Losing important files from your computer can be a nightmare. It can happen due to various reasons such as accidental deletion, formatting, virus attacks, system crashes, or even hardware failure. However, the good news is that deleted files are not completely gone from your computer. With the right tools and methods, you can recover deleted files and restore them to their original state. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to recover deleted files from your computer.
Step 1: Stop using the affected drive
The first thing you need to do when you realize that you have deleted important files is to stop using the affected drive. Continued usage of the drive can overwrite the deleted files, making them impossible to recover. Avoid installing any new software or saving any new data on the drive until you have completed the recovery process.
Step 2: Check the Recycle Bin or Trash folder
Before you start using any recovery tools, it’s essential to check the Recycle Bin or Trash folder. Sometimes, when you delete a file, it is moved to the Recycle Bin or Trash folder instead of being permanently deleted. If you find the deleted file in the Recycle Bin or Trash folder, you can easily restore it to its original location.
Step 3: Use File History or Previous Versions
If you are using Windows 10, you can use the File History feature to restore deleted files. File History automatically backs up your files, so you can restore them if they are lost or deleted. To use this feature, go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup and select “More options.” From there, you can select “Restore files from a current backup” or “Restore files from a previous backup.” If you are using an older version of Windows, you can try using the “Previous Versions” feature, which is similar to File History.
Step 4: Use a Data Recovery Software
If you still cannot find the deleted files, you can use a data recovery software to retrieve them. There are many data recovery tools available, both free and paid. Some of the popular ones include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Stellar Data Recovery. These tools work by scanning the hard drive for deleted files and then allowing you to restore them.
To use a data recovery software, download and install the software on a different drive (not the one from which you want to recover data). Launch the software and select the drive you want to scan. The scanning process may take some time, depending on the size of the drive and the number of deleted files. Once the scan is complete, you can preview the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore. Remember to save the recovered files to a different drive to avoid overwriting the deleted files.
Losing important files from your computer can be a stressful experience. However, with the right tools and methods, you can recover your deleted files and restore them to their original state. Remember to stop using the affected drive, check the Recycle Bin or Trash folder, use File History or Previous Versions, use a data recovery software, and seek professional help if necessary. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of recovering your deleted files and avoid losing valuable data.
