How to Recover a Deleted File on Windows

Accidentally deleting an important file can be a frustrating experience, but don’t panic just yet. In many cases, deleted files can be recovered on Windows with the right tools and techniques. This article will guide you through various methods to recover a deleted file on Windows, from using built-in features to employing third-party software.

Check the Recycle Bin:

The first place to look for a deleted file is the Recycle Bin. When you delete a file, it is usually moved to the Recycle Bin before being permanently removed from your computer.

To recover a file from the Recycle Bin, follow these steps:

Step 1: Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.

Step 2: Locate the deleted file in the list of items.

Step 3: Right-click on the file and select “Restore.”

Step 4: The file will be restored to its original location.

Use File History:

File History is a built-in feature in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that automatically backs up your files to an external drive or network location. If you have File History enabled, you can recover a deleted file from a previous backup.

To recover a file using File History, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where the deleted file was located.

Step 2: Click on the “Home” tab in the File Explorer toolbar, then click “History.”

Step 3: The File History window will open, displaying previous versions of the folder.

Step 4: Browse through the available versions to find the deleted file.

Step 5: Select the file and click “Restore” to recover it to its original location.

Use System Restore:

System Restore is a Windows feature that allows you to revert your computer’s system files, settings, and programs to a previous state. While it doesn’t directly recover deleted files, it can help if you’ve lost a file due to system changes or software installation.

To recover a file using System Restore, follow these steps:

Step 1: Type “System Restore” in the Windows search bar and click on “Create a restore point.”

Step 2: In the System Properties window, click on “System Restore.”

Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point from before the file was deleted.

Step 4: Complete the System Restore process, and your computer will revert to the selected restore point.

Step 5: Check the original location of the deleted file to see if it has been restored.

Use Third-Party Recovery Software:

If the above methods fail, you can try using third-party recovery software to recover your deleted file. There are several reliable options available, such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill.

Step 1: To recover a file using third-party recovery software, follow these general steps:

Step 2: Download and install the recovery software of your choice.

Step 3: Launch the software and select the drive or folder where the deleted file was located.

Step 4: Start the scanning process, which may take some time depending on the size of the drive.

Step 5: Once the scan is complete, browse through the list of recoverable files to find the deleted file.

Step 6: Select the file and follow the software’s instructions to recover it to a safe location.

In conclusion, one can recover a deleted file on Windows easily if he/she acts quickly and uses the right tools. Always start by checking the Recycle Bin, and if that doesn’t work, move on to File History, System Restore, or third-party recovery software. To prevent future data loss, consider enabling File History or using a cloud storage service to keep regular backups of your important files.

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