How to recover deleted files on windows（Recommended methods）

Files can be deleted unintentionally in a variety of scenarios—whether it’s pressing the wrong button, emptying the Recycle Bin by mistake, or even experiencing a system crash. When this happens, it may feel like all is lost. However, understanding the mechanisms behind data deletion and using the right recovery techniques can often help you recover files that you thought were gone forever.

Before diving into recovery methods, it’s important to understand how file deletion works in Windows. When you delete a file in Windows, it doesn’t immediately disappear from your hard drive. Instead, the system marks the space occupied by that file as available for reuse, which means the data is still physically present until it’s overwritten by new data.

This is why it’s often possible to recover deleted files, as long as they haven’t been replaced by new data. This is crucial information when attempting to recover your files you need to act quickly to minimize the chance of the deleted files being overwritten.

Method 1: Check the Recycle Bin

The first and simplest place to check for deleted files is the Recycle Bin. When you delete a file from your computer, Windows doesn’t immediately erase it from your hard drive; instead, it moves it to the Recycle Bin. Files in the Recycle Bin can be easily restored.

How to Recover Files from the Recycle Bin

Open the Recycle Bin:

You can access the Recycle Bin by double-clicking its icon on the desktop or by searching for it in the Start menu.

Locate the Deleted File:

Browse through the Recycle Bin to find the file(s) you want to restore. You can also use the search bar to quickly locate a specific file.

Restore the File:

Right-click on the file you want to recover and select Restore. The file will be returned to its original location on your computer.

What If the File Is Not in the Recycle Bin?

If the file is not in the Recycle Bin, it could have been permanently deleted or the bin may have been emptied. In such cases, there are still other recovery options to explore.

Method 2: Use File History (If Enabled)

Windows offers a built-in backup feature called File History, which automatically saves copies of your files at regular intervals. If you had File History enabled before the file was deleted, you may be able to recover it from a previous backup.

How to Recover Files Using File History

Search for File History:

Open the Start menu and type “File History” into the search bar. Select Restore your files with File History from the search results.

Browse for the File:

In the File History window, you can browse through the different versions of your files. Use the left and right arrows to navigate to the date when the file was last available.

Restore the File:

Once you locate the file you want to recover, click the Restore button to restore it to its original location.

What If File History Was Not Enabled?

If you didn’t have File History enabled, you will need to turn to other recovery methods. However, it’s always a good idea to enable File History in the future to prevent potential data loss.

Method 3: Restore from Backup

If you’ve created a backup of your files using third-party software or Windows’ built-in backup tools, you can restore files from these backups. Having a regular backup schedule is one of the best ways to protect yourself from data loss.

How to Restore Files from Windows Backup

Open Settings:

Click the Start button, then select Settings (gear icon). Go to Update & Security > Backup.

Restore Files:

If you have set up a backup, you will see the option to Restore files from a backup. Follow the prompts to select the backup and recover your files.

What If You Don’t Have a Backup?

If you didn’t create a backup, you can still use other recovery tools to try and recover your deleted files. It’s a valuable lesson in the importance of backing up data regularly.

Method 4: Use a Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant

Panda Assistant is a robust data recovery software designed to help users retrieve lost or deleted files from a variety of storage devices. Whether it’s due to accidental deletion, system crashes, or partition loss, Panda Assistant offers a reliable and easy-to-use solution to recover your important documents, photos, videos, and other files.

One of the standout features of Panda Assistant is its versatility. It supports a wide range of file types and can recover data from hard drives, USB drives, memory cards, and external storage devices. The software utilizes advanced scanning algorithms that enable it to locate and recover files even after they have been deleted from the Recycle Bin or the file system.

Method 5: Use a Professional Data Recovery Service

In cases where software recovery tools cannot find or restore your files, you may need to turn to a professional data recovery service. These services specialize in recovering data from damaged or corrupted hard drives, memory cards, and other storage devices.

When to Consider Professional Data Recovery

Physical Damage: If your hard drive or storage device has been physically damaged (e.g., dropped, exposed to water), professional recovery services may be the only option.

Software Failure: In rare cases where the file system is corrupted beyond repair or recovery tools fail, professional services may be able to retrieve lost data.

How to Choose a Data Recovery Service

Research: Look for reputable recovery services with positive reviews and success rates. Read customer testimonials and check for any industry certifications.

Inquire About Costs: Data recovery can be expensive, so it’s important to get an estimate before committing to a service.

Ask for a Free Evaluation: Many recovery services offer free evaluations to assess the likelihood of recovering your files before proceeding with paid services.

Conclusion: Proactive Measures to Prevent Future Data Loss

While recovery tools and techniques can be highly effective in retrieving deleted files, the best defense against data loss is to be proactive. Here are some essential tips for protecting your files:

Enable Backup Solutions: Use File History, cloud services like OneDrive, or third-party backup software to ensure that you always have a backup of important files.

Use a Recycle Bin Manager: Some third-party tools allow you to extend the functionality of the Recycle Bin, preventing accidental deletion and allowing for longer retention times.

Regularly Check for Malware: Malware can cause file corruption or loss, so using reliable antivirus software can help protect your files from threats.