Accidentally deleted important files on your Windows 10 PC? Don't panic! This article outlines five proven methods to recover those lost files quickly and easily. From using the Recycle Bin to employing powerful data recovery software, we'll guide you through the process, step-by-step. No technical expertise is needed; even beginners can follow along and get their precious data back. Let's get started!
Methods: Check the Recycle Bin
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Open Recycle Bin
- Double click on the recycle bin to open it.
Open Recycle Bin -
Locate Deleted Files
- Look through the files to find the ones you're looking for.
Locate Deleted Files -
Restore Files
- Right-click on the files you want to restore and choose 'restore'.
- Alternatively, drag and drop the files to a new location.
Restore Files -
Verify Restoration
- Verify that the files have been restored to their original or new location.
Verify Restoration
Methods: Use Command Prompt to Unhide Files (For Virus Infections)
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Access Command Prompt
- Open the Start menu and type CMD.
- Right-click on CMD and select 'Run as administrator'.
Access Command Prompt -
Execute Unhide Command
- `attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:\*.*` (replace 'X' with your drive letter).
-
Confirm Execution
- Hit Enter.
Tips
- This method is most effective if files have been hidden by a virus.
- Remember to replace 'X' with the correct drive letter.
Methods: Employ Data Recovery Software (Disk Drill)
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Installation
- Download and install Disk Drill to a different drive than the one you're recovering from.
-
Initiate Recovery
- Launch Disk Drill and select the disk/partition where files were located.
- Click 'Search for lost data'.
Initiate Recovery -
File Review and Selection
- Review the found files; preview them to ensure they're intact.
- Checkmark files you want and choose a save location (different from the source).
File Review and Selection -
Recovery and Saving
- Click 'Recover' to restore the selected files.
Recovery and Saving
Tips
- Disk Drill allows free recovery of up to 500MB of data.
- Previewing files before recovery ensures data integrity.
- Save recovered files to a different drive to prevent overwriting.
Methods: Utilize File History (Windows 10 Built-in Feature)
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Access File History
- Open File Explorer, locate the folder with missing items, click the 'Home' tab, and then click the 'History' button.
Access File History -
Select and Locate File Version
- Select the files/folder to restore, navigate through time using the arrows to find the desired version.
Select and Locate File Version -
Restore the File
- Click the 'Restore' button to restore files to their original location.
Restore the File -
Resolve Naming Conflicts
- Address any naming conflicts if necessary.
Resolve Naming Conflicts
Tips
- This feature requires File History to be activated.
Methods: Restore Previous Versions (Windows 10 Built-in Feature)
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Enable System Protection
- Open the Start menu, type 'System Protection', and hit Enter.
- Choose a hard drive, click 'Configure', select 'Turn on system protection', and click 'OK'.
Enable System Protection -
Restore Previous Version
- Navigate to the file/folder, right-click, select 'Restore previous versions', and choose the desired version.
Restore Previous Version
Tips
- This feature requires System Protection to be activated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overwriting Deleted Files
Reason: After deleting a file, continuing to use your computer can overwrite the deleted file's space on the hard drive, making recovery impossible.
Solution: Immediately stop using your computer and attempt recovery using data recovery software.
2. Using the Recycle Bin for Large Files
Reason: The Recycle Bin has a size limit. Large files may be permanently deleted if they exceed this limit before recovery.
Solution: For large files, bypass the Recycle Bin and use data recovery software directly.
3. Reinstalling the Operating System
Reason: Reinstalling Windows will completely erase the hard drive, including any deleted files that might still be recoverable.
Solution: Attempt file recovery before reinstalling the operating system.