Recovering lost or deleted files on Windows can be daunting, but with the right methods and tools, you can significantly increase your chances of successful file restoration. Whether you’ve accidentally deleted a document or suffered from a system crash, understanding file recovery best practices is essential. This guide offers 15 actionable tips for both beginners and advanced users, ensuring your valuable files and folders are never truly gone for good.
For Beginners: Simple File Recovery Tips
1. Check the Recycle Bin First
Before trying advanced recovery methods, always open the Recycle Bin. Deleted files usually stay here unless you’ve emptied it or used Shift+Delete. Simply right-click the file and choose Restore.
2. Use File History or Backup
Windows File History automatically saves copies of your files. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup. If File History is enabled, you can Restore files from a current backup. If not, consider setting this up for the future.
3. Restore Previous Versions
Windows lets you recover older versions of files and folders. Right-click the file or folder, select Restore previous versions, and choose from the list. This is useful if you accidentally overwrite a document.
4. Search for Hidden Files
Sometimes, files are not deleted but moved or hidden. Use Windows Search and enable hidden items in View > Show > Hidden items inside File Explorer.
5. Recover from Cloud Services
If you use OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, deleted files often go to an online Recycle Bin or Trash folder. Log in to your cloud account and check for recently deleted items.
Intermediate Solutions: Expanding Your Recovery Toolbox
6. Try Glary Utilities’ File Undelete Feature
Glary Utilities offers an easy-to-use File Undelete tool. It scans your drives for recoverable files after deletion, including those removed from the Recycle Bin. Download and install Glary Utilities, open File Undelete, select the drive, and follow the prompts to recover your files. It’s a safe and efficient solution, ideal for users who want a straightforward recovery process.
7. Stop Using the Drive Immediately
If you notice important files are missing, avoid saving new files or installing programs on the affected drive. New data can overwrite deleted files, making recovery impossible. Always perform recovery on a different drive if possible.
8. Use Windows Command Prompt for Simple Cases
For certain recoveries, you can use Command Prompt to unhide files. For example, open CMD as Administrator and run:
attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:\*.*
Replace “X:” with your drive letter. This can reveal files hidden by software or malware.
9. Scan for Malware
Sometimes files appear missing due to malware. Run Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus to check for threats. Removing malware may restore hidden or blocked files.
Advanced Techniques: For Experienced Users
10. Employ Dedicated File Recovery Software
Beyond Glary Utilities, there are advanced tools like Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. These allow deep scanning of drives, recovery of formatted partitions, and previewing files before restoration. Use such software when Glary Utilities can’t locate the desired files.
11. Recover from Shadow Copies
Using third-party tools like ShadowExplorer, you can access Volume Shadow Copies (snapshots Windows makes of your files and folders). Install ShadowExplorer, select your drive, and browse historical versions to recover accidentally deleted data.
12. Recover Data from Corrupted Drives
If a drive is corrupted, use tools like CHKDSK (run chkdsk /f X: in Command Prompt) to fix errors, or recovery software that can handle RAW or inaccessible drives. Exercise caution—repair operations can sometimes cause further data loss.
13. Clone the Drive Before Recovery
For severe cases (physical damage, system failure), create a sector-by-sector clone of the drive using tools like Macrium Reflect or ddrescue. Work on the clone to prevent further damage to the original.
Best Practices and Prevention for All Users
14. Regularly Schedule Backups
Set up automatic backups with Windows Backup, File History, or third-party tools. Store copies on an external drive or cloud service. Frequent backups ensure you have recent copies even if disaster strikes.
15. Use Glary Utilities for Ongoing Maintenance
Glary Utilities isn’t just for file recovery. Its Disk Cleaner and Duplicate File Finder keep your system organized, reducing the chance of accidental deletion. Set up reminders to run regular cleanups and optimizations, minimizing the risk of file loss from clutter or system errors.
Final Thoughts
File recovery on Windows is possible if you act quickly and use proven methods. Beginners should start with simple checks like the Recycle Bin and File History, while advanced users can deploy powerful utilities and cloning techniques. Preventing file loss is just as important—regular backups and smart use of tools like Glary Utilities can save you countless hours and headaches.
By following these 15 essential tips, you’ll be ready to tackle most data loss scenarios and safeguard your files and folders for the future.