Deleted files Archives

Winsage

January 21, 2026

There’s a right way to wipe your Windows PC before getting rid of it – here’s how I do it

Many individuals and businesses consider acquiring a new PC at the start of the year and must decide what to do with the old device. Options include passing it down, reallocating it, donating, selling, or trading it in. Before doing so, it's essential to migrate apps and files, securely erase personal data, and reset the operating system. To migrate apps and files, users can utilize the Windows Backup app on their old PC to back up settings and installed apps, as well as personal folders to OneDrive. Upon setting up the new PC with the same Microsoft account, users can restore their profile. It's also important to compile a list of legacy software and ensure necessary activation codes are available. For data backup, users can use cloud storage services or create an image backup on a removable hard drive. To securely wipe old data, Windows 11 Pro users can enable BitLocker Disk Encryption, while Windows 11 Home users should delete sensitive files and use the command cipher /w:c: to wipe the disk space. For preparing the old PC for a new owner, users can choose one of three options to install a new copy of Windows 11: 1. Reset - Navigate to Settings > System > Recovery and select "Reset PC," choosing "Remove everything" and either Cloud Download or Local Reinstall. 2. Reimage - If specific drivers are needed, check for a recovery image in Settings > System > Recovery or download one from the manufacturer’s website. 3. Reformat and clean install - Create bootable installation media using the Media Creation Tool, ensure Windows is activated, reformat the system disk, and install Windows 11, which will activate automatically for the new owner.

Winsage

December 29, 2025

Windows 11’s Point-in-Time Restore: A Quiet Safety Net for When Things Go Wrong

Windows 11 Point-in-Time Restore is a recovery feature that captures snapshots of the system's state, including system files, applications, settings, and user data, allowing users to revert to a recent stable state when issues arise. It operates automatically once activated, using Volume Shadow Copy technology for comprehensive backups. The feature can quickly reverse changes made within the last 72 hours, addressing problems like faulty driver installations without requiring a complete reinstallation of Windows. However, it has limitations, such as storing restore points locally for a maximum of 72 hours, not recovering long-deleted files, and requiring significant storage space. To enable it, users must use ViveTool to unlock the feature, configure settings for snapshot frequency and retention, and access restore options through the Windows Recovery Environment if needed. It is particularly useful for casual users who frequently modify their systems but may not suffice for power users needing comprehensive backup solutions.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

StellarRecovery For Android

StellarRecovery is an application developed by SkyFusion Labs for Android users to recover lost or deleted files. It has a rating of 4.7 stars from over 500,000 users. The app offers features for photo, video, audio, and document recovery, ensuring a fast and reliable process with an easy-to-use interface. It prioritizes user data safety by keeping recovery processes local. The app is free to download.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Microsoft is bringing native Sysmon support to Windows 11, Server 2025

Microsoft is integrating Sysmon into Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025, eliminating the need for separate deployments of Sysinternals tools. This integration will allow users to utilize custom configuration files for filtering captured events, which will be logged in the Windows event log. Sysmon is a free tool that monitors and blocks suspicious activities while logging events such as process creation, DNS queries, and executable file creation. It will be easily installable via the "Optional features" settings in Windows 11, with updates delivered through Windows Update. Sysmon will retain its standard features, including support for custom configuration files and advanced event filtering. Key events logged by Sysmon include process creation, network connections, process access, file creation, process tampering, and WMI events. Comprehensive documentation and new enterprise management features will be released next year.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Microsoft to integrate Sysmon directly into Windows 11, Server 2025

Microsoft will integrate Sysmon into Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025, eliminating the need for standalone deployment. Sysmon will allow users to utilize custom configuration files for event filtering, logging events in the Windows event log. It tracks events such as process creation, DNS queries, executable file creation, changes to the clipboard, and auto-backup of deleted files. Users can access Sysmon through "Optional features" in Windows 11 and receive updates via Windows Update. Key events logged by Sysmon include process creation, network connections, process access, file creation, process tampering, and WMI events. Comprehensive documentation and new enterprise management features will be released next year.

Tech Optimizer

September 3, 2025

PC Optimization Software With Antivirus, Cleaner & Privacy Protection Launched

Iolo Technologies has launched a software solution for computer maintenance aimed at families and non-tech-savvy users, allowing protection for up to ten devices per subscription. Key features include Smart ActiveCare for automated system repairs, a Network Scanner for identifying vulnerabilities, a PC cleaner for removing junk files, and enhanced internet speed optimization. The software also includes Privacy Guardian to block digital tracking, an integrated password manager, DriveScrubber for secure data deletion, System Shield for malware protection, and Malware Killer for removing infections. Users can try the software with a 30-day free trial. Iolo Technologies has over 25 years of experience and has served 80 million users worldwide.

Tech Optimizer

July 18, 2025

Avast vs Norton: Which antivirus is is better in 2025?

Avast and Norton are leading antivirus software options that utilize the same antivirus engine for core malware protection. Avast excels in real-time monitoring and offers a Wi-Fi security scanner, while Norton uses AI and machine learning for threat defense. Both provide robust firewalls, but Norton includes an Intrusion Prevention System for enhanced security. In terms of identity theft protection, Avast One offers credit monitoring and compensation, while Norton partners with LifeLock for more comprehensive services. Avast includes a basic VPN in its free version, whereas Norton offers a more extensive VPN with advanced features. Norton provides a password manager, while Avast does not. Norton has superior parental controls compared to Avast, which lacks this feature. Both have additional security features, with Norton offering Data Shredder and Dark Web Monitoring. Avast has a slight edge in system performance, while both have user-friendly designs, though Avast is simpler. Both have identical detection rates in malware protection tests. Pricing differs, with Avast being more economical and Norton offering a wider range of plans at higher prices.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files on Windows 10/11 with/without Backup

Data loss can occur due to human error, software malfunctions, hardware failures, system crashes, and issues with cloud storage services. Immediate recovery methods include restoring files from the Recycle Bin, using the Undo Delete feature, and utilizing the File History feature. For recovery with a backup, methods include restoring files via Google Drive and using the Windows Backup & Restore feature. For permanently deleted files without a backup, options include using free data recovery software and the Windows built-in app. Tips to prevent file deletion include enabling the Recycle Bin and File History, using cloud storage for backups, double-checking before deletion, considering third-party backup tools, and safeguarding against malware.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

How to browse your Android storage on Windows 11 without any USB cables

The latest update to Windows 11 allows Android users to wirelessly access their device's storage directly from File Explorer. To connect an Android device to Windows 11, users need to enable access in the Settings app, download the Link to Windows app if prompted, and confirm the connection using a QR code and verification code. Once connected, users can browse their Android storage through File Explorer, view storage usage, and access various folders like Cameras, Documents, and more. The recycle bin on the Android device will display deleted files for up to 30 days.

Tech Optimizer

April 13, 2025

Panda Dome review

Panda Security, a Spanish antivirus company, has introduced various cybersecurity innovations since its founding, including daily signature updates in 1998, behavioral monitoring in 2004, and cloud scanning in 2007. It offers several plans for home users: Panda Dome Essential, Advanced, Complete, and Premium, each with increasing features such as firewall protection, WiFi security, online shopping safeguards, and a Dark Web Scanner. All plans include a 30-day free trial. Panda Dome received an AAA award from SE Labs for a Total Accuracy Rating of 99% without false positives between October and December 2024, outperforming Microsoft Defender and Webroot but not achieving the perfect scores of Avast, Kaspersky, and McAfee. The AV-Test Product Review awarded Panda a score of 6/6 for protection and usability, and 5.5/6 for performance. However, Panda Free Antivirus had a higher number of false alarms in AV-Comparatives’ False Alarm Test. The Panda Dome Advanced plan, priced at .99 for the first year, includes parental controls and enhanced ransomware protection. It offers multiple scanning options and reasonable scan times. Its anti-ransomware features include behavior-based detection, file access control, and backup capabilities. Panda Dome Complete, priced at .99 for the first year, adds system cleanup tools and a password manager, allowing users to optimize system performance and securely manage passwords. It also includes file encryption and shredding features. Panda Dome Premium, priced at .99 for the first year, provides unrestricted VPN access, an update manager, and unlimited premium technical support. It allows secure browsing across over 60 countries for up to five devices and includes features to keep systems updated and secure.