Accidentally deleting important files or folders on your Windows computer can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to try to recover deleted data on your Windows computer.
- Check the Recycle Bin The first place to look for deleted files is the Recycle Bin. When you delete a file or folder, it is often moved to the Recycle Bin rather than being permanently deleted. To check the Recycle Bin, double-click the icon on your desktop and look for the files or folders you want to recover. If you find them, simply right-click and select “Restore” to move them back to their original location.
- Use File History If you have enabled File History on your Windows computer, you may be able to recover deleted files from a backup. To use File History, follow these steps:
- Open the Control Panel and select “System and Security.”
- Select “File History.”
- Click “Restore personal files” to see a list of files that can be restored.
- Select the files or folders you want to recover and click “Restore” to restore them to their original location.
- Use a Data Recovery Tool If you cannot find the deleted files in the Recycle Bin or using File History, you may need to use a data recovery tool. There are several free and paid data recovery tools available for Windows that can help you recover deleted files. Some popular data recovery tools include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill.
To use a data recovery tool, follow these steps:
- Download and install the data recovery tool on your Windows computer.
- Launch the tool and select the drive or location where the deleted files were located.
- Scan the drive or location for deleted files.
- Preview the files to confirm that they are the ones you want to recover.
- Select the files you want to recover and click “Restore” to recover them to a new location on your computer.
- Contact a Professional Data Recovery Service If none of the above methods work, or if you have deleted critical data that you cannot afford to lose, you may need to contact a professional data recovery service. These services use advanced techniques to recover deleted data from hard drives, SSDs, and other storage devices. However, professional data recovery services can be expensive and may not be able to recover all data.
In conclusion, recovering deleted data on a Windows computer is possible using the Recycle Bin, File History, data recovery tools, or professional data recovery services. The best approach will depend on the nature and importance of the deleted data, as well as the user’s technical expertise and budget. It’s always a good idea to back up important files regularly to avoid losing important data in the first place.
