How to Retrieve Deleted Files in Windows 10
Losing important files on your Windows 10 computer can be a distressing experience. Whether you’ve accidentally deleted a document, photo, or any other type of file, it’s essential to know how to retrieve them. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of recovering deleted files on Windows 10 using various methods. So, let’s dive in and learn how to retrieve deleted files in Windows 10.
1. Check the Recycle Bin
The first and simplest step to recover deleted files is to check the Recycle Bin. When you delete a file, it’s usually moved to the Recycle Bin instead of being permanently deleted. Here’s how to retrieve deleted files from the Recycle Bin:
a. Open the Recycle Bin by clicking on its icon on the desktop or searching for “Recycle Bin” in the Start menu.
b. Scroll through the list of deleted files and locate the one you want to recover.
c. Right-click on the file and select “Restore” to return it to its original location.
2. Use File History
If you have enabled File History on your Windows 10 computer, you can use it to restore deleted files. File History creates regular copies of your files and stores them on an external drive or network location. Here’s how to retrieve deleted files using File History:
a. Open the File History settings by typing “File History” in the Start menu and selecting the appropriate result.
b. In the File History settings, click on “Restore personal files” on the left pane.
c. Use the search bar or navigate through the folders to find the deleted file.
d. Right-click on the file and select “Restore” to save it back to its original location.
3. Utilize a File Recovery Tool
If the above methods don’t work or you’ve emptied the Recycle Bin, you can use a file recovery tool to retrieve deleted files. There are many free and paid file recovery tools available for Windows 10. Here’s a general guide on how to use a file recovery tool:
a. Download and install a reliable file recovery tool from a trusted source.
b. Run the tool and select the drive where your deleted files were located.
c. Scan the drive for deleted files. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the drive.
d. Once the scan is complete, navigate through the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore.
e. Choose a location to save the recovered files and click “Restore” to save them.
4. Restore from a Backup
If you have a backup of your files, you can easily restore them. This method is useful if you’ve been regularly backing up your files using tools like Windows Backup and Restore or third-party backup solutions. Here’s how to restore deleted files from a backup:
a. Open the backup software or the Windows Backup and Restore settings.
b. Select the backup file that contains the deleted files.
c. Navigate through the backup files and locate the deleted file.
d. Right-click on the file and select “Restore” to save it back to its original location.
In conclusion, retrieving deleted files in Windows 10 can be achieved through various methods, including checking the Recycle Bin, using File History, utilizing a file recovery tool, and restoring from a backup. It’s essential to act quickly and follow the steps outlined in this article to increase your chances of successfully recovering your deleted files.
