Losing important files can be a nightmare, but don't panic! Whether you accidentally deleted a file or emptied your Recycle Bin, there are ways to get your data back. In this guide, I'll show you how to recover deleted files on various devices and operating systems. Follow these steps to restore your precious data quickly and efficiently.
Understanding File Deletion
Before diving into recovery methods, it's essential to understand what happens when you delete a file. In most cases, deleted files aren't immediately erased from your storage device. Instead, the system marks the space as available for new data. This means that until new data overwrites it, the file remains recoverable.
How Do I Recover Permanently Deleted Files?
When files bypass the Recycle Bin or are emptied from it, they become "permanently" deleted. However, they can still be recovered with the right tools and techniques.
Use File Recovery Software
- Download a reputable file recovery tool like Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Disk Drill.
- Install the software and launch it.
- Select the drive where the files were located and start the scan.
- Preview and recover the files you need.
Check Your Backups
- Regular backups can save you from data loss. Check if you have a recent backup that contains the deleted files.
- Restore the files from your backup to their original location.
How Do I Recover Files I Deleted?
For files that haven't been permanently deleted, you can use built-in tools and features to recover them.
Restore from Recycle Bin
- Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop.
- Locate the files you want to recover.
- Right-click on the files and select "Restore."
Use Windows File History
- Type "File History" in the Windows search bar and open it.
- Browse through the available backups and select the files you need.
- Click "Restore" to recover the files to their original location.
How to Recover a Deleted Folder
Accidentally deleting an entire folder can be distressing, but recovery is still possible.
Restore from Recycle Bin
- Open the Recycle Bin and look for the deleted folder.
- Right-click on the folder and select "Restore."
Use Previous Versions
- Navigate to the folder's original location.
- Right-click on the parent folder and select "Restore previous versions."
- Choose a version of the folder before it was deleted and click "Restore."
How Do I Find Deleted Files History?
To track changes and find deleted files, use built-in tools that keep a history of your files.
Windows File History
- Open File History from the Control Panel or search bar.
- Browse through the saved versions of your files.
- Select and restore the desired versions.
Cloud Storage History
- If you use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, check their file history or version history feature.
- Restore the needed files from previous versions.
How to Restore Deleted Files on Android
Losing files on your Android device can be frustrating, but there are ways to recover them.
Google Drive Backup
- Open Google Drive on your device.
- Go to the "Trash" section.
- Find the deleted files and select "Restore."
Third-Party Apps
- Download and install file recovery apps like DiskDigger or Dr.Fone.
- Launch the app and follow the instructions to scan and recover deleted files.
How to Recover Deleted Files from Recycle Bin
If you've deleted files and need to recover them, the Recycle Bin is the first place to check.
- Open Recycle Bin
- Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
- Search for the files you want to recover.
- Right-click and select "Restore."
Restore Deleted Files Windows 10
Windows 10 offers several built-in tools to help you recover deleted files.
File History
- Type "File History" in the search bar and open it.
- Browse and restore the files you need.
Previous Versions
- Right-click on the folder where the file was located.
- Select "Restore previous versions" and choose the desired version to restore.
How to Restore Permanently Deleted Files in Windows 10
For files that are no longer in the Recycle Bin, use these methods.
Windows File Recovery
- Download and install the Windows File Recovery tool from the Microsoft Store.
- Open Command Prompt and run the tool using the appropriate commands to scan and recover files.
System Restore
- Type "System Restore" in the search bar and open it.
- Follow the prompts to restore your system to a previous state where the files existed.
Recover Permanently Deleted Files
To recover files that have been permanently deleted, use specialized tools.
Recuva
- Download and install Recuva.
- Launch the program and select the drive to scan.
- Preview and recover the files you need.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
- Download and install the software.
- Run a scan on the drive where the files were located.
- Recover the desired files.
How to Recover Deleted Files on PC
Recovering deleted files on your PC is straightforward with the right tools.
Recycle Bin
- Check the Recycle Bin for deleted files and restore them.
File Recovery Software
- Use software like Disk Drill, Recuva, or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to scan and recover files.
Windows File Recovery
Windows offers a built-in tool specifically for file recovery.
Download the Tool
- Go to the Microsoft Store and download Windows File Recovery.
Run the Tool
- Open Command Prompt and run the tool using appropriate syntax to recover your files.
Restore Permanently Deleted Files Windows 11
Windows 11 users have similar options for file recovery.
File History
- Use File History to restore previous versions of files.
Windows File Recovery
- Download and use the Windows File Recovery tool to scan and recover files.
FAQs
1. How do I recover permanently deleted files? Use file recovery software like Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to scan and recover permanently deleted files.
2. How do I recover files I deleted? Check the Recycle Bin first, then use Windows File History or previous versions if the files aren't there.
3. How to recover a deleted folder? Restore the folder from the Recycle Bin or use the "Restore previous versions" option on the parent folder.
4. How do I find deleted files history? Use Windows File History or cloud storage services' version history features to find and restore previous versions of files.
5. How to restore deleted files on Android? Check Google Drive's Trash or use recovery apps like Disk Digger to restore deleted files on Android devices
Conclusion
Recovering deleted files might seem daunting, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can restore your data. Whether you're using built-in features like the Recycle Bin and File History, or third-party software, there's a solution for every situation. Always remember to back up your files regularly to prevent data loss.
