How to recover permanently deleted files from desktop​?

Losing files can be a frustrating experience, especially when those files are important for work, personal projects, or cherished memories. If you’ve accidentally deleted files from your desktop and emptied the recycle bin, don’t despair. There are several methods available to help you recover those permanently deleted files. 

1. File Deletion

When you delete a file from your desktop, it often moves to the Recycle Bin (in Windows) or Trash (in macOS). However, when you empty the Recycle Bin or use “Shift + Delete,” the file is not immediately removed from your hard drive. Instead, the operating system marks that space as available for new data, making the file potentially recoverable until that space is overwritten. Understanding this principle is crucial in the recovery process.

2. Methods to Recover Permanently Deleted Files

Using File History (Windows)

File History is a built-in feature in Windows that allows you to automatically back up your files. If you have previously enabled File History, you can restore deleted files with ease.

Steps to Recover:

Open File History:

Go to Control Panel > System and Security > File History.

Restore Personal Files:

Click on Restore personal files. This opens a window showing all your backed-up files.

Navigate to the Deleted Files:

Browse through the folders to find the file you want to restore.

Restore the File:

Select the file and click the green Restore button to recover it to its original location.

Using Previous Versions (Windows)

Windows also offers a feature called Previous Versions that allows you to restore files or folders to a previous state.

Steps to Recover:

Locate the Folder:

Navigate to the folder that previously contained the deleted file.

Access Previous Versions:

Right-click on the folder and select Restore previous versions.

Choose a Version:

A list of available previous versions will appear. Select the one that might contain your deleted file.

Restore the File:

Click Restore or Copy to recover the file.

Utilizing Third-Party Recovery Software

If the built-in Windows features are insufficient, third-party data recovery software can help. Popular options include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill. These tools scan your hard drive for recoverable files.

Steps to Recover Using Third-Party Software:

Download and Install Software:

Choose a reliable recovery software and install it on a different drive to avoid overwriting data.

Launch the Software:

Open the recovery software and select the drive where the files were deleted.

Scan for Deleted Files:

Initiate a scan. The software will look for recoverable files.

Preview and Recover:

After the scan, you can preview the recoverable files. Select the desired files and click Recover.

Restoring from Backup

If you regularly back up your files, restoring from a backup is the easiest way to recover permanently deleted files.

Steps to Restore from Backup:

Access Backup:

Depending on your backup method (external drive, cloud service, etc.), access the backup files.

Locate the Deleted Files:

Navigate to the location of the deleted files in your backup.

Restore the Files:

Copy and paste the files back to your desktop or use the restoration feature of the backup software.

Using Command Prompt (Windows)

For more advanced users, the Command Prompt can sometimes help recover deleted files.

Steps to Recover:

Open Command Prompt:

Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.

Type the Command:

Enter the command: chkdsk X: /f (replace X with the letter of the drive).

Recover Lost Files:

The command will check for errors and attempt to recover files. Follow any on-screen prompts.

3. For Mac Users

Time Machine Backup

If you’re a Mac user and have set up Time Machine, recovering deleted files is straightforward.

Steps to Recover:

Open Time Machine:

Click on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and select Enter Time Machine.

Navigate to the File Location:

Browse to the folder where the deleted file was located.

Select the File:

Use the timeline on the right to find a version of the file before it was deleted.

Restore the File:

Select the file and click the Restore button.

Using Third-Party Recovery Tools

Panda Assistant is a powerful data recovery software designed to help users effortlessly recover lost or deleted files from various storage devices, including external hard drives, USB drives, and SD cards. With its user-friendly interface, Panda Assistant makes data recovery accessible for everyone, regardless of technical expertise. The software employs advanced scanning algorithms to locate and retrieve files that may have been accidentally deleted or formatted. Additionally, it supports multiple file types, ensuring comprehensive recovery options. Whether you’re dealing with accidental deletions or data corruption, Panda Assistant is your reliable partner for seamless data restoration.

Steps to Recover:

Download and Install Software:

Choose a recovery tool compatible with macOS and install it.

Run the Software:

Launch the application and select the drive to scan for deleted files.

Scan for Recoverable Files:

Initiate a scan and wait for the software to compile a list of recoverable files.

Preview and Recover:

Preview the files and select the ones you wish to recover, then follow the prompts to restore them.

4. Best Practices for Preventing Data Loss

To avoid future data loss, consider implementing these best practices:

Regular Backups: Always back up important files regularly using external drives or cloud services.

Enable File History: For Windows users, ensure File History is enabled to automatically back up files.

Organize Files: Keep your desktop organized to reduce the chances of accidental deletion.

Use Version Control: For important documents, consider using version control systems (e.g., Git) to keep track of changes.

Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with data recovery options and tools.