How to Recover Deleted Files: A Step-by-Step Guide

Losing important files can be a nightmare, whether it’s due to accidental deletion, a system crash, or a virus attack. Fortunately, there are methods to recover deleted files, and in this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to help you retrieve your valuable data.

Check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac)

The first and easiest step in file recovery is checking the Recycle Bin on Windows or the Trash on Mac. When you delete a file, it often gets moved to these folders, allowing you to restore them with a simple right-click or drag-and-drop. If you find your deleted files here, consider yourself lucky and proceed to restore them.

Utilize File History (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

If the files aren’t in the Recycle Bin or Trash, you can use built-in backup solutions like File History on Windows or Time Machine on Mac. These tools automatically create backups of your files, making it possible to recover older versions or deleted files. Open these utilities and search for the specific files or folders you want to recover.

Try Third-Party Data Recovery Software

It’s time to use third-party data recovery software if none of the aforementioned methods work. You can get Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Disc Drill, and a lot of additional options for free or for a price. Download and install one of these software, then follow the on-screen instructions to locate and recover deleted files. Make sure you move the recovered files to a new location to prevent overwriting the data.

Restore from Backup

If you regularly back up your data to an external drive or cloud storage, you’re in luck. You can easily recover deleted files by restoring them from your backups. Services like Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, and external hard drives offer version history or a trash folder where you can retrieve deleted files. Simply log in to your account and search for the files you need.

Check Email and Online Services

Sometimes, files are sent or received through email or uploaded to online services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox. Check your email attachments and these cloud services for copies of the files you’re trying to recover. You might find that the files you thought were lost are still accessible through these platforms.

Use System Restore (Windows)

If you’re using a Windows PC, you can use the System Restore feature to revert your computer to a previous state when the files were still present. This method can be effective in recovering deleted files that were recently lost due to system changes or updates. Search for “System Restore” in the Windows search bar and follow the prompts to restore your system to an earlier date.

Consult with a Professional Data Recovery Service

If all else fails and you’re dealing with critical data, it may be time to consult a professional data recovery service. These experts have specialized tools and techniques to recover data from physically damaged drives or in cases of severe data loss. Keep in mind that professional data recovery services can be expensive, so consider this option as a last resort.

Conclusion

Losing important files can be a stressful experience, but how to recover deleted files with the right steps and tools; you can often recover deleted data successfully. Remember to act quickly, as the longer you wait, the higher the chances of overwriting the deleted files. Regularly backing up your data is also crucial to prevent future data loss. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of recovering your valuable files and minimizing the impact of data loss.