How to recover lost files on windows？

Losing files can be a frustrating experience, especially if they contain important documents, photos, or other essential data. Fortunately, in many cases, lost files on a Windows computer can be recovered, as long as they haven’t been overwritten by new data. 

1. File Loss on Windows

Before diving into recovery methods, it’s important to understand why files might get lost in the first place. There are several common reasons for file loss on Windows:

Accidental Deletion: One of the most common causes of file loss is accidentally deleting files from the Recycle Bin or permanently pressing “Shift + Delete.”

System Crashes or Failures: Unexpected system crashes or failures can cause files to become inaccessible or disappear.

Corrupted Hard Drive or File System: Hard drives and storage devices can become corrupted, causing files to become unreadable or lost.

Viruses or Malware: Malicious software can sometimes delete or hide files, making them seem lost.

Power Failures or Improper Shutdowns: Shutting down a computer improperly or experiencing a power failure can lead to file corruption or loss.

2. Check the Recycle Bin

The first and simplest step to take when files go missing is to check the Recycle Bin. When files are deleted from your system, they usually end up in the Recycle Bin, where they can be restored.

Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.

Look for the files you want to recover. You can search for them using the search bar if you have many files in the Recycle Bin.

Right-click on the file and select Restore to restore it to its original location.

If your files are in the Recycle Bin, this is the easiest and quickest way to recover them.

3. Use File History (Windows Backup)

If you regularly back up your data using File History, you can restore files from previous backups.

Open the Start menu and type File History into the search box.

Select Restore your files with File History.

Browse through your backup versions and choose the file or folder you want to restore.

Select Restore to recover the file to its original location.

This method works if you have enabled File History and have regular backups of your files.

4. Check Previous Versions of Files

Windows has a feature called Previous Versions that allows you to restore older versions of files and folders. This feature is part of the System Protection feature, which must be enabled for it to work.

Right-click the folder or file where the lost file was stored.

Select Properties from the context menu.

Go to the Previous Versions tab.

Select a version of the file or folder before the file was lost, then click Restore.

This method works well if you’ve lost a file due to accidental deletion or overwriting and if you have system restore points or file history set up.

5. Restore Files from OneDrive or Cloud Backup

If you use OneDrive, Google Drive, or another cloud backup service, it’s worth checking if your lost files are available there.

Log into your cloud storage account (e.g., OneDrive or Google Drive).

Search for the lost files or browse through your folders.

Download or restore the files to your Windows computer.

Cloud storage services often have built-in recovery options, such as restoring older file versions or recovering files from a trash or deleted folder.

6. Use Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant utilizes advanced algorithms to scan your storage devices for recoverable files. It can restore files even after they have been deleted from the Recycle Bin, or if the storage has been formatted or corrupted. The software performs a deep scan to identify and recover files that are no longer visible or accessible through standard file browsing.

Additionally, Panda Assistant supports recovery from damaged or corrupted file systems, making it an excellent choice for users dealing with data loss caused by hard drive failures, accidental formatting, or system crashes. The software provides preview options, allowing you to check the files before initiating the recovery process, which helps ensure you’re retrieving the correct data.

7. Check for File System Corruption

Sometimes, files are lost due to file system corruption. You can use the built-in Check Disk tool to attempt a repair.

Open File Explorer and go to This PC.

Right-click on the drive where the files were stored and select Properties.

Go to the Tools tab and click Check under the Error Checking section.

Follow the prompts to allow Windows to check and fix file system errors.

This tool can help if your files have become inaccessible due to file system corruption.

8. Using Command Prompt (CHKDSK and ATTRIB)

In some cases, you can recover files using Command Prompt with the CHKDSK or ATTRIB commands.

Open Command Prompt as an administrator (search for “cmd” in the Start menu and right-click to select Run as Administrator).

To use CHKDSK, type the following command:

bash

chkdsk X: /f

Replace “X” with the letter of the drive where the lost files were located. This will scan and fix errors on the drive.

To use ATTRIB (for recovering hidden files), type:

bash

attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:\*.*

Replace “X” with the appropriate drive letter. This command attempts to unhide hidden files.

9. Professional Data Recovery Services

If you’ve tried everything and still can’t recover your files, professional data recovery services might be the last resort. These services are specialized in recovering data from damaged, corrupted, or physically failed drives.

Keep in mind that professional services can be expensive, but they have the tools and expertise needed to retrieve data that is beyond the reach of consumer-level software.

10. Preventing Future File Loss

While data recovery is possible, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to avoid future data loss:

Regular Backups: Use File History or a third-party backup solution to regularly back up your files.

Cloud Storage: Store critical files in the cloud to protect them from local disasters like hardware failures.

Antivirus Software: Keep your antivirus software up to date to protect against malware that can cause file loss.

Proper Shutdown: Always shut down your computer properly to avoid system corruption or file damage.

Losing files on a Windows computer can be distressing, but there are several ways to recover lost files depending on the situation. Start by checking the Recycle Bin and using Windows’ built-in features like File History or Previous Versions. If these methods don’t work, use data recovery software like Recuva, EaseUS, or Disk Drill. In extreme cases, consider professional data recovery services.