Losing important files and folders on your Windows PC can be stressful, especially when the deleted or corrupted data is critical to your work or personal projects. Fortunately, Windows offers several effective file recovery methods, ranging from simple built-in tools to advanced repair and recovery techniques. This article explores the top 10 ways to repair and recover files on Windows systems, with clear, step-by-step instructions for both beginners and advanced users.
1. Check the Recycle Bin First
Beginner Tip:
Whenever you delete files or folders in Windows, they usually go to the Recycle Bin. Open the Recycle Bin from your desktop, find the lost files, right-click, and select Restore. They will return to their original location.
Advanced Note:
If you emptied the Recycle Bin or used Shift+Delete, proceed to the next methods.
2. Use File History or Previous Versions
Beginner Guide:
File History is a built-in Windows feature that automatically backs up files in Libraries, Desktop, Contacts, and Favorites. To recover:
1. Right-click the folder containing the lost file.
2. Select “Restore previous versions.”
3. Choose a version before deletion or corruption.
4. Click Restore.
Advanced Users:
You can access Previous Versions via the Properties window of the file or folder. This utilizes Windows Shadow Copies, which may be configured through Group Policy for advanced data protection.
3. Restore from Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
Beginner Steps:
If you set up Windows Backup:
1. Open Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
2. Click Restore my files.
3. Follow the prompts to recover files.
Advanced Users:
Use advanced restore options to recover files to a different location or restore the entire backup image.
4. Glary Utilities: Undelete and File Recovery
Why Choose Glary Utilities?
Glary Utilities features a robust File Undelete tool that can recover deleted files even after the Recycle Bin is emptied. It scans your drives for recoverable data and allows for selective file restoration.
Step-by-Step:
1. Download and install Glary Utilities.
2. Open the program and select “File Undelete” under the “Advanced Tools” section.
3. Choose the drive to scan.
4. Preview and select files for recovery.
5. Click Restore and choose a safe save location.
Advanced Tip:
Glary Utilities can also repair corrupted files, clean up file system errors, and optimize your PC’s performance after recovery.
5. Windows File System Checker (SFC)
Advanced Technique:
Corrupted system files may cause data loss or file inaccessibility. The SFC tool checks and repairs them.
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to finish and follow any prompts to restore files.
Beginner Note:
This method is safe but best used when system files are suspect. It won’t recover user documents directly but can allow you to access them again if corruption blocked access.
6. Use CHKDSK to Repair Drive Errors
Advanced Users:
File loss can result from drive errors or bad sectors. CHKDSK scans and repairs these.
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type chkdsk C: /f /r (replace C: with your drive letter).
3. Press Enter and let the scan complete.
This can recover orphaned files and improve disk health, sometimes returning lost files to a FOUND folder.
7. Data Recovery Software Solutions
For Severe Cases:
If built-in tools fail, dedicated data recovery software can scan for files even after formatting or partition loss. Examples include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill.
Steps:
1. Download and install the software on a different drive to avoid overwriting lost files.
2. Run a deep scan on the affected drive.
3. Preview and restore your files.
Glary Utilities vs. Third-Party Tools:
Glary Utilities is easy and safe for basic recovery. For deep recovery, specialized tools may offer more advanced scanning algorithms.
8. Restore Files from OneDrive or Cloud Backups
Beginner Guide:
If you use OneDrive or another cloud service:
1. Visit the OneDrive website or app.
2. Check the Recycle Bin or version history for restored files.
3. Restore files to your PC.
Advanced Users:
Leverage cloud versioning to recover earlier file versions, even after local corruption.
9. Recover Files from System Restore Points
Advanced Users Only:
System Restore rolls back system files and settings, not user documents. However, if you suspect recent system changes led to file loss:
1. Open Start Menu > type “System Restore”.
2. Follow prompts to choose a restore point before the issue.
3. Check if file access is restored.
Warning: System Restore can affect installed programs and drivers.
10. Engage Professional Data Recovery Services
For Critical Loss:
If physical drive damage, mechanical failure, or severe corruption prevents any software solution from working, consider a professional data recovery service. This option is costly but may be necessary for irreplaceable data.
Best Practices for Prevention and Future Recovery
– Use Glary Utilities’ One-Click Maintenance to regularly clean junk files, fix registry errors, and maintain a healthy system.
– Enable File History or another backup solution.
– Store important files in cloud storage with versioning.
– Avoid writing new data to drives after file loss to maximize recovery chances.
Summary for Beginners:
Start with the Recycle Bin, File History, and basic Glary Utilities recovery. Avoid further changes to the affected drive.
Summary for Advanced Users:
Use SFC, CHKDSK, and advanced recovery tools. Consider forensic techniques and professional services for severe cases.
By combining these 10 methods, Windows users can greatly improve their chances of recovering lost or corrupted files and keep their systems healthy for the future. Regular maintenance with solutions like Glary Utilities can also help prevent data loss before it happens.