How to restore deleted videos on pc?

Restoring deleted videos on a PC can be a detailed process, depending on how the files were deleted and what tools you have available. 

1. Check the Recycle Bin

Step-by-Step:

Open Recycle Bin:

Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.

Locate Deleted Videos:

Browse through the list of deleted files to find your videos.

Use the search bar to find specific files if you remember their names.

Restore Files:

Right-click the video files you want to recover.

Select “Restore” from the context menu.

The videos will be restored to their original location.

Notes:

Files are moved to the Recycle Bin when they are deleted, but they remain there until the bin is emptied.

2. Check Backup Drives

If you have set up backups using Windows Backup or another backup tool, you can recover deleted videos from those backups.

Step-by-Step:

Access Backup:

Open the backup application you used.

Navigate to the backup that includes the date when the videos were last known to be present.

Search for Videos:

Use the search function to locate the deleted videos.

Follow the application’s procedure to restore them.

Notes:

Regular backups can save you from data loss. If you don’t have backups, consider setting up a backup solution for future protection.

3. Use File History (Windows 8 and later)

File History is a feature in Windows that can help recover lost files if it was enabled before the videos were deleted.

Step-by-Step:

Open File History:

Type “File History” in the Windows search bar and select “Restore your files with File History.”

Locate Files:

Browse through the available backups to find your deleted videos.

Use the arrows to navigate through different versions of the files.

Restore Files:

Select the video files you want to recover.

Click the “Restore” button to return them to their original location.

Notes:

File History needs to be enabled and configured to work. If you haven’t set it up, you might need to use other recovery methods.

4. Use Data Recovery Software

If the videos are not in the Recycle Bin and you don’t have backups, data recovery software can help recover deleted files.

Step-by-Step:

Choose Software:

Popular options include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill.

Install Software:

Download and install the data recovery software on a different drive to avoid overwriting the deleted files.

Scan for Files:

Open the software and start a scan of the drive where the videos were stored.

Choose between a quick scan and a deep scan based on how recent the deletion was.

Preview and Recover:

Once the scan is complete, preview the recoverable files.

Select the videos you want to recover and follow the software’s instructions to restore them.

Notes:

Recovery chances decrease if new data has been written to the drive since the videos were deleted.

5. Check for Temporary Files

Sometimes videos might be saved as temporary files by certain applications.

Step-by-Step:

Open Temp Folder:

Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.

This opens the Temp folder where temporary files are stored.

Search for Files:

Look through the files for any that resemble your deleted videos.

You can sort by date to find recently created files.

Notes:

This method is less reliable but worth checking if you’re running out of options.

6. Contact a Professional Data Recovery Service

If the above methods don’t work, professional data recovery services can offer advanced solutions.

Step-by-Step:

Find a Service:

Research and choose a reputable data recovery service.

Consult and Provide Details:

Explain your situation to the service provider.

Provide any details about the drive, the file system, and the nature of the deletion.

Send Drive for Recovery:

Follow the instructions to send your drive to the service provider.

They will attempt to recover your videos and provide a report on the results.

Notes:

Professional services can be expensive but are often the last resort for severe data loss situations.

Tips for Successful Recovery

Stop Using the Drive: Minimize the use of the drive where the videos were deleted to prevent overwriting.

Regular Backups: Implement a backup strategy to protect against future data loss.

Professional Help: Seek professional help if the data is highly valuable and other methods fail.

Preventative Measures

To avoid future data loss:

Use Cloud Storage: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive offer additional safety for important files.

Regular Backups: Schedule regular backups using built-in Windows tools or third-party software.

Antivirus Protection: Keep your PC secure to prevent malware that could lead to data loss.

By following these steps and tips, you can increase your chances of recovering deleted videos and safeguarding your data for the future.