Accidentally deleting important files or losing data can be stressful, but Windows offers various recovery options before you consider expensive professional help. Knowing the right recovery methods can save you time, money, and headaches. Here are 10 essential file recovery tips, complete with practical steps for intermediate Windows users.
Can You Find Deleted Files in the Recycle Bin?
The Recycle Bin is your first stop for recovering deleted files.
1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
2. Use the search bar to look for your lost file or browse the list.
3. Right-click on the file and select “Restore.”
Files are returned to their original location. If you’ve emptied the Recycle Bin, continue to the next methods.
How Do You Use File History to Restore Previous Versions?
Windows File History keeps versions of your files if enabled.
1. Right-click the folder where your file was located.
2. Select “Restore previous versions.”
3. Browse the list of available folder versions.
4. Select the desired version and click “Restore.”
If File History wasn’t previously set up, consider enabling it for future protection.
Can You Recover Files with Windows Backup?
If you have Windows Backup configured:
1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Go to “System and Security” > “Backup and Restore (Windows 7).”
3. Click “Restore my files.”
4. Follow the wizard to search for and restore your files.
What if You Need to Recover Files from OneDrive?
If your files were stored in OneDrive:
1. Visit the OneDrive website and sign in.
2. Go to the “Recycle bin” on the left pane.
3. Select your files and click “Restore.”
For files deleted from your PC but synced with OneDrive, check both the local Recycle Bin and OneDrive’s bin.
How Can You Use Data Recovery Software?
When files are not accessible through standard methods, third-party recovery tools can help. Glary Utilities offers a File Recovery tool:
1. Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Open Glary Utilities and click “Advanced Tools.”
3. Under “Privacy & Security,” select “File Recovery.”
4. Choose the drive where your file was lost.
5. Scan for deleted files, then select and restore them.
This method is effective for files deleted from the Recycle Bin or due to drive formatting.
Do Shadow Copies Help Recover Files?
Shadow Copies (System Protection) sometimes store past versions of files.
1. Right-click the folder or file.
2. Select “Restore previous versions.”
3. If available, select a version and click “Restore.”
System protection should be enabled on the drive for this option.
Can You Recover Unsaved Office Documents?
Microsoft Office applications have AutoRecover:
1. Open the Office app you used (Word, Excel, etc.).
2. Go to “File” > “Open” > “Recover Unsaved Documents.”
3. Open the unsaved file and save it to a secure location.
Does Windows File Recovery Command-Line Tool Work?
Microsoft offers a free utility for Windows 10 and newer:
1. Download and install “Windows File Recovery” from the Microsoft Store.
2. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
3. Use the command: winfr source: destination: /mode /switches
Example: winfr C: D: /n \Users\YourName\Documents\lostfile.docx
Refer to Microsoft’s documentation for advanced usage.
What About Restoring from a System Image?
If you have a full system image backup:
1. Go to Control Panel > “Recovery” > “Open System Restore.”
2. Follow the steps to restore your PC to a previous state.
3. Use File Explorer to browse restored files.
This may overwrite recent changes, so use with care.
How Can Glary Utilities Help Prevent Future Data Loss?
Prevention is key. Glary Utilities provides tools not just for recovery, but also for maintenance:
– Use the “File Backup” feature to schedule regular backups.
– Enable “Disk Cleaner” and “Duplicate Files Finder” to keep your storage organized, reducing accidental deletion risk.
– Regularly update your backups and check recovery settings.
Summary
Losing important files on Windows isn’t the end of the road. From using built-in tools like the Recycle Bin and File History, to leveraging third-party solutions such as Glary Utilities for robust recovery and prevention, these tips equip you to handle most file loss scenarios. Familiarizing yourself with these steps ensures you’re better prepared for unexpected data loss situations.