Recover deleted directory windows 10​

When you delete a directory (folder) in Windows, it typically goes to the Recycle Bin, where it can be easily restored. However, if the directory is too large or the Recycle Bin has been emptied, the files might not be easily recoverable.

Methods for Recovering Deleted Directories

1. Check the Recycle Bin

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

Locate the Directory: Browse through the list or use the search bar to find the deleted directory.

Restore: Right-click on the directory and select “Restore.” This will return the directory to its original location.

2. Use File History

If you have File History enabled, you can recover previous versions of files or directories.

Access File History: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.

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

Search for the Directory: Navigate through the backed-up files to find your deleted directory.

Restore: Click the green restore button to recover the directory to its original location.

3. Restore Previous Versions

Windows has a built-in feature that allows you to restore previous versions of files and directories.

Right-click the Parent Folder: Locate the parent folder where the deleted directory was originally located.

Select “Restore previous versions”: This will open a list of available backups.

Choose a Version: Select a previous version from the list and click “Restore.”

4. Use Windows Command Prompt

If you’re comfortable using command-line tools, you can try recovering deleted files via the Command Prompt.

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

Use the chkdsk Command: Type chkdsk X: /f (replace X with the drive letter where the folder was located).

Scan for Errors: Follow the prompts to scan the drive for errors. This process may recover lost files.

5. Third-Party Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a versatile data recovery software designed to help users recover lost or deleted files from various storage devices. It can recover files from hard drives, USB drives, memory cards, and other media. The software features a user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for those with limited technical expertise.

With Panda Assistant, users can perform quick scans for recently deleted files or deep scans for more comprehensive recovery options. It supports various file types, including documents, images, videos, and more. The software also allows users to preview files before recovery, ensuring they can select the right ones.

Using Recuva:

Download and Install: Get Recuva from the official website.

Run the Program: Launch Recuva and select the type of files you want to recover.

Choose the Location: Specify where to search for the deleted directory.

Scan: Click “Scan” to search for recoverable files.

Recover: Once the scan is complete, select the desired files and click “Recover.”

Using EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard:

Download and Install: Get the software from the official website.

Launch the Program: Open EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.

Select the Drive: Choose the drive from which the directory was deleted.

Scan for Files: Click “Scan” to start the process.

Preview and Recover: After scanning, preview the files and select the ones you want to recover.

6. Check Backup Solutions

If you regularly back up your data, you might have a copy of the deleted directory in your backup solution (like Windows Backup, OneDrive, or any other cloud service).

Windows Backup: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup and check your backup settings.

OneDrive: If you use OneDrive, check the Recycle Bin within OneDrive for deleted files.

Prevention Tips

To minimize the risk of losing important directories in the future, consider the following tips:

Enable File History: Make sure to activate File History for automatic backups.

Regular Backups: Regularly back up your files to an external hard drive or cloud storage.

Organize Files: Keep your files organized to avoid accidental deletion.

Be Cautious: Always double-check before deleting files or directories.

Recovering a deleted directory in Windows 10 can be straightforward if you know the right steps. Whether you use built-in tools like the Recycle Bin and File History or third-party recovery software, there are multiple options available to retrieve your lost files. Regular backups and careful file management are essential to prevent future data loss.