Accidentally deleting an important file can be frustrating and stressful. Fortunately, with the right tools and techniques, you can often recover deleted files on your computer. Here is a step-by-step guide to recovering lost files:
Table of Contents
Check the Recycle Bin
The first place to check when a file goes missing is the Recycle Bin on your desktop. Any files you delete get moved here unless you specifically skip the Recycle Bin.
To restore a file from the Recycle Bin:
- Double-click to open the Recycle Bin
- Locate the file you want to restore
- Right-click on the file and select Restore
Files in the Recycle Bin get automatically deleted over time as space is needed on your hard drive. So restore files as soon as possible once deleted.
Use Backup Software
If the file is no longer in the Recycle Bin, your next option is to restore it from a backup. Backup software periodically creates copies of your files and stores them in case you need to restore a previous version.
Popular backup tools like Time Machine (Mac) and File History (Windows 10) make it easy to restore earlier copies of files. Third-party options like Carbonite offer more flexibility.
To restore a file from backup:
- Open your backup software
- Browse and select the file version you want to restore
- Choose Restore to copy the file back to its original location
Backups give you access to previous file versions from different dates. But you can only restore files that have been backed up.
Use Data Recovery Software
Data recovery software is specifically designed to rescue deleted files, even if you don’t have a backup. Popular free options include:
These tools scan your hard drive and memory cards to find files marked for deletion but not yet overwritten with new data.
To use data recovery software:
- Download and install the software
- Select the drive to scan
- Choose the types of files to search for
- Click Scan to start the recovery process
- Preview and restore the files you need back to your system
Data recovery software can bring back files when all else fails. But the more you use your computer after deletion, the lower your chances due to overwritten data.
Try Manual File Recovery
If you can’t restore a file through standard methods, manual recovery techniques might do the trick for advanced users. Two common options include:
Using Command Prompt
The Command Prompt has hidden tools to manually search and copy data on your drives. With the right commands, you can sometimes access old file versions even if you can’t see them in File Explorer.
Using Disk Drill
Tools like Disk Drill access low-level data on your file system to rebuild corrupted directories and rescue files. This requires technical expertise but offers powerful recovery capabilities when needed.
Manual file recovery should be a last resort after trying easier methods. And make sure to avoid overwriting by minimizing computer use until recovered.
Prevent File Loss in the Future
Recovering deleted files takes time and doesn’t always work. To avoid problems down the road:
- Set up an automatic backup system like Time Machine or File History.
- Save important files in multiple locations like external drives or cloud storage.
- Be careful when permanently deleting files to avoid accidents.
- Store files you aren’t using often in archives to limit clutter.
Taking preventative measures will save you the headache of trying to recover lost data. But if a file does disappear, use the recovery steps outlined above to get it back.
