Accidentally deleting a file or folder on your computer is more common than you might think. System crashes, malicious attacks, and unintended formatting can also wipe out your data. So, how do you get that all-important file back?
Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can recover deleted files on Windows.
When was the last time you took a backup?
Windows comes with a free backup solution installed called File History. It’s not turned on by default, so if this is the first you’ve heard of it, skip to the next section because you’ll need to find another method to recover your lost files.
If you’ve had this running in the background, check to see if there is a backed-up version of your missing file. It might not be the latest version, but it’s better than nothing!
Here’s how to restore it:
1. Type ‘restore your files with File History’ in the Windows search bar
2. Find your file and pick the latest version (or the version you’re interested in)
3. Select ‘restore’ (choose to save it in its original location or somewhere else)
How to find and recover deleted files
Thankfully, even if you haven’t had a backup running in the background, there are other ways to recover your deleted files in Windows.
1. Check the recycling bin
It might sound obvious, but if you haven’t emptied your recycling bin in a while and it’s been less than 30 days, there’s a chance your missing file is in there! Make this your first port of call before you do anything else.
2. File recovery software
If you don’t have a backed-up version of your file and it’s not in the recycling bin, the next best option is file recovery software.
Windows File Recovery is a command-line app you can download from the MS Store for free. A command-line app uses written instructions via your computer’s command prompt.
There are two primary modes for finding and recovering deleted files: regular and extensive search mode.
Regular search mode
- Regular search mode in Windows File Recovery is the default search mode.
- This mode is suitable for situations where you’ve recently deleted a file and need to recover it quickly.
- It’s typically faster than extensive search mode because it focuses on recently deleted files and doesn’t delve deeply into the disk’s entire content.
Extensive search mode
- Extensive search mode, on the other hand, is a deeper and more thorough search option.
- This mode is useful when you need to recover files that were deleted some time ago or when regular search mode doesn’t find the files you’re looking for.
- It takes longer than regular search mode because it examines every sector of the disk to locate deleted file fragments.
Several other software recovery tools are available at different price points to suit budgets big and small.
3. Data recovery service
If recovering your lost file is critical and all other attempts have failed, your only remaining option is hiring an expert.
Using a data recovery service gives you a much better chance of successful recovery. These experts have access to specialised tools and a wealth of experience across different platforms.
The key takeaway on file recovery
It might be a cliché, but the old saying “prevention is better than the cure” is crucial in file recovery. Start backing up your files today, and you never need to worry about file recovery again.
How to turn on Windows Backup on Windows 11
Windows Backup is a built-in tool for creating copies of your files and system settings. These backups can be used to restore your files if they are lost, accidentally deleted, or corrupted.
Here’s how to turn on this feature:
- Open Windows Backup (search for Backup in the Windows search bar). It might ask you to sign in to your Microsoft account.
- Select ‘Folders’, then pick the ones you’d like to back up.
- You can do the same for apps, settings, and credentials.
- Confirm by pressing ‘backup’.
You get 5 GB of free data with your Microsoft account, but you can buy more or download your data to an external storage device.
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