There are many ways to restore deleted files on a Windows computer, depending on how the files were deleted. In this article, we’ll cover five different methods for restoring deleted files on Windows.
1. Restore from a Previous Version
Previous versions are created automatically by Windows each time you modify a file. This means that if you’ve accidentally deleted a file, you may be able to recover it from a previous version. To restore from a previous version, find the file you wish to restore then right-click on it and select ‘Properties’. In the Properties window, click on the ‘Previous Versions’ tab. Here, you’ll be able to see a list of all the backups of the file that Windows has made. Select the version you want to restore and click ‘Restore’.
2. Use System Restore
This method is useful if you’ve recently installed an application or driver that resulted in a system crash or caused files to be deleted. System Restore reverts your computer to a previous point in time, before the application or driver was installed. To use System Restore, type ‘System Restore’ into the Start Menu search bar, then select ‘System Restore’ from the results. On the next screen, choose a date that is prior to the time when the files were deleted, then click ‘Next’.
3. Use File Recovery Software
If the files have been permanently deleted from the Recycle Bin, you can use file recovery software to try to recover them. There are several pieces of software available for free online, such as Recuva and Disk Drill. Simply download the software and follow the instructions for recovering your lost files.
4. Restore from Backup
If you have a recent backup of your hard drive, you can use it to restore the deleted files. For example, if you have an external hard drive or a cloud storage account with a backup of your data, simply reconnect the drive or access the cloud storage account and copy the deleted files back onto your computer.
5. Contact Your Computer Manufacturer
If all of the above methods fail, it may be possible to restore your deleted files by contacting your computer’s manufacturer. Most computer manufacturers offer some form of data recovery service where they can analyse the hard drive and attempt to recover deleted or corrupted files. It’s important to note that this service will usually cost money and is not guaranteed to be successful.
In conclusion, there are many ways to restore deleted files on Windows, depending on how the files were deleted. If you’re looking to recover a file, it’s best to try the simpler methods outlined above first, such as restoring from a previous version or using file recovery software. These methods are often faster and cheaper than contacting your computer’s manufacturer.