How to Get Deleted Files Back on Windows
Losing important files on your Windows computer can be a frustrating experience. Whether you accidentally deleted a crucial document or lost photos from a special event, there are ways to retrieve deleted files on Windows. In this article, we will discuss the various methods to recover deleted files on Windows and provide you with step-by-step instructions to get your lost data back.
1. Check the Recycle Bin
The first and simplest step to recover deleted files on Windows is to check the Recycle Bin. When you delete a file, it is usually moved to the Recycle Bin instead of being permanently deleted. To retrieve files from the Recycle Bin, follow these steps:
1. Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking on its icon on the desktop.
2. Look for the deleted files in the list of files and folders.
3. Right-click on the file you want to restore and select “Restore.”
4. The file will be moved back to its original location on your computer.
2. Use File History
If you have enabled File History on your Windows computer, you can use it to restore deleted files. File History creates regular copies of your files and stores them on an external drive or network location. To use File History to recover deleted files, follow these steps:
1. Open the File History settings by searching for “File History” in the Start menu and selecting the corresponding result.
2. In the File History settings, click on “Restore personal files” on the left side of the window.
3. Navigate to the folder where the deleted file was located.
4. Select the file and click on “Restore” to save it to its original location or another location of your choice.
3. Use a File Recovery Tool
If the above methods do not work, you can use a file recovery tool to recover deleted files on Windows. There are many free and paid file recovery tools available online. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a file recovery tool:
1. Download and install a reputable file recovery tool, such as Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.
2. Run the file recovery tool and select the drive where the deleted files were located.
3. Choose the file types you want to recover (e.g., documents, photos, videos).
4. Start the scanning process and wait for the tool to search for deleted files.
5. Once the scanning is complete, navigate through the list of recoverable files and select the ones you want to restore.
6. Choose a location to save the recovered files and click on “Recover” to save them to your computer.
4. Contact a Professional Data Recovery Service
If the deleted files are crucial and you cannot recover them using the above methods, it is advisable to contact a professional data recovery service. These services have advanced tools and techniques to recover deleted files from damaged or corrupted storage devices. However, professional data recovery services can be expensive, so it is best to try the other methods first.
In conclusion, there are several ways to get deleted files back on Windows. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can recover your lost data and restore your peace of mind. Remember to act quickly, as the chances of successful recovery decrease as time passes.
