In the digital age, data loss can occur due to various unforeseen circumstances. Understanding the situations that may lead to the accidental deletion of files is crucial for effective recovery. Common causes include:
- Human error, such as mistakenly emptying the Recycle Bin.
- Software malfunctions that result in the loss of important documents.
- Hardware failures, including physical damage to storage devices.
- System crashes during file operations like cutting or transferring files.
- Issues with cloud storage services.
How to recover deleted files immediately after deletion
When files are deleted, acting swiftly can make a significant difference. Here are some immediate recovery methods:
Method 1. Restore deleted files from the Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin is often the first stop for recovering deleted files. Simply open the Recycle Bin on your desktop, locate the file, right-click it, and select ‘Restore’ or drag it back to your desktop. This method is efficient but will not work for files permanently deleted using the Shift + Delete command.
Method 2. Recover erased files using the Undo Delete feature
If you’ve just deleted a file, you can quickly restore it using the Undo Delete function. Remain in the same folder where the deletion occurred and press CTRL + Z on your keyboard. This command can be repeated to recover multiple files, but be cautious: leaving the interface or restarting your computer will erase the undo history.
Method 3. Utilize the File History feature
Windows offers a built-in File History feature that automatically backs up data from your Libraries, Favorites, and Desktop. To access this:
- Click the Start button and type Control Panel to launch it.
- Navigate to System and Security > File History, then select Restore personal files.
- Locate the desired file and click the green button to restore it.
How to undelete files on Windows 10/11 with a backup
Having a backup can significantly enhance your chances of successful recovery. Here’s how to restore files using Google Drive as an example:
Method 4. Restore deleted files via Google Drive
Google Drive serves as a reliable cloud storage solution. To recover files:
- Log in to the Google Admin Console.
- Navigate to the Users section.
- Identify the account from which you wish to recover data.
- Click the three dots next to the account and select Restore Data.
- Locate your lost files, right-click them, and choose Restore Data.
- Select Drive as the destination and confirm by clicking the Restore button.
Method 5. Use the Windows Backup & Restore feature
This built-in feature can assist in data recovery:
- Open Settings on your desktop.
- Go to System > Recovery and select Restart now.
- Continue with Troubleshoot > Advanced options > See more recovery options > System Image Recovery.
- Select the system image backup to restore previous versions.
Method 6. Retrieve deleted files with Filestore@UCL
For users connected to the UCL network, this method can be effective:
- Open Windows File Explorer and navigate to Home (N:) drive > Properties > Previous Versions tab.
- Find the version you wish to restore and click Open.
- Locate the target file, right-click, and select Copy.
- Open a new File Explorer window, navigate to the desired location, and paste the copied data.
How to recover permanently deleted files on Windows 10/11 without a backup
In cases where backups are unavailable, consider the following methods:
Method 7. Use free data recovery software
Various recovery software options exist, such as Aiseesoft Free Data Recovery. To use it:
- Install and launch the software.
- Select the Windows disk drive for recovery and click Start Scan.
- Filter the scan results by file type and preview files as needed.
- Once you find the lost file, click Recover All to save it to your desired location.
Method 8. Utilize the Windows built-in app
If you prefer not to install additional software, Windows provides a built-in app for data recovery:
- Search for and download Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.
- Open the app, and a Command Prompt window will appear. Enter the command: winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches].
- Use specific commands for different file types, such as:
- Winfr C: E: /regular /n UsersDocuments for documents.
- Winfr C: E: /regular /n .pdf /n .docx for PDF files.
- Winfr E: C: /extensive /n invoice for any file.
- Winfr C: E: /extensive /n UsersPictures.JPEG /nUsersPictures.PNG for image files.
- Confirm the recovery process when prompted.
Tips to prevent files from being deleted in Windows
- Enable Windows features like the Recycle Bin and File History for added protection.
- Utilize cloud storage services for regular backups.
- Double-check files before deletion, especially when using Shift + Delete.
- Consider third-party backup tools for comprehensive data security.
- Safeguard your system against malware and unauthorized access.
