Are lost or accidentally deleted files causing you headaches on your Windows 11 PC? File loss can happen to anyone—maybe you emptied the Recycle Bin too soon, ran into a system crash, or lost data after a Windows update. Fortunately, Windows 11 and trusted third-party tools make file recovery possible for most scenarios. This article walks intermediate users through proven, practical file recovery strategies and how to prevent future data loss.
Why Do Files Get Lost or Deleted in Windows 11?
Understanding common causes helps you choose the right recovery approach:
– Accidental deletion from folders or the Recycle Bin.
– File overwrites or corruption during editing or program crashes.
– Problems after Windows updates or system restores.
– Malware infections or hardware issues.
What Should You Do Immediately After Noticing File Loss?
Act quickly and avoid making changes to the affected drive—this increases your recovery chances. Here’s what to do:
1. Stop saving new files or installing programs on the drive where data was lost.
2. Check if you have a backup (File History, OneDrive, or another backup tool).
3. Use built-in recovery tools before moving to advanced methods.
How Can You Recover Deleted Files from the Recycle Bin?
Recovering recently deleted files is straightforward:
1. Open the Recycle Bin on your Desktop.
2. Find the files or folders you wish to restore.
3. Right-click each item and select “Restore.” The files return to their original locations.
What If Files Are Not in the Recycle Bin? Use Windows File History
If you’ve set up File History, follow these steps:
1. In File Explorer, navigate to the folder where the file was located.
2. Click the “Home” tab, then select “History.”
3. Browse through the available backups—use the arrows to look through changes over time.
4. Select the file version you want, then click the green “Restore” button.
Note: If File History wasn’t previously enabled, this option won’t help. Consider activating it for future protection (Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Add a drive).
Can You Recover Previous Versions of Files or Folders?
Windows 11 sometimes saves previous versions using restore points. Try this:
1. Right-click the folder where the file was located.
2. Click “Properties,” then go to the “Previous Versions” tab.
3. Select an available version and click “Restore” or “Open” to view its contents.
How Can Glary Utilities Help with File Recovery?
Glary Utilities is a trusted all-in-one optimization suite for Windows, geared for intermediate users. Its “File Undelete” tool is designed to recover files that have been deleted—even if they’re no longer in the Recycle Bin.
Here’s how to use Glary Utilities for file recovery:
1. Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Launch the program and go to the “Advanced Tools” tab.
3. Select “File Undelete.”
4. Choose the drive where your files were lost and start a scan.
5. Review the list of recoverable files by name, format, and date. Use the filter to narrow results.
6. Select the files you want to restore and choose a safe recovery location (preferably a different drive).
Glary Utilities is especially effective because it scans for residual file fragments and gives you a preview of recoverable items, reducing the risk of overwriting data.
Are Third-Party File Recovery Tools Worth Considering?
When built-in tools fall short, third-party recovery software—like Glary Utilities—can scan deeper for files that appear lost. Other reputable options include Recuva and EaseUS Data Recovery. Always download such tools from their official websites to avoid malware.
How Can You Prevent Future Data Loss on Windows 11?
Good recovery is one thing, but prevention is even better. Here are actionable steps:
– Regularly back up important files using File History, OneDrive, or an external drive.
– Consider using disk optimization tools, such as Glary Utilities, to keep your file system healthy and reduce corruption risks.
– Avoid saving files directly to your system drive (C:) if you work with sensitive or critical data—use a secondary partition or external storage.
– Enable System Restore in Windows for a safety net against unexpected issues.
In Summary
While losing files on Windows 11 can feel disastrous, following these expert-recommended steps greatly improves your chances of recovery. Always start with native tools like the Recycle Bin, File History, and Previous Versions. For more advanced recovery, Glary Utilities’ File Undelete offers an intuitive, powerful way to get your data back. Finally, make regular backups and preventative maintenance part of your routine for peace of mind.