How do you recover deleted files on Mac? Losing important data on your Mac can be a frustrating experience, but there are several methods you can use to retrieve your deleted files. Whether you accidentally deleted a file or emptied the trash, this article will guide you through the process of recovering deleted files on a Mac.
Firstly, it’s important to note that the sooner you attempt to recover deleted files, the higher the chances of successful recovery. When you delete a file on a Mac, it is not immediately removed from the hard drive. Instead, the space occupied by the file is marked as available for new data. This means that if you haven’t overwritten the deleted file with new data, you can still recover it.
One of the simplest ways to recover deleted files on a Mac is by checking the trash. When you delete a file, it is moved to the trash bin, where it can be easily restored. To do this, simply open the trash bin and locate the deleted file. Right-click on the file and select “Put Back” to restore it to its original location. If you have emptied the trash, you can still recover files using the following methods:
1. Use the “Time Machine” backup: If you have enabled Time Machine on your Mac, you can use it to restore deleted files from a previous backup. Open Time Machine and navigate to the date when the files were still present. Select the files you want to recover and click on “Restore.” This method requires that you have a Time Machine backup enabled and regularly updated.
2. Use third-party data recovery software: There are several reputable third-party data recovery software options available for Mac, such as EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Disk Drill, and Stellar Data Recovery. These tools can scan your Mac’s hard drive and recover deleted files that have not been overwritten. Simply download and install the software, follow the on-screen instructions, and select the files you want to recover.
3. Restore from an external backup: If you have an external backup drive or an external hard drive connected to your Mac, you can restore deleted files from there. Connect the backup drive, open the folder where the files were stored, and copy them back to their original location on your Mac.
It’s important to keep in mind that if you have overwritten the deleted files with new data, the chances of recovery may be slim. In such cases, it’s recommended to seek professional help from a data recovery service. These services have advanced tools and techniques to recover data from damaged or corrupted hard drives.
In conclusion, recovering deleted files on a Mac is possible with a few simple steps. By checking the trash, using Time Machine backups, third-party data recovery software, or restoring from an external backup, you can retrieve your lost data. However, it’s crucial to act quickly and avoid overwriting the deleted files to increase the chances of successful recovery.