How to recover windows deleted files？

​Accidental file deletion in Windows can be a heart-wrenching experience, whether it’s a valuable work document, an important image, or even crucial system files. Fortunately, Windows provides several built-in features and tools that can help you recover deleted files.

How Files are Deleted in Windows

When a file is deleted in Windows, it is not immediately wiped from your hard drive. Instead, the file is moved to the Recycle Bin, where it can be restored easily. However, if the Recycle Bin is emptied or if the file was deleted using “Shift + Delete” (which bypasses the Recycle Bin), the file is marked as deleted by the operating system. At this point, the space the file occupied is marked as available for new data, but the actual data remains on the hard drive until it is overwritten by new files.

Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin

The first step in recovering deleted files is to check the Recycle Bin. Windows automatically moves deleted files here, unless they were permanently deleted using “Shift + Delete” or bypassing the Recycle Bin entirely.

Open the Recycle Bin:

Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.

Browse through the list of deleted files.

Restore Files:

Right-click the file you want to recover.

Select “Restore” to restore it to its original location.

If the file is not in the Recycle Bin, you’ll need to explore other recovery methods.

Step 2: Use File History (If Enabled)

File History is a Windows feature that automatically backs up your files and folders. If enabled before the file deletion, you may be able to recover previous versions of a file or folder.

Access File History:

Open the folder that previously contained the deleted file.

Right-click the folder and select “Restore previous versions.”

Restore the File:

A list of previous versions of the folder will appear.

Select a version of the folder that includes the deleted file, then click “Restore.”

If File History was not enabled, or if the file isn’t in the backup, you’ll need to proceed with other methods.

Step 3: Use Windows Backup (If Available)

If you’ve set up a regular Windows backup, recovering deleted files becomes significantly easier. Windows Backup creates copies of your system and files and stores them on an external drive, network location, or cloud storage.

Restore Files from Backup:

Go to the Start Menu and search for “Backup.”

Click on “Restore your files with File History.”

Browse through your backup to locate the deleted files.

Recover Deleted Files:

Once you find the files, select them and click the “Restore” button.

Step 4: Use a Data Recovery Tool

Panda Assistant is an intuitive, user-friendly data recovery software designed to help individuals recover lost, deleted, or inaccessible files from various storage devices. Whether it’s an SD card, hard drive, USB drive, or even a damaged system, Panda Assistant simplifies the complex process of file recovery with its advanced algorithms. The tool is especially useful for recovering documents, photos, videos, and other critical data that might have been lost due to accidental deletion, formatting, or corruption.

What sets Panda Assistant apart is its ease of use, which doesn’t require technical expertise. Its step-by-step interface guides users through the entire recovery process, making it accessible even to those who aren’t familiar with data recovery. The software supports a wide array of file systems, ensuring compatibility across various devices and operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Step 5: Recover Deleted Files Using Command Prompt (For Advanced Users)

For those who are comfortable with the Command Prompt, there’s a built-in utility called chkdsk (Check Disk) that may help recover lost files. While it’s primarily used to fix disk errors, it can sometimes also recover lost or damaged files.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.

Run chkdsk:

In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:

bash

chkdsk X: /f

Replace X with the letter of the drive you want to check (e.g., C:).

Wait for the Scan to Complete:

Let the tool scan your drive and attempt to fix any errors. If files are recoverable, they may be restored during this process.

Check the Recovered Files:

Once the scan is complete, check your drive for any recovered files.

Step 6: Check System Restore for Deleted Files

System Restore in Windows allows you to revert your system back to a previous state without affecting your personal files. If the deleted files were part of a system restore point, you may be able to restore them along with other system changes.

Access System Restore:

Go to the Start Menu and search for “System Restore.”

Click “Create a restore point.”

Restore Your System:

Click the “System Restore” button and follow the on-screen instructions.

Select a restore point that predates the file deletion.

Note that System Restore doesn’t always recover personal files like documents or images, but it can recover files that were part of a system change.

Step 7: Use Professional Data Recovery Services

If none of the previous methods work, and the files are extremely important, it might be time to consider professional data recovery services. These services specialize in recovering lost data from damaged or corrupted drives, or even from cases where files have been overwritten. The cost of professional recovery can be high, but it’s often the last resort.

Before choosing a professional service, make sure to research their reputation, pricing, and recovery capabilities. Popular services include DriveSavers, Ontrack, and SalvageData.

Step 8: Prevent Future Data Loss

While recovering deleted files is possible, it’s always better to prevent data loss from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to help safeguard your files:

Enable File History: As discussed earlier, File History is an excellent tool to back up your personal files. Set it up to automatically back up your files to an external drive or cloud storage.

Use Cloud Storage: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive automatically sync and store your files in the cloud, providing another layer of protection in case of accidental deletion.

Create Regular Backups: In addition to File History, consider using Windows Backup or a third-party backup solution to create regular system backups.

Avoid Bypassing the Recycle Bin: Unless absolutely necessary, avoid permanently deleting files using “Shift + Delete.” Always check the Recycle Bin before resorting to other recovery methods.

Use External Storage: For especially important files, keep copies on external drives or network drives. Having multiple copies of important data in different locations can prevent complete loss.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (For Cloud Services): Protect your cloud storage accounts with two-factor authentication to ensure your files are secure from unauthorized access.

File deletion in Windows can be a stressful situation, but with the right tools and methods, you can often recover your lost data. Start with simple solutions like checking the Recycle Bin and using File History. If those methods fail, explore third-party data recovery tools or use Command Prompt for more advanced recovery techniques. When all else fails, professional recovery services can offer a last resort.

Lastly, remember that the best defense against data loss is prevention. By regularly backing up your files, using cloud storage, and enabling File History, you can minimize the chances of losing important data in the future.