How to Restore Permanently Deleted Files in Windows 10
Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin
The first thing you should do is check the Recycle Bin. The Recycle Bin acts as a temporary storage place for deleted files, and you may find your files there. To check it, simply double-click on the Recycle Bin icon located on your desktop. If you find your files, just right-click on the file and click on “Restore”.Step 2: Look into the Backup Folder
If the files are not found in the Recycle Bin, the next thing you should do is check your backup folder. If you’ve created a backup of your files, chances are they’re stored in the backup folder. To check the backup folder on Windows 10, go to “Settings”, then click on “Update & Security”. From there, select “Backup”, and click on “Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)”. Look for your files in the backup folder and restore them.Step 3: Use File History
File History is another built-in feature that can help you restore deleted files on Windows 10. It automatically backs up your files and stores them in a separate partition on your hard drive. To use File History, go to “Settings”, then “Update & Security”, and select “Backup”. Click on “More options”, and then “Restore files from a current backup”.Step 4: Try System Restore
System Restore allows you to restore your system to a previous state. If your files were deleted recently, you can restore your system to a point in time before the files were deleted. To use System Restore, type “system restore” in the Windows search box and follow the on-screen instructions.Step 5: Use Data Recovery Software
If the above methods don’t work, you can use data recovery software to search your hard drive for deleted files. There are many data recovery software options available on the market, such as EaseUS Data Recovery, Disk Drill, and Recuva. Simply download and install the software and follow the on-screen instructions to recover your files.Step 6: Check Cloud Storage
If you use cloud storage services, such as OneDrive or Dropbox, your deleted files may be stored there. Check your cloud storage account to see if your files are available. If they are, simply restore them to your local machine.Step 7: Disable Windows Storage Sense
Windows 10 has a feature called Storage Sense, which automatically deletes temporary files and files in the Recycle Bin after a certain period of time. If this feature is enabled, your files may have been permanently deleted. To disable Storage Sense, go to “Settings”, then “System”, and select “Storage”. Turn off Storage Sense, and your deleted files may still be recoverable.Step 8: Check the Hard Drive
If none of the above methods work, you can physically inspect your hard drive for deleted files. Remove the hard drive from your computer and connect it to another machine as a secondary drive. Use file recovery software to search for your deleted files, and copy them to your new machine.Step 9: Contact a Professional
If you’re still unable to recover your deleted files, it’s time to get help from a professional. There are many data recovery services available that specialize in recovering lost data. They may be expensive, but they have a higher success rate than consumer-grade data recovery tools.Step 10: Take Preventative Measures
To prevent data loss in the future, always back up your files regularly. Use cloud storage services or external hard drives to store your data. Also, be careful when deleting files, and double-check before confirming deletion.Step 11: Keep Your Antivirus Software Updated
Viruses and other malicious programs can delete your files. Keep your antivirus software updated to prevent malware infections and data loss.Step 12: Use a File-Shredding Tool
To permanently delete sensitive files, use a file-shredding tool that overwrites the data multiple times. This makes it almost impossible for anyone to recover the deleted files.Tips and Tricks
1. Always backup your files regularly.
2. Use cloud storage services or external hard drives to store your data.
3. Be careful when deleting files, and double-check before confirming deletion.
4. Keep your antivirus software updated to prevent malware infections and data loss.
5. Use Storage Sense carefully, as it may permanently delete your files.
6. Avoid using your device after you’ve realized you’ve deleted important files. This will make the recovery process easier and more successful.
7. Try to restore your files as soon as possible, as deleted files may be overwritten by new data.
8. Always use the ‘safely remove hardware’ option before unplugging an external hard drive.
9. Use a strong password to protect your files and devices from unauthorized access.
10. Consider storing your files in an encrypted folder.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you restore your permanently deleted files in Windows 10. Remember to always backup your files regularly and be cautious when deleting files. Good luck!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Restoring Permanently Deleted Files in Windows 10
Advantages
1. Recover important data: The biggest advantage of restoring permanently deleted files is that you can recover important data that you might have lost otherwise. This can be extremely useful in case of accidental deletion or system crashes.
2. User-friendly tools: There are several user-friendly tools available in the market that make it easy for you to recover permanently deleted files. Some of these tools are free while others come with a price tag.
3. Multiple recovery options: Most data recovery tools offer multiple recovery options that make it possible for you to recover different types of data. This includes music files, videos, documents, and images, among others.
4. Time-saving: Restoring permanently deleted files can save you a lot of time that you would have otherwise spent recreating the files. This is especially true if you had been working on a project for a long time before accidentally deleting it.
5. Quick and easy: With the right data recovery tool, restoring permanently deleted files is quick and easy. This means you can retrieve your data with minimal fuss and get back to work quickly.
Disadvantages
1. No guarantee of success: While data recovery tools can be helpful, there is no guarantee that they will be 100% successful. The success rate depends on several factors, including how long the data has been deleted and whether it has been overwritten or not.
2. Potential for data corruption: In some cases, attempting to restore a permanently deleted file can result in data corruption. This can make the file impossible to recover and can even damage other files on your computer.
3. Possibility of virus infection: Downloading and using data recovery tools can put your computer at risk of virus infection. It is important to use reputable tools and to scan them for viruses before installing them.
4. High cost: Some data recovery tools can be expensive, particularly those that offer high-end features or are designed for professional use.
5. Limited recovery options: Some data recovery tools may not be able to recover certain types of data or may only work with certain types of storage devices.
Overall, restoring permanently deleted files in Windows 10 can be a useful tool for recovering important data. However, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before deciding whether to use a data recovery tool.FAQ
1. What is the recycle bin in Windows 10?
The recycle bin is a folder on your computer where deleted files are placed. It acts as a safety net, in case you accidentally delete a file and need to recover it.
2. Can I restore permanently deleted files from the recycle bin?
No, you cannot. Once a file is deleted from the recycle bin, it is permanently removed from your computer’s hard drive.
3. What is data recovery software?
Data recovery software is a program that can help you recover deleted or lost files. It searches your computer’s hard drive for trace remnants of the deleted file and tries to restore it to its original state.
4. What are the best data recovery software programs for Windows 10?
There are many data recovery software programs available for Windows 10, including Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill.
5. How do I use data recovery software to restore deleted files?
You can use data recovery software by selecting the drive where the deleted file was stored, scanning for deleted files, selecting the file you want to recover, and then choosing a location to save the recovered file.
6. Can I recover deleted files from an external hard drive?
Yes, you can. Similar to recovering files from your computer’s hard drive, you would need to use data recovery software to scan the external hard drive for deleted files.
7. How long does it typically take to recover deleted files using data recovery software?
The time it takes to recover deleted files depends on the size of the drive being scanned and the number of deleted files on the drive. It could take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
8. What is a file recovery point?
A file recovery point is a point in time where your computer automatically saves a backup of your files. It can be used to restore files in case of accidental deletion or data loss.
9. How do I create a file recovery point in Windows 10?
You can create a file recovery point in Windows 10 by going to Control Panel, selecting System and Security, and then selecting System. From there, click on System Protection, and then select the drive you want to create a file recovery point for. Finally, click on the Create button.
10. What is the difference between file recovery and system recovery?
File recovery is the process of restoring individual files that have been deleted or lost, while system recovery is the process of restoring your computer to a previous state.
11. Can I recover deleted files without data recovery software?
It is possible to recover deleted files without data recovery software, but the chances of success are much lower. You would need to search for remnants of the deleted file within the computer’s hard drive and try to restore it manually.
12. How can I avoid losing important files?
You can avoid losing important files by regularly backing up your data to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. You should also be careful when deleting files and be sure to double-check before hitting the delete button.
13. Is there a way to recover files that were deleted a long time ago?
It is possible to recover files that were deleted a long time ago, but the likelihood of success decreases as time goes on. The best chance of success is to try to recover the file as soon as possible after it is deleted.
How to Restore Permanently Deleted Files in Windows 10
If you’re here because you accidentally deleted important files, don’t worry, there’s still hope! When you delete a file in Windows 10, it usually goes to the Recycle Bin. However, if you deleted it permanently, it may seem like it’s lost forever. But fear not, because there are still ways to recover those files. In this article, we’ll go over some methods for restoring permanently deleted files in Windows 10.
Conclusion
Remember, if you’ve permanently deleted files in Windows 10, don’t panic! There are still ways to retrieve them. Try using the Recycle Bin, file recovery software, or check for previous versions of the files. With a little patience and persistence, you’ll likely be able to recover those important documents, photos, or videos.
Closing
Thank you for reading this article on how to restore permanently deleted files in Windows 10. We hope this guide has been helpful in providing you with useful tips and tricks for retrieving your lost or deleted files. Don’t forget to always backup your important data in the future to avoid any potential data loss. Best of luck in your file recovery efforts!