Accidentally deleting an important file can be stressful, but Windows offers several ways to recover lost files and folders. This guide walks you through simple, step-by-step methods to recover deleted or lost files, using built-in Windows features and third-party solutions. Even beginners can follow these instructions with confidence.
What happens when you delete a file in Windows?
When you delete a file by pressing the Delete key or right-clicking and choosing Delete, Windows moves it to the Recycle Bin rather than permanently erasing it. The file remains there until you empty the Recycle Bin, making it easy to restore if you change your mind. If you use Shift + Delete, the file skips the Recycle Bin and is harder to recover, but not necessarily gone forever.
How can you restore deleted files from the Recycle Bin?
1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
2. Scroll through the list or use the search box to locate your deleted file or folder.
3. Right-click the item you want to recover.
4. Click Restore. The file returns to its original folder.
Real-World Example: If you accidentally delete a family photo, open the Recycle Bin, find the photo, and restore it in seconds.
What should you do if the file is not in the Recycle Bin?
If your file is missing from the Recycle Bin (perhaps it was deleted with Shift + Delete or the Recycle Bin was emptied), try using File History or a backup.
How can you use File History or Backups to recover files?
File History is a Windows feature that automatically creates backups of your files if enabled.
To use File History:
1. Open the folder where your lost file was stored.
2. Click the Home tab in the top menu, then click the History button.
3. Browse through previous versions of the folder. Use the arrows to move back in time.
4. Select the file or folder you want to restore.
5. Click the green Restore button to recover it.
Note: File History must be set up before the file was deleted. If it’s not enabled, consider turning it on now for future protection (Settings > Update & Security > Backup).
How can you recover a previous version of a file or folder?
Windows sometimes saves previous versions using restore points.
To restore a previous version:
1. Right-click the folder where the file was located.
2. Click Restore previous versions.
3. In the list, select a backup with the date before your file was deleted.
4. Click Restore or Open to view and copy the lost file.
What about third-party recovery tools?
If the above methods don’t work, you may need a file recovery tool. These tools can scan your hard drive for recoverable deleted files. Glary Utilities is a user-friendly and effective program for this purpose.
How do you use Glary Utilities to recover deleted files?
1. Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Open Glary Utilities and click on the “Advanced Tools” tab.
3. Select “File Undelete.”
4. Choose the drive where your file was lost and click “Search.”
5. Browse the results for your deleted file. Use the search box to filter by name or date.
6. Select the file and click “Restore” to save it to a safe location, ideally not on the same drive to avoid overwriting.
Tips for Successful File Recovery
– Stop using the drive where the file was deleted as soon as possible to avoid overwriting data.
– Regularly back up your important files with Windows Backup or another solution.
– Enable File History for continuous protection.
How can you prevent future data loss?
– Use Glary Utilities’ “Backup” feature for scheduled backups.
– Keep your system and recovery utilities up to date.
– Organize your files and create periodic manual backups to an external drive or cloud service.
Conclusion
Recovering lost files in Windows is possible with the right tools and a bit of know-how. Always check the Recycle Bin first, use File History if available, try restoring previous versions, and, if needed, turn to trusted utilities like Glary Utilities. By following these steps, beginners can avoid panic and recover important files with ease. Remember to set up regular backups to make file recovery even simpler in the future.