Data loss is one of the most common issues that users face across the globe. If you have accidentally deleted or are unable to locate a file, this article will help you retrieve it.
This article is divided into 4 unique parts-
- Recovering Deleted Files Using Recycle Bin
- Recovering Permanently Deleted Files Using a Backup
- Recover Permanently Deleted Files With Software
- Using Command Prompt to Recover Permanently Deleted Files
Each section has a different approach to tackling the issue, trying out every solution will give you the best possible chances of recovering permanently deleted files in any scenario.
Part 1: Recovering Deleted Files Using Recycle Bin
The first place to look is in the Windows Recycle Bin, It stores all the deleted files unless-
- The file was deleted using the Shift+Del shortcut
- The file was permanently deleted from the Recycle Bin
- The Recycle Bin was emptied with your file in it.
You can recover your deleted files from the Recycle Bin by following the steps below-
1. Open Recycle Bin.
2. Locate and Right-click on the deleted file.
3. Click on Restore in the drop-down menu.
Part 2: Recovering Permanently Deleted Files Using a Backup
If you have a pre-existing backup file, tne this is next next surefire option to get your deleted files back. Windows has 3 great options that you can use for this. the 1st option here is extremely helpful if you have accidentally deleted content within an office file.
1. Restore Permanently Deleted Files from Previous Versions
If you were working on a Word document or Office suite project and deleted data by accident, the previous version restoration feature will help you recover an earlier version of your file that contains the deleted data.
1. Locate the folder containing your missing data by going to its storage directory.
2. Right-click on the folder or file that contained the deleted items.
3. Select “Restore previous versions” from the context menu.
4. In the “Previous Versions” tab, choose the version of the folder or file you want to restore.
5. Click “Restore” to recover the selected files.
Limitations of this method:
- This method works only if you have enabled the “File History” or “System Protection” feature before the files are 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:
1. Open the Control Panel and navigate to “File History.”
2. Select the drive containing the backed-up files.
3. Browse through the timeline to find the version of the file you want to restore.
4. 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.
1. Type “Control Panel” in the search bar and click on the top result.
2. Go to System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
3. 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.
Part 3: 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:
1. Launch the tool, select the hard drive, and click on Scan.
2. Check the Folders for the recovered files.
3. Locate the files that you need. (Use the search box and Filter options to make it easy)
4. Double-click on any file to preview it.
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 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:
1. Search for “Command Prompt, and choose “Run as Administrator.”
2. Type “chkdsk E: /f” (replace “E” with your disk letter) and press Enter.
3. 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.
