How to recover deleted folder windows 10​？

How to Recover a Deleted Folder in Windows 10: A Comprehensive Guide

Losing important files or folders can be an incredibly stressful experience, especially when it happens on a Windows 10 system. A folder, whether it’s filled with critical work documents, personal photos, or other irreplaceable data, can sometimes be deleted accidentally or intentionally. Fortunately, Windows 10 has built-in tools and third-party solutions that can help you recover deleted folders.

1. Windows 10 Trash/Recycle Bin

When a folder is deleted in Windows 10. it is typically moved to the Recycle Bin. This is the first line of defense in data recovery. If your folder is not too large, and if you haven’t emptied the Recycle Bin since deleting the folder, you can easily restore it with just a few clicks.

Steps to Recover a Deleted Folder from the Recycle Bin:

Open the Recycle Bin: You can find it on your desktop. Double-click it to open.

Locate the Deleted Folder: Scroll through the list or use the search box in the upper-right corner to find the folder.

Restore the Folder: Right-click on the folder, and select “Restore.” This will move the folder back to its original location on your computer.

If the folder is not in the Recycle Bin, or if you have emptied the Recycle Bin, don’t worry. There are other methods you can try to recover your folder.

2. Using Windows File History to Restore a Deleted Folder

File History is a built-in feature in Windows 10 that automatically backs up copies of your files and folders. If File History is enabled on your system, you may be able to recover a deleted folder from a previous backup. This method is particularly useful if you have lost a folder that was not in the Recycle Bin.

Steps to Recover a Folder Using File History:

Open the Folder Where the Deleted Folder Was Stored: Navigate to the directory where the folder was originally located.

Right-click the Folder and Select “Restore previous versions”: This option is available if File History has been enabled on your computer.

Choose the Desired Version: A list of previous versions of the folder or directory will appear. Browse through them to find the version that contains your deleted folder.

Click “Restore”: Select the version of the folder you want to recover and click “Restore” to bring it back to its original location.

If you do not have File History enabled, or if it does not contain a backup of your folder, you will need to turn to other methods.

3. Using Windows 10’s “Previous Versions” Feature

In addition to File History, Windows 10 also has the “Previous Versions” feature that can help you recover deleted files and folders. This feature is integrated with Windows Backup and System Restore and can allow you to access backup copies of files and folders.

Steps to Recover a Deleted Folder Using Previous Versions:

Navigate to the Folder’s Parent Directory: Go to the location where the deleted folder was originally stored.

Right-click the Parent Folder: Right-click on the folder where the deleted folder was located, and then select “Restore previous versions.”

Select the Version You Want to Restore: A list of available previous versions will appear. Choose the most relevant version (which would contain the deleted folder).

Restore the Folder: Click “Restore” to recover the folder to its previous location.

If there are no previous versions listed, you can attempt to recover your folder using other techniques.

4. Using Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a data recovery tool designed to help users recover lost, deleted, or corrupted files from various storage devices. Whether you’re dealing with accidental deletion, formatted drives, or file system errors, Panda Assistant offers a straightforward solution to retrieve critical data. The software is user-friendly and supports multiple file types and devices, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users.

Key Features of Panda Assistant

File Recovery: Panda Assistant excels in recovering lost or deleted files from hard drives, SSDs, external drives, USB drives, and memory cards. It supports a wide range of file formats, including documents, photos, videos, audio files, and archives.

Support for Multiple Devices: Whether you’re trying to recover files from a desktop, laptop, or external storage device, Panda Assistant can handle a variety of devices. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, and even some mobile devices, ensuring a broad reach for all kinds of data recovery scenarios.

User-Friendly Interface: The tool features an intuitive interface that simplifies the recovery process. Even those with minimal technical experience can use Panda Assistant to scan and recover their files. With a few clicks, users can initiate a scan, preview recoverable files, and restore them to a safe location.

Advanced Scanning Algorithms: Panda Assistant uses powerful scanning algorithms to thoroughly search storage devices for lost or deleted files. The software offers both quick and deep scans. While the quick scan is ideal for recently deleted files, the deep scan option can locate files that have been overwritten or lost due to formatting.

File Preview: One of the standout features of Panda Assistant is its file preview functionality. Before committing to recovery, users can preview the files they are looking to restore. This feature ensures that only the files that are needed are recovered, saving both time and storage space.

Preview of Recoverable Files: The software allows users to preview the content of the files before performing the recovery. This is especially useful when you’re unsure of the exact file you need or when recovering large amounts of data.

Formatted Drive Recovery: Panda Assistant is capable of recovering data from formatted drives. If a user has accidentally formatted a hard drive or memory card, the software can retrieve files that were stored on the drive before the format occurred, provided the data has not been overwritten.

Works with Corrupted Files: The tool can also help with files that have become corrupted due to system errors, crashes, or sudden power loss. This feature is crucial for users who are dealing with damaged or partially lost files.

5. Utilizing Cloud Backup Services

If you use a cloud service like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, there is a chance that your deleted folder might be backed up in the cloud. Many cloud services offer version history and trash recovery options, so you can restore deleted files or folders within a certain period.

Steps to Recover a Deleted Folder from OneDrive:

Go to the OneDrive Website: Visit onedrive.com and log into your account.

Access the Recycle Bin: On the left panel, click on “Recycle bin.”

Locate the Deleted Folder: Browse or search for the folder that was deleted.

Restore the Folder: Select the folder and click “Restore” to return it to its original location.

Steps to Recover a Deleted Folder from Google Drive:

Go to Google Drive: Visit drive.google.com and log into your account.

Check the Trash: In the left sidebar, click on “Trash.”

Search or Browse for the Deleted Folder: Locate the folder you need to recover.

Restore the Folder: Right-click on the folder and select “Restore.”

Steps to Recover a Deleted Folder from Dropbox:

Log into Dropbox: Visit dropbox.com and sign in.

Go to Deleted Files: Click on the “Deleted files” tab on the sidebar.

Find and Restore the Deleted Folder: Locate the deleted folder, and click “Restore.”

6. Avoiding Future Data Loss: Best Practices for Folder and File Backup

While recovering deleted folders is possible, it’s always better to take preventive measures to ensure that your data is safe and easily recoverable in the future. Below are some best practices for avoiding data loss:

Enable File History: Make sure File History is turned on in Windows 10 to automatically back up your files and folders.

Regular Backups: Use an external hard drive or cloud storage service to back up your important folders regularly.

Use a Reputable Antivirus Software: Protect your computer from viruses and malware that might cause data loss.

Enable Version History for Cloud Services: For services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, make sure version history is enabled to keep previous versions of your files and folders.