Accidentally deleting important files or folders on your Windows 10 or 11 PC can be stressful. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to recover lost files, even for beginners. In this article, you’ll learn which file recovery techniques work best, how to use them, and some practical tips to help you avoid data loss in the future.
Why Are Files Lost or Deleted?
Files can be lost due to accidental deletion, formatting, system crashes, malware, or hardware failure. Knowing the cause helps you choose the right recovery method.
What Should You Do Immediately After File Loss?
Act quickly! Stop using the drive where your files were stored. The more you use your PC, the higher the risk that deleted files are overwritten and become unrecoverable.
Which File Recovery Methods Should Beginners Use?
1. Check the Recycle Bin
Whenever you delete files in Windows 10 or 11, they usually go to the Recycle Bin first.
– Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
– Browse for the files or folders you want to recover.
– Right-click the item and choose “Restore.”
The files will be returned to their original location.
If you emptied the Recycle Bin or used “Shift + Delete,” try the next methods.
2. Use Windows File History
File History is a built-in backup feature in Windows 10 and 11. It automatically saves copies of your files if it’s enabled.
– Open the folder where your files were stored.
– Click the “Home” tab at the top, then select “History.”
– Browse previous versions of your folder and select the files you want to restore.
– Click the green restore button.
If File History wasn’t set up before the deletion, this method won’t work. It’s a good idea to enable File History now to protect future files (Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Add a drive).
3. Restore Previous Versions
Windows keeps shadow copies of files and folders, sometimes allowing you to restore earlier versions.
– Right-click on the folder where your files were located.
– Select “Restore previous versions.”
– Choose from the available versions and click “Restore.”
This works only if System Protection or File History was enabled earlier.
4. Try Glary Utilities’ File Recovery Tool
For files not found in backups or the Recycle Bin, data recovery software is your next option. Glary Utilities offers a beginner-friendly File Recovery tool that scans for deleted files and helps you restore them.
How to use Glary Utilities for file recovery:
– Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
– Launch the program and go to “Advanced Tools.”
– Click on “File Recovery.”
– Select the drive where your files were deleted.
– Click “Scan.” The tool will list recoverable files.
– Browse the list, check the boxes next to the files/folders you want to restore, and click “Restore.”
Glary Utilities is designed for ease of use, making it ideal for beginners. It also offers extra tools to clean and optimize your Windows system, helping prevent future issues.
5. Cloud Backups (OneDrive and Others)
If you use OneDrive or another cloud backup service, deleted files might still be recoverable from the cloud’s recycle bin.
– Log into your OneDrive account via web browser.
– Open the “Recycle bin.”
– Find your file or folder, select it, and click “Restore.”
What If The File Is Still Missing?
If none of these methods work, professional data recovery services may be necessary, but they are costly and typically a last resort.
How Can You Prevent Future Data Loss?
– Regularly back up important files using File History, OneDrive, or another cloud service.
– Use Glary Utilities for regular system optimization and cleanup. Its maintenance tools can help prevent issues that lead to file loss.
– Be cautious with deletions and formatting.
In Summary
For Windows 10 and 11 beginners, start with simple steps: check the Recycle Bin, try File History or previous versions, and use Glary Utilities for more challenging recoveries. Setting up regular backups and using system maintenance tools like Glary Utilities can save you time and stress in the future. If you act quickly and follow these steps, you stand a good chance of recovering your lost files.