Losing important files and folders on your Windows PC can be a stressful experience, whether it’s due to accidental deletion, formatting, or a system crash. Fortunately, Windows provides several built-in and third-party solutions to help recover your data. This guide walks through practical file recovery methods suitable for all levels of Windows users, from beginners to advanced, covering step-by-step instructions and real-world examples.
What Should You Do First After Data Loss?
Before you attempt any recovery, it’s important to stop using the affected drive immediately. Continued use may overwrite the deleted files and make recovery more difficult. If possible, avoid installing recovery software on the same drive where the data was lost.
How to Use Windows Recycle Bin for Quick Recovery?
Most files deleted in Windows are first moved to the Recycle Bin rather than being permanently erased.
1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
2. Browse the list of deleted files and folders.
3. Locate the item(s) you want to restore. You can use the search bar at the top right for quicker access.
4. Right-click the file or folder and select Restore.
5. The restored item will return to its original location.
If your file isn’t in the Recycle Bin, don’t worry—there are still other options.
How to Restore Previous Versions of Files and Folders?
Windows offers the Previous Versions feature, which uses restore points or File History to back up files automatically.
1. Navigate to the folder that previously contained the deleted file.
2. Right-click the folder and choose Restore previous versions.
3. In the list that appears, select a version before the file was deleted.
4. Click Open to preview, or Restore to bring back the entire folder/content.
Note: This feature works best if you have enabled System Protection or File History before data loss.
Recovering Files Using File History
File History is a built-in backup tool in Windows 10 and later. If you’ve set it up before losing your files, here’s how to recover them:
1. Type Restore your files with File History in the Windows search bar and open it.
2. Browse through the backup folders or use the arrows to navigate through dates.
3. Select the file or folder you want to restore.
4. Click the green Restore button to return the item to its original location.
Can You Recover Files from a Backup?
If you regularly back up your files using Windows Backup and Restore, you can retrieve them as follows:
1. Go to Control Panel and select Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
2. Click Restore my files.
3. Follow the wizard to browse your backup and select the files or folders you need.
4. Choose a restore location and complete the process.
What If The Built-in Methods Don’t Work?
Sometimes, files are deleted permanently or the Recycle Bin is emptied. In this case, you’ll need third-party recovery tools. Glary Utilities is a comprehensive software suite that includes an easy-to-use file recovery tool.
How to Use Glary Utilities for File Recovery
Glary Utilities’ File Undelete feature is designed for users of all experience levels. Here’s how to recover deleted files:
1. Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Open Glary Utilities and go to the Advanced Tools tab.
3. Select File Undelete.
4. Choose the drive where you lost your files (e.g., C: or D:).
5. Click Search to scan for recoverable files.
6. Browse the list and check the files or folders you want to recover.
7. Click Restore and choose a different drive/location for recovery to avoid overwriting lost data.
Glary Utilities not only helps with file recovery but also includes valuable features for system maintenance, privacy protection, and optimization, making it a must-have tool for regular Windows users.
Tips to Prevent Future Data Loss
1. Regularly back up your important files using File History, Windows Backup, or cloud services.
2. Use Glary Utilities’ system maintenance tools to optimize performance and reduce the risk of system crashes.
3. Be cautious when deleting files—always double-check the selected items.
4. Enable System Protection to create restore points automatically.
Summary
File and folder loss can happen to anyone, but knowing the right recovery steps can save you time and stress. Whether you rely on Windows’ built-in features or comprehensive tools like Glary Utilities, these step-by-step methods give every Windows user a reliable path to recover precious data and keep their system healthy. Regular backups and system maintenance are key to minimizing future risks and ensuring peace of mind.