How to recover deleted folder in pc？

Accidentally deleting important files or folders from your computer can be a stressful experience. Whether it’s work-related documents, precious memories captured in photos, or important project data, the impact of losing these items can be significant. Fortunately, there are various methods to recover deleted folders on a PC, depending on how the deletion occurred and what tools you have available.

When you delete a folder on a Windows PC, it typically moves to the Recycle Bin, where it can be easily restored if you act quickly. However, if you have emptied the Recycle Bin or if the folder was deleted using Shift + Delete, the files are not immediately erased; instead, the space they occupied is marked as available for new data. This means that the data can still be recovered until it is overwritten by new information.

Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin

The first and simplest step in recovering a deleted folder is to check the Recycle Bin. Here’s how to do it:

Open the Recycle Bin: Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.

Look for Your Folder: Browse through the list of deleted items. You can use the search bar in the top-right corner if you have many files.

Restore the Folder: If you find the deleted folder, right-click on it and select “Restore.” This action will return the folder to its original location.

Step 2: Use File History (Windows 10 and Later)

If you have File History enabled, you can restore deleted folders or files from backups. Here’s how:

Open File Explorer: Navigate to the folder that contained the deleted folder.

Access Previous Versions: Right-click in the empty space within the folder and select “Properties.” Go to the “Previous Versions” tab.

Select a Version: Choose a version that predates the deletion of the folder and click “Restore.” This action will recover the folder as it was at that time.

Step 3: Restore from Backup

If you regularly back up your files using a third-party backup solution or Windows Backup, you can restore the deleted folder from these backups.

Locate Your Backup Software: Open the backup solution you use.

Follow Restoration Process: Navigate to the section for restoring files and select the relevant backup that contains your deleted folder.

Restore the Folder: Follow the prompts to restore the folder to its original location or choose a new one.

Step 4: Use a Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant supports a wide range of file types and can recover data from hard drives, USB drives, memory cards, and more. Additionally, it is compatible with various Windows versions, making it accessible for a broad audience.

To use Panda Assistant, simply download and install the software, select the drive or device to scan, and initiate the recovery process. The intuitive design means even novice users can navigate the steps with ease. With Panda Assistant, recovering lost data doesn’t have to be a daunting task; it provides an effective solution for anyone looking to regain access to their valuable files.

Step 5: Command Prompt Recovery

For users comfortable with using Command Prompt, there’s a possibility to recover files through command-line utilities. This method works best if you suspect the data is not yet overwritten.

Open Command Prompt: Type “cmd” in the Windows search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select “Run as administrator.”

Use CHKDSK Command: Type the command chkdsk X: /f (replace “X” with the drive letter where the folder was deleted) and hit Enter. This command checks for errors and may restore lost files.

Access the Folder: After running the command, navigate to the drive to check if the deleted folder has been restored.

Step 6: Check for Shadow Copies

Windows sometimes creates shadow copies of files, which can be used to recover deleted items:

Open the Drive Properties: Right-click on the drive where the folder was located and select “Properties.”

Go to the Previous Versions Tab: Look for any shadow copies listed under the “Previous Versions” tab.

Restore a Version: If available, select a version prior to the deletion, and click “Restore” to recover your folder.

Step 7: Engage Professional Data Recovery Services

If none of the above methods work and the data is critical, consider professional data recovery services. These services can be expensive, but they may be able to recover data that standard recovery software cannot. Ensure to choose a reputable service with good reviews to avoid further data loss.

Prevention Tips

To minimize the risk of future data loss, consider the following prevention strategies:

Regular Backups: Set up a regular backup schedule using Windows Backup, File History, or third-party software.

Use Cloud Storage: Store important files in cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, which often offer version history features.

Enable File History: Ensure File History is turned on in Windows for automatic backups of your files.

Be Cautious with Deletions: Always double-check before deleting files, especially if they contain critical information.