How to recover recently deleted files on Mac
Losing important files on your Mac can be a distressing experience, but fear not! There are several methods you can use to recover recently deleted files. Whether you accidentally deleted a document, photo, or any other type of file, this article will guide you through the process of retrieving them. In this article, we will discuss various ways to recover recently deleted files on Mac, including using the Trash, Time Machine, and third-party data recovery software.
1. Restore from the Trash
The first and simplest method to recover recently deleted files on Mac is by checking the Trash. When you delete a file, it is moved to the Trash instead of being permanently deleted. Here’s how to restore files from the Trash:
1. Open the Trash by clicking on its icon on the Dock or by pressing Command + Option + Delete.
2. Locate the deleted file you want to recover.
3. Right-click on the file and select “Put Back” to restore it to its original location.
If the file is not in the Trash, it might have been deleted from the Trash as well. In that case, proceed to the next method.
2. Use Time Machine
Time Machine is a built-in feature on Mac that automatically backs up your files to an external drive or network location. If you have enabled Time Machine and have a backup from before the deletion, you can easily restore your files. Here’s how to use Time Machine to recover deleted files:
1. Connect your Time Machine backup drive to your Mac.
2. Open the Time Machine application by clicking on its icon in the menu bar or by pressing Command + Shift + C.
3. Navigate to the date when the file was still available.
4. Find the deleted file and click on it to select it.
5. Click on the “Restore” button to recover the file to its original location.
If you have multiple backups, you can use the “Enter Time Machine” button to explore different backup dates and restore files from any of them.
3. Utilize third-party data recovery software
If the above methods do not work or if you want a more comprehensive solution, you can use third-party data recovery software designed specifically for Mac. These tools can scan your Mac’s storage and recover deleted files, even if they have been emptied from the Trash or overwritten. Here are some popular data recovery software options for Mac:
1. Disk Drill: Disk Drill is a user-friendly data recovery tool that can recover deleted files from various storage devices, including Mac hard drives, SSDs, and external drives.
2. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: This software offers a simple and intuitive interface for recovering deleted files on Mac. It supports recovery from multiple file systems and can recover files from formatted, corrupted, or inaccessible drives.
3. Stellar Data Recovery: Stellar Data Recovery is a powerful tool that can recover deleted files, photos, videos, and other types of data from Mac hard drives, SSDs, and USB flash drives.
To use third-party data recovery software, follow these general steps:
1. Download and install the chosen data recovery software on your Mac.
2. Run the software and select the storage device where the deleted files were located.
3. Start the scanning process and wait for the software to analyze the storage device.
4. Once the scan is complete, browse through the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore.
5. Choose a location to save the recovered files and click on the “Recover” button.
In conclusion, recovering recently deleted files on Mac is a manageable task with the right approach. By utilizing the Trash, Time Machine, and third-party data recovery software, you can retrieve your lost files and restore them to their original location. Remember to act quickly and avoid using the affected storage device to maximize your chances of successful recovery.
