Recovering deleted files in Windows is surprisingly easy. While deleted files cannot be restored using common tools, data recovery software can help to recover them. In this article, we’ll cover the general process for recovering a deleted file in Windows, and provide several solutions for doing so.
Before we begin, it’s important to note that the success of recovering a file depends on the amount of time that has passed since it was deleted. If a large amount of time has passed and the file has been overwritten, it may not be possible to recover it.
1. Use the Recycle Bin:
The Recycle Bin is a feature in Windows that allows users to quickly and easily restore files that have been recently deleted. If a file is deleted, it is moved to the Recycle Bin and stored there until it is permanently deleted, or until the user restores it back to its original location.
To use the Recycle Bin to recover a deleted file, follow these steps:
– Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking the icon on the desktop.
– Look for the file that you want to restore and then, select it by clicking on it once.
– Click on the “Restore” button at the top of the window.
– The file will be restored to its original location.
2. Restore Deleted Files from System Restore Points
System Restore is a feature in Windows that creates restore points, which are snapshots of your system at a particular point in time. These points can be used as backups in case something goes wrong with your computer, enabling you to restore your computer to an earlier state. System Restore points can also be used to restore accidentally or purposefully deleted files.
To use System Restore to recover a deleted file, follow these steps:
– Go to the Start menu and type “System Restore” in the search bar.
– Select “Create a restore point” from the list of options.
– In the System Properties window, click the “System Restore” button.
– A new window will appear, showing all the available restore points. Select the point that was created before the file was deleted, and then click “Next” and follow the instructions to complete the restoration process.
3. Use the Shadow Volume Copies Feature
Shadow Volume Copies are backup copies of your files that are automatically created by Windows. They are created periodically, and can be used to restore files that have been recently deleted.
To use the Shadow Volume Copies feature to recover a deleted file, follow these steps:
– Go to the Start menu and type “Restore files” in the search bar.
– Select “Restore your files with File History” from the list of options.
– In the File History window, select the “Previous Version” tab.
– Select the version of the file that you want to restore and then click the “Restore” button.
– The file will be restored to its original location.
4. Use a Data Recovery Program
Data recovery programs are specialized software designed to recover lost data from damaged, formatted, or corrupted storage devices. While many of these programs are expensive, there are some free options available.
To use a data recovery program to recover a deleted file, follow these steps:
– Download and install a data recovery program on your computer.
– Launch the program and select the drive where the file was located.
– Scan the drive for recoverable data.
– Preview the results and select the files you want to recover.
– Click the “Recover” button and follow the instructions to save the recovered data.
In conclusion, recovering deleted files in Windows is surprisingly easy. By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly and easily recover a deleted file. Keep in mind, however, that the success of recovering a file depends on the amount of time that has passed since it was deleted. If a large amount of time has passed and the file has been overwritten, it may not be possible to recover it.