Every Windows user has faced the panic of accidentally deleting a file or folder. The good news is that Windows provides several built-in and third-party solutions to recover lost files. As a beginner, it’s important to understand not only how to recover files, but also how to keep your recovery options clean and organized, so you don’t wind up with a cluttered and confusing system. Here are the top 10 ways to use and clean file recovery methods effectively in Windows.
What is File Recovery and Why Is It Important?
File recovery lets you restore files that have been deleted, lost, or corrupted. Often, files are not immediately erased from your hard drive, so certain methods can bring them back. However, leaving too many recovery points, backups, or duplicates can fill your storage and slow down your PC. That’s why knowing how to recover and clean up after recovery is crucial.
1. Check the Recycle Bin First
When you delete a file, it usually goes to the Recycle Bin rather than disappearing forever.
How to do it:
– Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
– Find the file you want to recover.
– Right-click the file and select Restore.
Tip: Periodically empty the Recycle Bin (right-click > Empty Recycle Bin) to free up space.
2. Use Windows File History for Previous Versions
If you’ve set up File History, you may be able to restore older versions of your files.
How to do it:
– Right-click the file or folder you want to recover.
– Select Restore previous versions.
– Choose a version from the list, then click Restore.
Tip: Unused or outdated file versions can be deleted to prevent unnecessary clutter.
3. Recover Files from Backups
If you back up files using Windows Backup, you can recover them easily.
How to do it:
– Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
– Click Restore my files.
– Follow the wizard to select and restore your files.
Tip: Remove old backup sets you no longer need to keep your backup storage clean.
4. Try System Restore for System Files
System Restore doesn’t recover personal files, but can restore system files lost due to updates or software changes.
How to do it:
– Type “System Restore” in the Windows search bar and open Create a restore point.
– Click System Restore and follow the prompts.
Tip: Delete old restore points by using the Disk Cleanup tool to reclaim space.
5. Use Glary Utilities’ File Undelete Feature
Accidental deletion can be fixed with Glary Utilities’ Undelete tool, which easily finds and restores deleted files.
How to do it:
– Download and install Glary Utilities.
– Open Glary Utilities and switch to the “Advanced Tools” tab.
– Click on “File Undelete”.
– Scan your drive and select files you wish to recover, then click Restore.
Tip: After recovering files, use Glary Utilities’ Disk Cleaner to remove unnecessary junk files and keep things tidy.
6. Restore from OneDrive or Other Cloud Backups
If you use OneDrive or similar services, recover deleted files from the cloud’s recycle bin.
How to do it:
– Log in to your cloud storage account.
– Go to the Recycle Bin or Trash section.
– Select the file and click Restore.
Tip: Periodically clean the cloud Recycle Bin and old versions to save storage space.
7. Check Temporary Folders for Unsaved Files
Some programs, like Microsoft Office, save temporary versions of files.
How to do it:
– Open File Explorer and enter %temp% in the address bar.
– Look for files with names similar to your lost document.
– Copy and open them to see if your content is there.
Tip: Use Disk Cleanup (or Glary Utilities) to periodically clear out the temp folder.
8. Use a Third-Party Recovery Tool for Deep Scans
Sometimes, built-in options don’t find your file. Programs like Glary Utilities can perform deeper scans.
How to do it:
– Install Glary Utilities, launch the File Undelete tool.
– Select the drive and scan for deleted files.
– Choose files to recover and restore them.
Tip: Regularly use Glary Utilities’ Duplicate File Finder after recovery to eliminate unnecessary copies and save space.
9. Clean Up Redundant Files After Recovery
After recovering files, it’s common to have duplicates or unwanted versions.
How to do it:
– Use Glary Utilities’ Duplicate File Finder.
– Scan locations where you restored files.
– Review and remove duplicates you no longer need.
Tip: Always check before deleting to avoid removing important files.
10. Organize and Back Up Recovered Files
Once files are recovered, place them in organized folders and back them up.
How to do it:
– Move recovered files into the appropriate folders.
– Create a regular backup schedule using Windows Backup or Glary Utilities’ Backup tool.
– Verify the backup to be sure your files are safe.
Tip: Cleaning up and organizing after recovery reduces confusion and prevents future data loss.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
If you’ve tried all these steps and still can’t recover your files, or if your hard drive is making strange noises, stop using the drive and contact a data recovery professional. Continued use can make recovery impossible.
Conclusion
The ability to recover lost files is a vital Windows skill. By following these top 10 ways, beginners can successfully restore files and keep their systems clean and organized. Using tools like Glary Utilities simplifies both file recovery and system cleanup, ensuring your Windows PC runs smoothly and your important data stays safe.