How to Recover Deleted Files: Complete Guide
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Losing important files can be a frustrating experience, but all is not lost.
There are various tools and methods you can use to try to recover deleted files from your computer, hard drive, or even from the cloud.
In this guide, we'll explain the best ways to recover deleted files, whether accidentally or due to a system failure.
What Is Deleted File Recovery?
Deleted file recovery refers to the process of restoring documents, photos, videos, or any other type of file that has been deleted from a storage device, such as a hard drive, USB flash drive, or SD card.
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Although deleted files don't disappear immediately, over time and with device use, data may be overwritten, which can make recovery difficult.
In many cases, when a file is deleted, only the reference to it in the operating system is removed.
The file is still on the device, but the space it is located on is marked as available for new data.
If you act quickly, the chances of recovery increase considerably.
However, if you continue to use the device after deletion, there is a risk that the space where the file was located will be overwritten, which can make recovery more difficult, or even impossible.
Using the Recycle Bin or Trash on your Mac
One of the first places to look is the Recycle Bin (Windows) or the Trash on a Mac. When you delete a file, it's usually not immediately deleted; it's moved to the Trash, where it remains until you manually empty it.
In many cases, users can recover deleted files without resorting to advanced tools. Simply access the Recycle Bin and restore the file you want to recover.
- On Windows: Open the Recycle Bin, find the file you need, right-click it, and select “Restore.” The file will return to its original location on your system.
- On Mac: Open the Recycle Bin, find the desired file, right-click it, and select "Put Back." This method works as long as the file wasn't permanently deleted when you emptied the Recycle Bin.
It's important to note that if you empty the Trash and then realize you need the file, all is not lost, as there are other methods to try to recover deleted files.
Using File Recovery Software
If the file isn't in the Recycle Bin or has already been permanently deleted, you can try using specialized data recovery software. These programs scan your device for deleted files that haven't been overwritten.
These programs are typically more effective the less the device has been used since the file was deleted, as this increases the likelihood that the files have not been overwritten. Some of the most popular file recovery programs include:
- Recuva (Windows)Recuva is a free and easy-to-use tool. It allows you to recover photos, documents, music, and more. This tool is ideal for non-expert users, as its interface is quite simple and user-friendly. It also offers the option to perform a deep scan of the device to search for deleted files.
- Disk Drill (Windows and Mac)Disk Drill offers deep file recovery, even from damaged drives. Its interface is modern and easy to navigate. Disk Drill allows you to scan internal and external hard drives, SD cards, and other storage devices. It's a very useful option when it comes to recovering files from damaged or formatted devices.
- EaseUS Data Recovery (Windows and Mac)EaseUS is another popular software that allows you to recover files that have been deleted, formatted, or become inaccessible due to system crashes. It offers a free version that allows you to recover up to 2 GB of data, which can be useful for minor data losses.
To use these programs, you generally just need to select the device or drive from which you want to recover files and click "scan." After the software scans the device, you'll see a list of recoverable files, from which you can select the ones you want to restore.
Recovery From the Cloud
If you've saved files to services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox, you may be able to restore them directly from there. Deleted files often remain in a "recently deleted" folder for a period of time before being permanently deleted.
Cloud services often have a different storage system than physical devices, making it easier to recover deleted files. Additionally, many of these services offer a grace period where you can recover deleted files, even after you've removed them from the trash.
- Google Drive: Go to Google Drive, go to “Trash” in the side menu, select the file, and click “Restore.” Google Drive keeps deleted files in its trash for 30 days before permanently deleting them.
- OneDrive and DropboxBoth offer similar features that allow you to recover files from your cloud recycle bin. On OneDrive, deleted files are stored for 30 days, while on Dropbox, this period varies depending on your subscription plan.
If you haven't backed up to the cloud, it's a good idea to start doing so, as it's an easy and secure way to prevent the loss of important files in the future.
Tips to Avoid File Loss in the Future
- Make backups regularlyUse external hard drives or cloud storage services to back up your important files. A backup ensures you can restore your files if they are lost.
- Activate automatic synchronizationSet your devices to automatically sync with the cloud. This not only helps protect your files, but also ensures you always have an updated version available in case of loss.
- Be careful with cleaning programsSome optimization and cleaning programs can delete important files without you even realizing it. Be sure to carefully review what they delete before proceeding.
- Avoid overwriting deleted filesAfter deleting a file, try to avoid using the device as much as possible. If you continue using the system, there's a risk that the deleted files will be overwritten, making recovery more difficult.
Conclusion
Losing files can be a distressing experience, but it's not the end of the world. Thanks to various tools and methods available, it's possible to recover many deleted files, as long as you act quickly. From recovering deleted files to using specialized software and cloud services, you have multiple options for restoring your important documents.
If you've lost an important file, don't lose hope. Try simpler methods first, like checking your trash, and then move on to more advanced tools if necessary. Also, remember to follow good security practices, such as making regular backups and enabling automatic cloud syncing.
For more information on how to protect your files and make effective backups, we invite you to visit the following link:
Link to external page about backups
