Accidentally deleting important files or folders is a common scenario for Windows users. Fortunately, Windows provides built-in tools for file recovery that can often save the day. This step-by-step guide will walk you through practical file recovery methods available in Windows, tailored for beginners. By following these instructions, you can quickly and confidently restore lost files and get back to your work.
What Should You Do Immediately After Deleting a File?
The moment you realize you have deleted something important, stop using your computer for unnecessary tasks. The more you use your PC, the greater the risk that deleted files will be overwritten and become harder to recover.
How to Recover Files from the Recycle Bin?
Deleted files are typically moved to the Recycle Bin, where they are held until the bin is emptied. This is the easiest place to start:
1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
2. Browse the list of deleted files and folders.
3. Right-click the item you want to restore.
4. Select “Restore.”
The file will be returned to its original location.
Practical Example:
You accidentally delete a folder named “Vacation Photos.” Open the Recycle Bin, find “Vacation Photos,” right-click, and restore it. Your photos reappear in their original folder.
How to Use File History to Restore Previous Versions?
If you have File History set up, Windows can help you recover previous versions of files or folders. Here’s how to check:
1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where your lost file was located.
2. Right-click the folder and select “Restore previous versions.”
3. A list of available previous versions appears. Choose a version you want to restore.
4. Click “Restore” to recover the file or folder.
Tip:
If you don’t see any versions, File History may not be enabled. To turn it on, go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Add a drive, and select an external drive or network location.
What About Recovering Files from OneDrive?
For those who save files to OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage provides its own file recovery:
1. Go to the OneDrive website and sign in.
2. Click “Recycle bin” on the left sidebar.
3. Select the files or folders you want to restore.
4. Click “Restore” at the top of the page.
Practical Example:
If you deleted an important document from your OneDrive folder, log in online, check the Recycle Bin, and restore your file in seconds.
How to Use Windows Backup and Restore?
Windows Backup and Restore is another built-in tool that can help if you’ve set up regular backups:
1. Open Control Panel and go to “System and Security.”
2. Click “Backup and Restore (Windows 7).”
3. Select “Restore my files.”
4. Follow the prompts to browse and restore files from your backup.
What If Built-In Tools Don’t Find Your Files?
If you regularly clean your system or empty the Recycle Bin, files can be permanently deleted. To avoid losing data in the future:
– Enable File History or OneDrive backup.
– Create regular system backups using Windows Backup and Restore.
For more advanced recovery, comprehensive system maintenance tools like Glary Utilities can help. Glary Utilities includes a File Undelete feature that scans your drives for recently deleted files—even after the Recycle Bin is emptied—and allows you to recover them easily. It’s a good idea to install and familiarize yourself with such a tool before you need it.
How Can You Prevent Data Loss in the Future?
– Regularly back up your files using File History or third-party software.
– Store important files in cloud services like OneDrive for added protection.
– Use system optimization tools such as Glary Utilities to manage and monitor your files, ensuring accidental deletions are caught early.
Conclusion
Windows provides several built-in features for file and folder recovery, from the simple Recycle Bin to advanced backups via File History and Backup and Restore. For beginners, mastering these methods ensures you can quickly recover from accidental deletions. For extra security, consider using dedicated tools like Glary Utilities to expand your recovery options and keep your system tidy and protected. With these strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to handle everyday file recovery challenges.