How do i restore deleted files on my computer？

​Restoring deleted files on your computer can be a straightforward process if you act quickly and use the right tools. Whether you’ve accidentally deleted an important document or lost files due to system errors, there are several ways to recover them. 

Losing important files can be frustrating and stressful, especially when they contain essential work documents, cherished memories, or critical data. Fortunately, deleted files are not always lost permanently. Whether you emptied your Recycle Bin by mistake, encountered a system crash, or suffered a hard drive failure, there are multiple ways to attempt file recovery.

When you delete a file on your computer, it doesn’t immediately disappear from your storage device. Instead, the operating system marks the space the file occupied as available for new data. Until new data overwrites this space, the deleted file remains recoverable.

Common Causes of File Deletion

Accidental deletion

Emptying the Recycle Bin

Formatting a drive

System crashes or power failures

Virus or malware attacks

Hardware failure

Knowing the cause of deletion can help determine the best recovery method.

Method 1: Restoring Files from the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac)

Windows: Recovering from the Recycle Bin

If you recently deleted a file, the first place to check is the Recycle Bin.

Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking its icon on your desktop.

Look for the deleted file by name, date, or file type.

Right-click the file and select Restore.

The file will return to its original location.

Mac: Recovering from Trash

On a Mac, deleted files are moved to the Trash.

Open the Trash from the dock.

Locate the deleted file.

Right-click and select Put Back.

The file will be restored to its original folder.

If the file is not in the Recycle Bin or Trash, proceed to the next recovery method.

Method 2: Using File History or Time Machine (Backups)

If you have enabled backups, recovering deleted files becomes much easier.

Windows: Restore with File History

File History is a built-in backup tool in Windows.

Open the folder where the deleted file was stored.

Right-click inside the folder and select Properties.

Go to the Previous Versions tab.

Select an available version and click Restore.

Alternatively:

Search for File History in the Windows search bar.

Navigate through backup versions and restore the needed file.

Mac: Restore with Time Machine

If you use Time Machine for backups:

Connect your backup drive.

Open the folder where the deleted file was stored.

Click on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar.

Browse through previous snapshots.

Select the deleted file and click Restore.

If you don’t have backups, try the next recovery method.

Method 3: Restoring Files Using System Restore (Windows)

System Restore can sometimes recover deleted files by reverting your system to an earlier state.

Search for Create a restore point in the Windows search bar.

Open the System Properties window and click on System Restore.

Choose a restore point before the file was deleted.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration.

This method restores system settings and files but may not recover personal documents.

Method 4: Using Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a powerful data recovery tool designed to help users restore deleted files on their computers quickly and efficiently. Whether files were accidentally deleted, lost due to formatting, or removed by a system crash, Panda Assistant can scan your storage devices and recover them with ease.

Using advanced algorithms, Panda Assistant performs a deep scan to locate lost files, including documents, photos, videos, and other essential data. It supports a wide range of file systems, such as NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and more, ensuring compatibility with various devices and operating systems.

Method 5: Restoring from Cloud Storage

Many users store files in cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox.

Google Drive

Go to drive.google.com.

Check the Trash folder.

Right-click on the file and select Restore.

OneDrive

Open OneDrive in a web browser.

Go to the Recycle Bin.

Select the file and click Restore.

Dropbox

Sign in to Dropbox.

Click on Deleted files.

Select the file and click Restore.

If the file is permanently deleted from the cloud, you may need professional data recovery services.

Method 6: Restoring Files Using Windows Command Prompt

Advanced users can try recovering files using the Windows command prompt.

Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Type the following command and press Enter:

bash

chkdsk X: /f /r /x

(Replace X with the drive letter where the file was stored.)

Run the following command:

bash

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

Check if the files are restored.

Method 7: Contacting Professional Data Recovery Services

If none of the above methods work, your last option is a professional data recovery service.

When to Use Professional Data Recovery

The hard drive is physically damaged.

The SSD has failed completely.

The file is critical and must be recovered.

Top Data Recovery Services

DriveSavers

Ontrack Data Recovery

Secure Data Recovery

Gillware

These services can be expensive but may be the only option for extreme data loss cases.

Preventing Future Data Loss

To avoid future file loss, consider these preventative measures:

1. Regular Backups

Enable File History on Windows.

Use Time Machine on Mac.

Back up to an external hard drive or cloud storage.

2. Use the Recycle Bin Properly

Before emptying the Recycle Bin, double-check for important files.

3. Install an Anti-Virus

Protect your computer from malware that can delete files.

4. Enable Windows Shadow Copies

This feature allows you to recover older file versions.