If you have ever accidentally deleted a file or the contents of a file, you know that it can be frustrating. It can even be more frustrating when it’s something you have been working on for a long time - days, weeks, or months - or when it's something very crucial. Fortunately, deleting a file isn't the end of the world. You can just check your Windows recycle bin and easily retrieve it or use another method.
This brief guide will show you how to retrieve or restore deleted files.
What is data recovery?
Data recovery is retrieving data from a damaged or corrupt storage device retrieving accidentally deleted files from a computer. This can be done using software, hardware, or a combination of both.
How to Delete Files on Your PC
First, how do you delete files on your PC? If you are in this section, it is likely you either:
- Have too much stuff on your device and wish to free up space.
- Don’t wish to have a certain file anymore.
Regardless of the reason you wish to delete a file, these steps will tell you exactly what you need to do in order to properly delete said files.
- Click on the file, or files, that you wish to get rid of.
- Click Delete. When you click on Delete, the file is moved to the recycling bin where you are still able to retrieve the file if you do happen to change your mind about removing the file.
If you want to delete the file permanently, hold shift and press delete. The file will not go to the recycle bin.
How to Restore Files on Your PC
Unless you deleted your files intentionally, you have all the reasons to want to recover files on your PC.
But first, where do deleted files go?
Deleted files go to the recycling bin. So when you delete a file (knowingly or accidentally), don't worry. Why?
When you delete a file or folder, it goes into the Recycle bin, where you have a chance to restore it.
So, if you accidentally got rid of something important, you can recover it with these methods and bring it back to life right away.
Can files be recovered once deleted?
Yes, files can be recovered after being deleted. The level of difficulty depends on how long ago the file was deleted, however, and you may need to use specialized tools if trying to recover data that has been corrupted.
Look in the Recycle Bin
When you delete a file or folder, it goes into the Recycle bin, where you have a chance to restore it.
- Double-click on the Recycle Bin or trashcan and you can see everything that's inside.
- See if you can find what you thought you had deleted?
- Simply drag it back onto your desktop, and you are good to go. You can also click on the file and choose restore, then it will go back to it's original location.
- If it's not in your trashcan, then there are a number of other things you can try to recover a deleted file.
If you want to retrieve all files in the recycle bin, click on Restore All Items. This reverses the Delete process of every file you have ever deleted.
How to Recover Deleted Files Using File History
If you are not doing backups, hopefully you have turned on File History Backup. If you're running Windows 10:
- Select the Start button
- Select Settings > Update & security > Backup > Add a drive
- Choose an external drive or network location for your backups.
To Restore Important Missing File or Folder:
- Press Windows Key
- Type Restore files in the search box on the taskbar
- Select Restore your files with File History.
- Look for the file you need, then use the arrows to see all its versions.
- When you find the version you want, select Restore to save it in its original location.
- To save it in a different place, press and hold (or right-click) Restore, select Restore to, and then choose a new location.
How to recover files with No Backups: Use a Data Recovery Software
If you don’t have any backups and your deleted file is not in the trash, you might want to try a third party file recovery program. Examples are:
- Windows File Recovery
- EaseUS
- Stellar Data Recovery
- And more!
Windows File Recovery
Windows File Recovery is free in the Microsoft Store and can be downloaded easily. There are two search modes: Regular and Extensive. Launching this program will open the Command Prompt, and an Administrator will need to allow it access to the hard drive.
Hire a Data Recovery Service
If you are not sure how to recover files, have too many files, or the services aren’t working for you, you might consider hiring data recovery services. A data recovery technician or experts can help you recover corrupted files and restore data that you might have lost forever.
Final Thoughts
You can restore deleted files or folders as long as you didn't intentionally delete them permanently.
Having a file recovery plan in place is important to help you avoid data loss. There could be a need for old files, from past employment records to a historical company logo. Plus, there’s always the risk of human error, causing crucial files to be deleted at an inopportune time. Protect your assets by ensuring you have the right tools in case of an emergency.
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