How do you recover deleted files? This is a common question among computer users who have accidentally deleted important documents, photos, or other files. Whether you’re using a Windows, Mac, or Linux operating system, there are several methods you can try to retrieve your lost data. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most effective ways to recover deleted files and provide you with step-by-step instructions to help you get your data back.
When a file is deleted from your computer, it doesn’t immediately disappear. Instead, the space occupied by the file is marked as available for new data. This means that until the space is overwritten by new data, your deleted file may still be recoverable. Here are some of the most popular methods to recover deleted files:
1. Use the Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin is a built-in feature in Windows and Mac operating systems that stores deleted files temporarily. To recover a deleted file using the Recycle Bin, follow these steps:
- Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking on its icon on your desktop.
- Locate the deleted file you want to recover.
- Right-click on the file and select “Restore.” This will move the file back to its original location.
2. Use File Recovery Software
If the Recycle Bin doesn’t contain the deleted file, you can use file recovery software to scan your hard drive and recover deleted files. Some popular file recovery software options include:
- Recuva
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
- Stellar Data Recovery
Here’s a general guide on how to use file recovery software:
- Download and install the file recovery software on your computer.
- Launch the software and select the drive where the deleted file was located.
- Start the scanning process. The software will search for deleted files on the selected drive.
- Once the scan is complete, browse through the list of recovered files and select the ones you want to restore.
- Choose a location to save the recovered files and click “Restore.”
3. Check for Shadow Copies
Windows operating systems create shadow copies of files and folders, which can be used to recover deleted files. To check for shadow copies and recover a deleted file, follow these steps:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the location where the deleted file was stored.
- Right-click on the folder and select “Restore previous versions.” This will open a window displaying available restore points.
- Select the restore point that contains the deleted file and click “Restore.” This will restore the file to its original location.
4. Use Command Prompt
For advanced users, you can use the Command Prompt to recover deleted files. This method requires you to use specific commands to locate and restore the deleted files. Here’s a basic guide on how to use Command Prompt for file recovery:
- Press “Windows Key + X” and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin).” This will open an elevated Command Prompt window.
- Use the “dir” command to list the files in the desired directory.
- Use the “recover” command to recover deleted files. For example, “recover c:\path\to\file.txt” will attempt to recover the file “file.txt” from the specified path.
Remember that the sooner you attempt to recover deleted files, the higher the chances of successful recovery. Avoid using the computer or the drive where the files were deleted, as new data can overwrite the deleted files and make them unrecoverable.
