It is possible to restore deleted files in Windows, depending on the situation and the type of file that was deleted. There are multiple methods of restoring files, some of which require advanced computer knowledge, while others might not. Depending on the type of file, the age of the deletion, and the user’s computer knowledge, there may be some limitation as to what can be done.
1. Restore from Recycle Bin:
The first and most straightforward method of file restoration is to attempt to restore the file or folder from the Recycle Bin. This is possible if the file has been deleted recently and was not permanently deleted. To access the Recycle Bin, open the desktop, locate the Recycle Bin icon, open it, and search for the deleted file. If the file is found, right-click on it, and select “Restore”. The file will then be restored to its original location.
2. Use File History:
File History is a feature introduced in Windows 8, and is still available in Windows 10. It allows users to save and restore versions of files over time. To check if File History is enabled and active, go to Control Panel > System and Security > File History. If it is active, then it is possible to use it to restore deleted files. Search for the file you need to restore, right click on it, and hit restore.
3. System Restore:
System Restore is another useful tool available in Windows 10 that can help restore deleted files. System Restore creates “checkpoints” at certain points in time on your computer, allowing you to restore to a previous point in time if something goes wrong. To use System Restore, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart Now > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore. Select the point in time you want to restore to and proceed. Make sure that all your files were saved prior to this point.
4. Undelete Utilities:
Undelete Utilities are programs specifically designed to restore deleted files from hard drives. These programs are created by third-party companies, and they are particularly useful when dealing with larger files or large amounts of data. Most of them operate in a similar way to file recovery programs, which scan the hard drive for any traces of deleted files, and if found, allow the user to recover them.
5. Cloud Backup Services:
Cloud backup services are becoming increasingly popular and are a great way to ensure your files are safe and secure. Services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Apple iCloud all offer automatic syncing and backup of files, and provide an efficient way of restoring files in case of accidental deletion. If you have recently uploaded files to one of these services, you can easily restore them from your account.
6. File Recovery Software:
File Recovery software is specifically designed to scan a computer’s storage media for deleted files and recover them. This is often the best option for recovering lost data, as most of these programs have powerful scanning algorithms that can detect even small fragments of data. They are also able to restore files that may have been accidentally overwritten by other data. However, they are typically not free, so it is important to research before purchasing.
To summarize, there are several ways to restore deleted files in Windows depending on the user’s computer knowledge and the type of file deleted. The simplest and most straightforward option is to attempt to restore the file or folder from the Recycle Bin. File History and System Restore are also useful tools available in Windows 10 that can help restore deleted files. Additionally, undelete utilities and cloud backup services may be helpful depending on the situation, and file recovery software is often the best option for recovering lost data.