Recovering lost or deleted files on Windows can be a daunting experience, but with the right approach, you can often restore important data quickly and efficiently. This guide walks you through practical file recovery methods for Windows users, catering to both beginners and advanced users. We’ll also highlight how Glary Utilities can be an essential tool in your file recovery toolkit.
What Causes File Loss in Windows?
Common reasons for file loss include accidental deletion, formatting, system crashes, malware attacks, or hardware failure. Understanding the cause can help determine the most effective recovery method.
File Recovery for Beginners: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Check the Recycle Bin
The fastest way to recover most deleted files is by checking the Recycle Bin.
– Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
– Browse or search for the deleted file or folder.
– Right-click the file and select ‘Restore’. This will return the item to its original location.
Real-world example: If you accidentally delete a Word document, it’s usually moved to the Recycle Bin. Restoring from here takes seconds.
2. Restore Previous Versions (File History)
If you have File History enabled, you can easily restore previous versions of files or folders.
– Right-click the folder or file you want to restore.
– Select ‘Restore previous versions’.
– In the list of available versions, choose the one you want, then click ‘Restore’.
Note: This method requires that File History or System Protection is enabled prior to data loss.
3. Use Windows Backup
If you regularly back up your files with Windows Backup, restoring is straightforward.
– Open Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
– Click ‘Restore my files’ and follow the prompts to choose what to recover and where to restore it.
Intermediate and Advanced File Recovery Methods
4. Restore Files Using Windows File Recovery Tool
For files permanently deleted and not in the Recycle Bin, try Microsoft’s free Windows File Recovery tool.
– Download and install Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.
– Open it via the Start menu.
– Use the following command in Command Prompt:
winfr C: D:\Recovery /n \Users\YourName\Documents\file.txt
This command attempts to recover ‘file.txt’ from the C: drive and save it in the D:\Recovery folder.
Tip: Replace ‘file.txt’ and paths with your own. Review Microsoft’s documentation for advanced options and filters.
5. Employ Third-Party Software: Glary Utilities
Glary Utilities offers an accessible and robust file recovery option for both beginners and advanced users.
– Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
– Launch Glary Utilities and select ‘Modules’ > ‘Privacy & Security’ > ‘File Undelete’.
– Choose the drive where the file was lost, then click ‘Search’.
– Browse the list of recoverable files, select the ones needed, and click ‘Restore’.
Benefits of Glary Utilities:
– User-friendly interface suitable for all skill levels.
– Supports a wide range of file types and storage devices.
– Offers advanced scanning options for deep recovery.
– Additional tools for system cleanup, optimization, and file protection.
Example: If you formatted a USB drive by mistake, Glary Utilities can scan and attempt to recover files that standard methods will miss.
Advanced Tips for Professional Users
6. Recovering Files from Shadow Copies or Restore Points
If your system creates restore points or shadow copies, you can sometimes recover files from these.
– Open Command Prompt as administrator.
– Type vssadmin list shadows to view available shadow copies.
– Use specialized third-party tools to access and mount shadow copies for file retrieval.
Caution: This approach is generally for advanced users or IT professionals familiar with Windows internals.
7. Data Recovery from Damaged or Corrupted Drives
If your drive is physically failing or logically corrupted:
– Stop using the drive immediately to prevent overwriting data.
– Use data recovery software like Glary Utilities or contact a professional recovery service for critical data.
How to Prevent Future Data Loss
– Regularly back up important files using Windows Backup, OneDrive, or third-party utilities.
– Use Glary Utilities’ built-in backup and file protection features.
– Keep your system updated, and run regular malware scans.
Conclusion
Windows provides multiple options for recovering lost or deleted files, from simple built-in features like the Recycle Bin and File History to advanced tools like Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery and Glary Utilities. By following the steps that match your skill level, you can maximize your chances of successful file recovery. For comprehensive protection and ease of use, Glary Utilities stands out as a recommended solution for Windows users seeking to recover, manage, and safeguard their files and folders.