Have you ever accidentally deleted an important file or emptied your Recycle Bin too quickly? Don’t worry—file recovery is possible, even for beginners. This guide will help you understand professional file recovery methods in Windows 10 and teach you practical steps to restore lost files. Let’s explore proven techniques to keep your files safe and recover them like a pro.
What Should You Do Immediately After Deleting a File?
If you just deleted a file, your first step is to check the Recycle Bin. In Windows 10, deleted files are usually moved here before being permanently erased.
1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
2. Look for the file you just deleted.
3. Right-click the file and select “Restore.”
The file will return to its original location.
If you can’t find your file here, don’t panic—there are other ways to recover it.
How Can You Use Windows’ Built-In File Recovery Tools?
Windows 10 offers built-in tools that can recover lost files without extra software.
File History
File History automatically saves copies of your files if it’s enabled.
1. Open the folder where your file was located.
2. Click the “Home” tab in File Explorer, then select “History.”
3. Browse through the available backup versions.
4. Select the file version you want and click “Restore.”
Note: File History must be set up before file loss. To set it up, go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup, and add a drive for File History.
Previous Versions
Windows sometimes saves previous versions of files and folders.
1. Right-click the folder where your lost file was.
2. Select “Restore previous versions.”
3. Choose from the list of available versions and click “Restore.”
Is Professional Recovery Software Worth Using?
For more challenging situations, such as files that didn’t go to the Recycle Bin or were lost during formatting, professional recovery software can help. Glary Utilities is a great all-in-one solution, especially for beginners.
Why use Glary Utilities for File Recovery?
Glary Utilities includes a user-friendly file recovery tool that:
– Scans your drives for recoverable files
– Lets you preview files before restoring
– Supports many file types (documents, photos, videos)
– Is safe and easy to use, even for beginners
How to Recover Deleted Files Using Glary Utilities
1. Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Open Glary Utilities and go to the “Advanced Tools” tab.
3. Click on “File Recovery.”
4. Select the drive you lost your file from and start the scan.
5. Browse the results list, select your lost file, and click “Restore.”
Real-World Example:
Anna accidentally deleted her vacation photos from a USB drive. She used Glary Utilities, scanned the USB drive, and quickly restored her lost photos with just a few clicks.
What Can You Do to Prevent Future File Loss?
Protecting your files is just as important as recovering them. Here are some pro tips:
– Set up File History or another backup system in Windows 10.
– Use Glary Utilities’ “Disk Cleaner” and “Duplicate File Finder” tools to keep your storage organized and prevent accidental deletions.
– Regularly back up important files to an external drive or cloud service.
– Avoid installing new programs or saving new files to a drive after file loss—this prevents overwriting recoverable data.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
If you’ve tried all the above methods and still can’t recover your files, or if the data is extremely valuable, consider contacting a professional data recovery service. They have specialized equipment to recover files from damaged or failing drives.
Summary
Losing files isn’t the end of the road. By using the Recycle Bin, Windows recovery tools, and professional utilities like Glary Utilities, beginners can recover files like a pro. Take the time to set up regular backups and practice safe file management to avoid future headaches. With these methods, you’ll keep your files safe and recoverable.