and D: with the destination. - Step 4: Follow the prompts to restore the file.
5. Use Third-Party Software
If the above methods fail, third-party data recovery software can help. Some of the most effective tools include:
- Recuva: A user-friendly tool for recovering lost files.
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: Offers deep scanning and recovery options.
- Disk Drill: Supports various file formats and storage devices.
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How to Use Recuva to Recover Deleted Files
- Step 1: Download and install Recuva from the official website.
- Step 2: Open Recuva and select the file type you want to recover.
- Step 3: Choose the location where the file was deleted.
- Step 4: Click Start to begin the scan.
- Step 5: Select the files you want to restore and click Recover.
6. Restore Files from OneDrive or Cloud Backup
If you use OneDrive or another cloud storage service, your deleted files might still be available:
- Step 1: Open OneDrive in your web browser.
- Step 2: Go to the Recycle Bin.
- Step 3: Select the file and click Restore.
Cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox also keep deleted files for a limited period.
7. Check for Temporary Files
Sometimes, Windows stores temporary copies of deleted files.
- Step 1: Open the Run dialog (Win + R) and type
temp, then press Enter. - Step 2: Look for your lost file in the temporary files folder.
- Step 3: Copy and paste the file to a safe location if found.
8. Prevent Future Data Loss
To avoid losing important files in the future, follow these best practices:
- Enable File History or Windows Backup.
- Use cloud storage services like OneDrive or Google Drive.
- Regularly save important files to an external drive.
- Be cautious when deleting files, especially when using Shift + Delete.
Conclusion
Recovering deleted files on Windows is possible using built-in tools like the Recycle Bin, File History, Windows Backup, and Windows File. If these methods do not work, third-party software can help retrieve lost data. To prevent future loss, always keep backups and enable automatic file recovery features. By following these steps, you can increase the chances of successfully restoring your important files.
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