How to Restore Permanently Deleted Files in Windows 11/10

In Part 1, we introduce a hassle-free and efficient software solution that ensures a 100% recovery quickly and easily.

In Part 2, we present alternative methods that don’t require software but come with certain limitations. These methods are effective for users seeking recovery without relying on additional software.

Part 1: Recover Permanently Deleted Files With Software

The best way to recover permanently deleted files is to use professional file recovery software like the SFWare data recovery tool.

The software follows a straightforward approach to perform deleted file recovery and works offline as well ensuring the privacy of your data.

Steps to use SFWare Data Recovery Software to perform file recovery:
Step 1: Launch the tool, select the hard drive, and click on Scan.

Step 2: Check the Folders for the recovered files.

Step 3: Locate the files that you need.
(Use the search box and Filter options to make it easy)

 

Step 4: Double-click on any file to preview it.

Step 5: Select the recovered files and Click on Save to restore them on your device.

NOTE: Save the recovered files in a new location to avoid losing the file again.

Part 2: Recovering Permanently Deleted Files Without Software

1. Restore Permanently Deleted Files from Previous Versions

If you’ve permanently deleted files using Shift+Delete, try restoring a previous version of the folder. Follow these steps:

• Locate the folder containing your missing data by going to its storage directory.
• Right-click on the folder or file that contained the deleted items.
• Select “Restore previous versions” from the context menu.
• In the “Previous Versions” tab, choose the version of the folder or file you want to restore.
• Click “Restore” to recover the selected files.

Limitations of this method:

This method works only if you had enabled the “File History” or “System Protection” feature before the files were deleted.
Previous versions might not be available for files stored on external drives or network locations.

2. Retrieve Files from File History

File History is a built-in backup feature in Windows 8, 10, and 11 that automatically backs up files to an external drive or network location. If you are using Windows 8 or later, leverage the File History feature to recover permanently deleted files by following the below steps:

• Open the Control Panel and navigate to “File History.”

• Select the drive containing the backed-up files.
• Browse through the timeline to find the version of the file you want to restore.
• Click on the “Restore” button to recover the selected file.

Limitations of this method:

• File History needs to be set up and configured before data loss occurs.
• Limited storage space on the backup drive may result in the exclusion of older file versions

3. Recover Deleted Files from Windows Backup and Restore

The Windows Backup and Restore feature can retrieve permanently deleted files. This method ensures a systematic recovery process by accessing previously saved versions of your files.

• Type “Control Panel” in the search bar and click on the top result.
• Go to System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

• Click “Restore my files” if a backup exists, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Limitations of this method:

• Windows Backup and Restore must have been enabled before the data loss incident.
• The backup should be available on an external drive or a network location.

4. Use the Command Prompt Method to Recover Permanently Deleted Files

This technical yet effective approach involves executing specific commands to check your disk and manipulate file attributes through the command prompt. With administrative privileges and careful execution, you may reclaim permanently deleted files from your Windows 10/11 computer. To run commands and recover permanent deleted files, follow these steps carefully:

• Search for “Command Prompt, choose “Run as Administrator.“

• Type “chkdsk E: /f” (replace “E” with your disk letter) and press Enter.

This will initiate the scan and fix issues to recover your permanently deleted files.

Limitations of this method:

• Success depends on the extent of data overwriting on the disk.
• This method is more technical and may not be suitable for inexperienced users.
• Risk of further data loss by using the chkdsk command.

Conclusion:

By exploring these methods, you now possess the knowledge to recover permanently deleted files in Windows 11/10 without relying on software. Experiment with these techniques and discover the one that brings your lost data back. For additional assurance, consider effective data recovery tools like SFWare data recovery for a high success rate.