How to Restore Deleted Files in Windows

Accidentally deleting important files can be a frustrating experience, but fortunately, Windows provides several methods to help you recover lost data. In this tutorial, we will explore different ways to restore deleted files in Windows.

Method 1: Check the Recycle Bin

1. Locate the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop or open File Explorer and navigate to the Recycle Bin.
2. Double-click on the Recycle Bin to open it.
3. Search for the file or files you want to restore. You can use the search bar at the top right corner of the Recycle Bin window for convenience.
4. Once you have found the file, right-click on it and select "Restore" from the context menu.
5. The file will be restored to its original location on your computer.

Method 2: Use File History (Windows 8 and above)

Windows provides a built-in backup feature called File History that automatically saves copies of your files to an external drive or network location. If you have enabled File History, you can easily restore deleted files.

1. Connect the external drive or navigate to the network location where your File History backups are stored.
2. Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where the deleted file was originally located.
3. Click on the "History" button on the menu bar at the top of the window. It may be labeled as "Home" or "File" depending on your version of Windows.
4. File History will open, displaying a timeline of files for the selected folder.
5. Browse through the timeline to find the version of the file you want to restore.
6. Once you have located the file, select it and click on the "Restore" button at the bottom of the window.
7. The file will be restored to its original location.

Method 3: Use File Recovery Software

If you have emptied your Recycle Bin or don't have a backup solution in place, you can still recover deleted files using third-party file recovery software. Here are a few popular options:

• Recuva: Recuva is a free file recovery software that can restore deleted files from your computer, external drives, and even damaged disks.
• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is a comprehensive file recovery tool that can recover lost data from various storage devices.
• Disk Drill: Disk Drill is another powerful data recovery software that offers a free version for personal use.

To use these software tools, follow these steps:

1. Download and install the file recovery software of your choice from their official website.
2. Launch the software and select the disk or location where the deleted file was originally stored.
3. Initiate the scan to search for deleted files.
4. Once the scan is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files.
5. Locate the file you want to restore and select it.
6. Choose the destination folder where you want to save the recovered file. It is recommended to select a different drive to avoid overwriting any existing data.
7. Click on the "Recover" button to start the recovery process.
8. The software will restore the selected file to the specified location.

Note: It is important to minimize disk usage and avoid installing the recovery software on the same drive where the deleted files were stored to increase the chances of successful recovery.

Conclusion

Losing files is distressing, but there are several methods available in Windows to help you restore deleted files. Always remember to check the Recycle Bin first, utilize the File History feature for automatic backups, and if necessary, utilize third-party file recovery software like Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Disk Drill. With these tools and methods, you have a good chance of recovering your deleted files in Windows.