Losing important files on your Windows 10 computer can feel stressful, but you don’t have to panic. Windows offers several built-in ways to recover lost or deleted files, and with a little know-how, you can often get your documents, photos, or folders back. This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through the most effective and simple file recovery methods, offering step-by-step instructions and real-life examples. Plus, you’ll learn how Glary Utilities can help make file recovery and future file management even easier.
Why Are Files Lost or Deleted?
Before we dive in, it’s helpful to understand why files might disappear:
– Accidental deletion (sent to Recycle Bin or removed permanently)
– Formatting or cleaning drives
– System crashes or malware attacks
– Failed software updates
– Power interruptions during file transfers
What Should You Do First If You Lose a File?
The most important rule: stop using the affected drive as soon as you notice missing files. The more you use your computer, the more likely the deleted file’s space will be overwritten, making recovery harder.
Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin
Real-world example: You delete a Word document from your Desktop.
How to recover:
1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your Desktop.
2. Look for your lost file in the list.
3. Right-click the file and choose Restore. The file will return to its original location.
Step 2: Restore from File History
Windows 10’s File History feature automatically backs up files in certain folders (like Documents, Pictures, and Desktop) if enabled.
How to check File History:
1. Type Restore your files with File History in the Windows search bar and select the result.
2. Browse through available backups using the arrow keys.
3. Select the file or folder you want and click the green Restore button.
Note: File History must be turned on before the file was deleted. If you never set it up, this option may not be available.
Step 3: Recover Previous Versions
Windows 10 sometimes saves shadow copies called Previous Versions.
To access previous versions:
1. Right-click the folder where your file was stored (for example, Documents).
2. Choose Restore previous versions.
3. In the list, select a version with your file and click Restore.
Step 4: Use Glary Utilities for File Recovery
Glary Utilities is a popular and beginner-friendly tool for system maintenance and file recovery. Its File Undelete feature can help retrieve files deleted from your hard drive, SD cards, or USB sticks.
How to recover files with Glary Utilities:
1. Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Open Glary Utilities and click the Advanced Tools tab.
3. Select File Undelete from the list.
4. Choose the drive where your file was located (e.g., C: or D:).
5. Click the Search button. Glary Utilities will list deleted files.
6. Browse the results, check the boxes next to your lost files, and click Restore.
Tip: Save recovered files to a different drive or folder to avoid overwriting other lost data.
Glary Utilities makes file recovery accessible with its clear interface and helpful prompts. Besides file recovery, it also offers tools to clean junk files, fix registry errors, and optimize your Windows performance—ideal for keeping your files safe and your PC running smoothly.
Step 5: Check Cloud Backups (Optional)
If you use OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, your files might be safely stored online.
For OneDrive users:
1. Open OneDrive from the taskbar or visit onedrive.live.com.
2. Use the search bar or browse folders for your file.
3. If deleted, check the OneDrive Recycle Bin and restore the file if found.
How Can You Prevent File Loss in the Future?
– Regularly backup important files using Windows File History, OneDrive, or an external drive.
– Install and use comprehensive tools like Glary Utilities for ongoing system maintenance and file protection.
– Double-check before deleting files, especially when using Shift + Delete (permanently deletes files bypassing the Recycle Bin).
Final Thoughts
File recovery on Windows 10 is easier than it seems when you know where to look and what steps to follow. Start with the Recycle Bin, then try built-in Windows features like File History and Previous Versions, and don’t hesitate to use Glary Utilities for more advanced recoveries. With these tips and tools, you’ll be able to recover lost files like a pro and maintain a safer, more organized PC.