Losing important files on your Windows PC can be stressful, but Windows 10 and 11 offer several options for file recovery. Whether you deleted files by accident, lost data after a system crash, or want to recover old versions of documents, optimizing your file recovery process is essential. This guide explores the top 10 ways to improve your file recovery success rate, with step-by-step instructions and practical advice for both beginners and advanced users.
1. Use the Recycle Bin for Quick Recovery
Beginner Tip
When you delete a file in Windows, it usually goes to the Recycle Bin first.
– Open the Recycle Bin icon on your Desktop.
– Locate your file, right-click it, and select “Restore.”
– The file will return to its original location.
Advanced Tip
Regularly emptying your Recycle Bin is good for storage, but always double-check for critical files before doing so.
2. Recover Files Using Windows File History
Beginner Tip
Windows File History automatically backs up files in the Documents, Pictures, Music, and other folders.
– Type “Restore your files with File History” in the Windows search box.
– Browse available backups and select the files/folders you want to restore.
– Click the green restore button.
Advanced Tip
Set File History to backup to an external drive for enhanced protection.
3. Enable and Use System Restore Points
Beginner Tip
System Restore can sometimes recover files lost during system changes.
– Type “Create a restore point” in search.
– Go to System Protection tab and click “System Restore.”
– Follow the prompts to restore your PC to an earlier state.
Advanced Tip
Create restore points before major updates or software installations.
4. Check OneDrive and Cloud Backups
Beginner Tip
If you have OneDrive enabled, deleted files might be recoverable from the OneDrive Recycle Bin.
– Visit the OneDrive website or app.
– Go to the Recycle Bin section and restore your files.
5. Use Glary Utilities’ File Undelete Tool
Why Glary Utilities?
Glary Utilities provides a powerful and user-friendly File Undelete feature to recover files that have been removed from the Recycle Bin.
– Download and install Glary Utilities.
– Open the program and select “File Undelete” from the Advanced Tools menu.
– Choose the drive to scan and search for your lost files.
– Select files from the scan results and click “Restore.”
Glary Utilities is ideal because it supports file preview and filters, making recovery faster and more effective.
6. Restore Previous Versions of Files and Folders
Beginner Tip
Windows automatically creates shadow copies (previous versions) of your files and folders.
– Right-click the folder containing your lost file.
– Select “Restore previous versions.”
– Choose the correct version and click “Restore.”
Advanced Tip
Set up System Protection to cover all important drives for more comprehensive shadow copies.
7. Use Command Prompt for Deep Recovery
Advanced Tip
For accidental formatting or severe corruption, try the Command Prompt:
– Open Command Prompt as administrator.
– Use the command:
chkdsk X: /f (replace X with your drive letter)
– To recover readable information, use:
attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:\*.\*
This might reveal files marked as hidden or system files.
8. Try Windows File Recovery Tool
Beginner Tip
Microsoft’s free tool can recover deleted files.
– Download Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.
– Open the app, then use command lines like:
winfr C: D:\Recovery /n \Users\YourName\Documents\FileName.docx
Replace paths and filenames as needed.
9. Practice Safe Storage and Backup Habits
Beginner Tip
Regularly back up your files to external drives or cloud services.
– Use Windows Backup or third-party tools.
Advanced Tip
Schedule automated backups for mission-critical data and keep backup devices disconnected from the PC when not in use to avoid malware risks.
10. Avoid Writing New Data After Deletion
Important for All Users
When a file is deleted, its space is marked as free but not immediately erased. Do not copy, install, or save new files on the affected drive until after recovery attempts to maximize success.
Summary Table for Quick Reference
Method | Difficulty | Best Use
—|—|—
Recycle Bin | Beginner | Recently deleted files
File History | Beginner | Backed-up files
System Restore | Beginner/Advanced | System changes
OneDrive/Cloud | Beginner | Cloud-synced files
Glary Utilities File Undelete | Beginner/Advanced | Files deleted from Recycle Bin
Restore Previous Versions | Beginner | Older file versions
Command Prompt | Advanced | Corruption/hidden data
Windows File Recovery Tool | Beginner/Advanced | Advanced deleted file recovery
Safe Backup Habits | All | Preventing future loss
Avoid New Data | All | After accidental deletion
Conclusion
Optimizing file recovery in Windows 10 and 11 involves both using built-in tools and adopting proactive habits. Beginners should start with Recycle Bin, File History, and OneDrive. Advanced users can leverage Glary Utilities, command-line tools, and system protections. No matter your skill level, combining these strategies gives you the best chance of recovering precious files and keeping your data safe in the future.