How to recover a deleted folder in windows 10?

1. Check the Recycle Bin

The first place to look for deleted files and folders is the Recycle Bin. Windows typically moves deleted items here before permanently removing them.

Steps to Recover from the Recycle Bin:

Open the Recycle Bin:

Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.

Locate Your Folder:

Browse through the items to find the folder you want to recover. You can also use the search bar at the top right to search for it.

Restore the Folder:

Right-click on the folder and select Restore. This action will return the folder to its original location.

2. Use File History

If you have File History enabled, you can recover previous versions of files and folders.

Steps to Use File History:

Open Settings:

Click on the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).

Navigate to Update & Security:

Select Update & Security and then click on Backup.

Access File History:

Click on More options under “Back up using File History”. Then, select Restore files from a current backup.

Find the Folder:

Browse through the backups for the deleted folder. You can use the arrows to see previous versions.

Restore the Folder:

Once you find the folder, click on the green restore button to restore it to its original location.

3. Use Previous Versions

Windows keeps snapshots of files and folders as part of the System Restore feature. You can recover deleted folders from these snapshots.

Steps to Recover Using Previous Versions:

Navigate to the Parent Folder:

Open File Explorer and go to the location where the deleted folder was originally stored.

Right-click and Select Properties:

Right-click on the parent folder (the folder containing the deleted folder) and select Properties.

Access Previous Versions Tab:

In the Properties window, click on the Previous Versions tab.

Choose a Version:

You’ll see a list of available previous versions. Select the version that you think contains the deleted folder.

Restore or Copy:

You can choose to restore the entire folder to that version or copy the folder to another location. Click Restore to return it to the original location, or click Copy to save it elsewhere.

4. Use a Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a data recovery software designed to help users recover lost or deleted files, folders, and partitions from various storage devices. It supports recovery from hard drives, SSDs, USB flash drives, and memory cards. The software employs advanced scanning algorithms to locate and restore files that have been accidentally deleted or lost due to formatting, corruption, or system crashes.

Key Features:

User-Friendly Interface: Panda Assistant provides an intuitive interface, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.

Deep Scan Option: It includes a deep scan feature that thoroughly searches for recoverable data, increasing the chances of recovery.

Preview Functionality: Users can preview recoverable files before restoring them, allowing for selective recovery.

Multiple File Formats Supported: The software can recover various file types, including documents, images, videos, and audio files.

Partition Recovery: It can recover lost partitions, making it easier to access data that may have been lost during system changes.

Safe and Secure: Panda Assistant ensures that recovered files are restored safely without overwriting existing data.

5. Check Cloud Backup Services

If you use cloud storage services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, your deleted folder might be recoverable from there.

Steps to Recover from Cloud Services:

Log into Your Cloud Account:

Access the web version of your cloud service.

Check the Trash or Deleted Items:

Look for a “Trash,” “Deleted Files,” or similar section.

Locate Your Folder:

Browse or search for the deleted folder.

Restore the Folder:

Follow the service’s process to restore the folder to its original location.

6. Command Prompt Recovery

If you’re comfortable with using the Command Prompt, you can attempt to recover files using specific commands. This is more advanced but can be effective in some cases.

Steps to Use Command Prompt:

Open Command Prompt:

Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).

Run CHKDSK:

Type the command chkdsk X: /f (replace X with the drive letter where the folder was deleted) and press Enter. This checks for file system errors.

Use ATTRIB Command:

If the folder is hidden, you can attempt to unhide it. Type attrib -h -r -s “path to folder” and press Enter. Replace “path to folder” with the actual path.

Search for Files:

You can also use commands like dir /a to list all files, including hidden and system files.

7. System Restore

If none of the above methods work and you have System Restore points created, you can restore your system to a previous state.

Steps to Perform a System Restore:

Open System Properties:

Right-click on This PC and select Properties.

System Protection:

Click on System protection on the left sidebar.

System Restore:

Click the System Restore button. Follow the prompts to select a restore point that predates the deletion of the folder.

Confirm and Restore:

Follow the prompts to restore your system. This will revert changes made after the selected restore point, including folder deletion.

8. Prevent Future Data Loss

To prevent future data loss, consider the following preventive measures:

Regular Backups: Use Windows Backup, File History, or third-party backup solutions.

Cloud Storage: Use cloud services for important files.

Create Restore Points: Regularly create System Restore points.

Be Cautious with Deletion: Double-check before deleting files or folders.