How To Recover Deleted Files (Guide) (2024)

Accidentally deleting files can lead to nightmarish scenarios. Even if files are deleted on purpose, there still may be a reason you’ll need to recover a past draft or version of a file.

Thankfully, there are several ways to recover deleted files on your PC, both with and without having to spend any money. Here are four of the most common deleted file recovery methods.

1. Check your recycle bin

Find the file

This is the most important step when you need to recover a file that might have been deleted. If the file has been in the recycling bin for less than 30 days, it will still be in the recycling bin. When you go into the recycling bin, try organising the files by date to see if you can find the one you’re looking for.

Restore the file

After you find the correct file, right-click the record and click the “Restore” option from the menu that pops up. This will send the file back to the folder it was deleted from. If you aren’t sure where that was, type the file name into the search bar as seen in the next section.

2. Use the control panel

If you can’t find the file in the recycling bin, it could still be stored elsewhere on your computer. Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen. You can use the search bar to find any files you’re trying to track down. This feature will search all of the folders on your PC, helping you track down files that are stored in places you might not expect.

3. Use a data recovery software

If your search with native tools isn’t fruitful, there are programs available from software developers you can use to help you recover files that may have been deleted.

Windows file recovery

Windows File Recovery is available for free in the Microsoft Store and can be downloaded easily. There are two search modes: Regular and Extensive. Launching this program will open the Command Prompt, and an Administrator will need to allow it access to the hard drive.

Make sure you get familiar with the source and destination locations that Windows File Recovery is referring to. Using the proper mode is also important; the Regular search mode can find recently deleted files, and Extensive search mode looks for files that were deleted a long time ago, or were corrupted.

Stellar data recovery

With its robust free version, wide array of compatibility and plenty of options for upgrading, Stellar Data Recovery topped our list of thebest data recovery software. This program is highly rated by users and allows you to recover up to 1 GB of data without spending a dime. Options for both home and business use are available.

EaseUS

A solid track record spanning nearly twenty years proves that EaseUS is a reliable name in the data recovery industry. It offers support for both Mac and PC users, and can even recover files on mobile devices. The free version can recover up to 2 GB of deleted data, and allows you to preview the files before restoration so that you can ensure you recover the right information.

Disk drill

One more file recovery service that can work for free is Disk Drill for Windows. It can recover files under 500 MB for free. The service also has a Recovery Vault that will protect your files in case of emergency. Once it is installed, it can easily search and restore your files to a disk drive.

4. Hire a data recovery service

If you have too many files or the services aren’t working for you, it might be time to get a data recovery service to do the work for you. These experts can help you recover corrupted files and restore data that you might have lost forever.

After doing some research on Google or asking your colleagues for a referral, you can compare pricing plans and see what the capabilities are. If you’re looking for more basic file recovery of Microsoft Word documents or Excel spreadsheets, you’ll probably need a smaller service. If you’re working with larger files for graphic design or photography, you might need a more robust service.

Bottom line

Having a file recovery plan in place is crucial, especially for small and medium-sized business owners. There could be a need for old files at any time, from past employment records to a historical company logo. Plus, there’s always the risk of human error causing crucial files to be deleted at an inopportune time. Protect your assets by making sure you have the right tools in place in case of an emergency.