Efficient Strategies to Retrieve Deleted Files on Windows- A Comprehensive Guide

How to Get Back Deleted Files on Windows

Losing important files on your Windows computer can be a frustrating experience. Whether it’s due to accidental deletion, a system crash, or a virus attack, recovering deleted files is a task that many users face. In this article, we will discuss various methods to help you get back deleted files on Windows.

1. Use the Recycle Bin

The Recycle Bin is the first place you should check when you delete a file on Windows. When you delete a file, it is moved to the Recycle Bin instead of being permanently deleted. To recover a file from the Recycle Bin, follow these steps:

1. Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking on its icon on the desktop.
2. Locate the deleted file you want to recover.
3. Right-click on the file and select “Restore.”
4. The file will be restored to its original location.

2. Use File History

File History is a feature in Windows that automatically backs up your files to an external drive or network location. If you have enabled File History, you can recover deleted files from previous versions. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the File History settings by typing “File History” in the search bar and selecting “File History settings.”
2. Make sure that File History is turned on and that you have selected an external drive or network location as the backup destination.
3. Open the folder where the deleted file was located.
4. Right-click on the folder and select “Restore previous versions.”
5. A list of available versions will appear. Choose the version you want to restore the file from.
6. Click on “Restore” to save the file back to its original location.

3. Use a File Recovery Tool

If the above methods don’t work, you can try using a file recovery tool. There are many free and paid file recovery tools available for Windows. Here’s a general guide on how to use a file recovery tool:

1. Download and install a file recovery tool like Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or MiniTool Power Data Recovery.
2. Open the tool and select the drive where the deleted file was located.
3. Scan the drive to find deleted files.
4. Once the scan is complete, preview the deleted files and select the ones you want to recover.
5. Choose a location to save the recovered files and click “Recover.”

4. Use System Restore

If you have previously created a system restore point, you can use it to restore your computer to a state before the files were deleted. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “rstrui.exe” and press Enter to open the System Restore window.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point and start the restoration process.
4. Once the system restore is complete, the deleted files should be back.

In conclusion, there are several methods to get back deleted files on Windows. It’s important to act quickly and use the appropriate method to increase your chances of successful recovery. Always remember to regularly back up your important files to avoid data loss in the future.