How to Find Recently Deleted Files on Computer
Losing important files can be a frustrating experience, especially when you realize that they were deleted recently. Whether it’s an accidental deletion or a system crash, finding these deleted files can seem like an insurmountable task. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can recover your lost data and get back to work. In this article, we will discuss various methods on how to find recently deleted files on your computer.
1. Check the Recycle Bin
The first place you should check for recently deleted files is the Recycle Bin. When you delete a file, it is usually moved to the Recycle Bin instead of being permanently deleted. To access the Recycle Bin, simply double-click on its icon on your desktop. Once inside, you can browse through the files and folders to find the ones you want to recover. To restore a file, right-click on it and select “Restore.”
2. Use File History
If you have enabled File History on your Windows computer, you can easily recover deleted files from previous versions. File History automatically saves copies of your files to an external drive or a network location. To access File History, go to the Control Panel and search for “File History.” From there, you can browse through the file versions and select the one you want to restore.
3. Use a File Recovery Tool
If the Recycle Bin and File History don’t help, you can use a file recovery tool to find recently deleted files. There are many free and paid file recovery tools available, such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill. These tools can scan your computer’s hard drive for deleted files and recover them. To use a file recovery tool, follow these steps:
1. Download and install a file recovery tool of your choice.
2. Run the tool and select the drive where your deleted files were located.
3. Start the scanning process and wait for the tool to find the deleted files.
4. Preview the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore.
5. Choose a location to save the recovered files and click “Restore.”
4. Check for Shadow Copies
Shadow Copies, also known as Volume Shadow Copies, are system-generated backups of files and folders on your computer. You can use Shadow Explorer to access these copies and recover deleted files. To use Shadow Explorer, follow these steps:
1. Download and install Shadow Explorer.
2. Run the program and select the drive where your deleted files were located.
3. Look for the date and time when the Shadow Copy was created.
4. Expand the folder structure and find the deleted files.
5. Right-click on the deleted file and select “Copy” or “Restore.”
5. Contact a Professional Data Recovery Service
If all else fails, you may need to contact a professional data recovery service. These services have advanced tools and techniques to recover deleted files from damaged or corrupted hard drives. However, this option can be expensive, so it’s best to try the other methods first.
In conclusion, finding recently deleted files on your computer can be a challenging task, but it’s not impossible. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can recover your lost data and get back to work. Remember to act quickly, as the chances of successful recovery decrease as time passes.
