Recover deleted folder in windows 10

​Losing important files can be a frustrating experience, especially if they are stored in a folder that you’ve accidentally deleted. Whether it’s crucial work documents, cherished family photos, or any other vital data, the panic of realizing that you’ve lost access to these files can be overwhelming. Fortunately, Windows 10 offers several methods to recover deleted folders, and with the right approach, you may be able to retrieve your lost data without too much hassle.

File Deletion in Windows 10

When you delete a folder in Windows 10. it is typically moved to the Recycle Bin, where it remains until the bin is emptied or the storage space is needed for new files. Even if you’ve emptied the Recycle Bin, the data isn’t immediately erased from your hard drive. Instead, the space occupied by the deleted files is marked as available, making it possible to recover the data using various techniques, as long as that space hasn’t been overwritten by new data.

Common Scenarios for Folder Deletion

Accidental Deletion: This is the most common scenario, where users inadvertently delete folders while trying to manage files.

Malware or Virus Attacks: Malicious software can delete or corrupt files and folders on your system.

System Crashes: Unexpected crashes can lead to data loss, including deleted folders.

User Errors: Sometimes, users mistakenly move folders to incorrect locations or delete them during cleanup efforts.

Method 1: Check the Recycle Bin

The first step in recovering a deleted folder is to check the Recycle Bin:

Open the Recycle Bin: Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.

Locate the Folder: Browse through the contents or use the search bar to find the deleted folder.

Restore the Folder: Right-click on the folder and select “Restore.” The folder will be returned to its original location.

Limitations

If you have emptied the Recycle Bin or if the folder was too large for the bin, you will need to explore other recovery options.

Method 2: Use File History

If you have enabled File History on your Windows 10 system, you may be able to recover deleted folders from backups:

Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.

Go to Update & Security: Select “Update & Security” and then click on “Backup.”

Access File History: If you have set up File History, click on “More options” and then “Restore files from a current backup.”

Search for the Folder: Use the arrows to navigate through previous versions of your files and locate the deleted folder.

Restore the Folder: Once you find the folder, click the green “Restore” button to recover it.

Considerations

File History must be configured before the folder was deleted to be effective.

The backup drive must be connected to your computer to restore files.

Method 3: Restore Previous Versions

Windows 10 also provides a feature to restore previous versions of files and folders, which can be beneficial if you have System Restore enabled:

Navigate to the Parent Folder: Go to the location where the deleted folder was previously stored.

Right-click the Folder: Right-click on the parent folder (the folder that contained the deleted folder) and select “Properties.”

Select the Previous Versions Tab: In the Properties window, go to the “Previous Versions” tab.

Choose a Version: You will see a list of available previous versions. Select a version from before the folder was deleted.

Restore the Folder: Click the “Restore” button to recover the folder.

Important Notes

This method relies on the existence of restore points or File History backups.

Restoring a previous version will overwrite the current version of files within that folder.

Method 4: Use Third-Party Data Recovery Software

If the folder is not found in the Recycle Bin or through Windows’ built-in recovery options, third-party data recovery software can be a powerful tool:

Choose a Reliable Software: There are various options available, such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill.

Install the Software: Download and install your chosen recovery software. Ensure you install it on a different drive than the one you’re trying to recover data from to avoid overwriting lost data.

Run the Software: Open the software and select the drive where the folder was deleted.

Scan for Deleted Files: Initiate a scan to search for deleted files and folders. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the drive.

Recover the Folder: Once the scan is complete, browse through the results to locate your deleted folder. Select it and follow the prompts to recover.

Tips for Using Recovery Software

Always download software from reputable sources to avoid malware.

Consider running a deep scan for more thorough results, but this may take longer.

Preview files if the software offers this feature to ensure you are recovering the correct data.

Method 5: Restore from Backup

If you have a backup system in place, such as a full system backup or an external hard drive backup, you can restore your entire system or specific files from that backup:

Connect the Backup Drive: Ensure your backup drive is connected to your computer.

Use Windows Backup: Open Control Panel, select “Backup and Restore,” and choose “Restore my files.”

Follow the Prompts: Navigate through the recovery process, selecting the backup that contains your deleted folder.

Complete the Restore: Follow the instructions to restore the folder to its original location.

Method 6: Contact Professional Data Recovery Services

If all else fails and the deleted folder contains critical information, you may want to consider contacting a professional data recovery service. These services can often recover lost data even when it seems impossible. However, this option can be expensive, so weigh the cost against the importance of the data.

Preventing Future Data Loss

While it’s crucial to know how to recover deleted folders, taking preventive measures can help minimize the risk of losing data in the first place. Here are some tips to consider:

Regular Backups: Set up a regular backup schedule using Windows Backup, File History, or third-party backup solutions. Ensure backups are stored on external drives or cloud services.

Be Cautious with Deletions: Double-check before deleting files or folders to avoid accidental loss.

Use Cloud Storage: Services like OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox provide automatic backup solutions, reducing the risk of data loss.

Install Antivirus Software: Protect your system from malware that can delete or corrupt files.

Create Restore Points: Regularly create restore points in Windows to allow easy recovery of system states.

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