[Fixed]: How to Recover Deleted ZIP Files for Free on Windows

Why were your ZIP files deleted?

A ZIP file, a widely used file format, allows users to compress multiple files or folders into a single one. Saving content in a ZIP file can significantly reduce the file size, free up valuable storage space, and speed up the transfer of files. However, despite its utility, it is very common to delete ZIP files unintentionally on Windows for various reasons during daily use. Do you know why this happened?

Actually, there are many reasons that may lead to ZIP file loss. Here, I list six common causes, including:  

• Accidentally pressing the delete key or emptying Recycle Bin during routine operations.
• Formatting devices suddenly without a backup.
• The partition or the drive where you save your ZIP files gets corrupted.
• There are errors in the file system due to some reasons, such as improper shutdowns.
• Files might be deleted or corrupted on account of the attack from a virus.
• When transferring ZIP files, they may be lost or corrupted if the network is interrupted or the device is disconnected.

Now that you know the reasons behind the accidental deletion of files, the next step is to learn how to recover deleted ZIP files for free.

How to recover deleted ZIP files for free? 

Losing important ZIP files, regardless of the reasons, can be frustrating and disheartening, especially in emergencies. But the good news is that we can get them back with the right approaches. In this section, I will introduce three totally free methods to recover deleted ZIP files on Windows. You can choose one of them that best suits your requirements.

Method 1. Recover deleted ZIP files from Recycle Bin

If you accidentally deleted your crucial ZIP files, don’t panic. Go to check your Recycle Bin first, since the deleted files or folders are often temporarily stored there. And you can easily get them back through the following steps:

Step 1: Open the Recycle Bin first. Often, accidentally deleted folders can be found here.

Step 2: Search your ZIP files within the search bar.

Step 3: Right-click on the search result and select Restore to return it to its original location.

Method 2. Recover deleted ZIP files via File History

If you cannot retrieve the missing ZIP files from the Recycle Bin, consider recovering them via File History. This is a practical built-in Windows feature, supporting saving the copies of your files regularly and protecting them against accidental loss. It is often used to restore previous versions of files when they are deleted or corrupted. The specific recovery steps are as follows:

Step 1: Go to the Control Panel, and select System and Security > File History in turn.

Step 2: Click Restore personal files.

Step 3: Choose the files you want to recover, and then click the Recover button.

Method 3. Recover deleted ZIP files using Backup and Restore

In addition to File History, you can also restore deleted ZIP files by using Backup and Restore. This feature allows users to create backups of the entire system or individual folders. Compared with the former one, Backup and Restore is more applicable to recovering data in more complex scenarios, such as  system failure or hard disk corruption. If you have enabled this feature in advance, you can use it to recover deleted ZIP files effortlessly. Here are the specific steps to recover deleted ZIP files using Backup and Restore:

Step 1: Go to the Control Panel, and select System and Security > Backup and Restore in turn.

Step 2: Click Restore my files.

Step 3: Click Browse for files to choose the file you want to recover, and then click Next.

Step 4: Specify the saving path for your recovered file, and click Restore.

How to recover deleted ZIP files with an easier way?

Although there are several solutions for how to recover deleted ZIP files for free, they often require significant effort to identify the causes of data loss and learn the recovery operations. Is there an easier method to get the deleted ZIP files back?

Absolutely! Choosing the suitable recovery software can simplify the recovery process and save your time. Here, I’d like to recommend a reliable data recovery tool for you—AOMEI FastRecovery. It is designed to assist users in retrieving lost, deleted, or corrupted files on Windows PCs and Servers with ease. Whether your files were deleted by accident or due to a system crash, AOMEI FastRecovery can effortlessly retrieve them with its high performance and rich experience. 

Key features of AOMEI FastRecovery are as follows: ◆ Supports recovering multiple file formats from various storage devices, including PCs, USB drives, SD cards, and more. ◆ Handles diverse data loss scenarios, recovering your files quickly and efficiently. ◆ Features a user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for those with minimal experience. ◆ Provides file preview before recovery, ensuring accurate selection. ◆ Guarantees your data 100% safety throughout the recovery process with 14 years of development expertise.

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A step-by-step guide to recover deleted ZIP files. 

Step 1: Download and install AOMEI FastRecovery, and then choose the exact partition or disk where your files are located.

Step 2: Scan your disk to find the deleted files. It offers two modes, Quick Scan and Deep Scan:

Quick Scan: Quickly searches for recently deleted files.

Deep Scan: Thoroughly scans your storage device for finding lost data from more complex loss situations.

Step 3: Upon scanning completion, all missing files will be displayed. Kindly choose the desired ZIP file and then click Recover.

Step 4: Specify a path for the file and wait for the process to complete.

Strategies to Avoid File Loss

While recovering deleted zip folders, don't forget to prevent future file loss. Here are several strategies you can refer to.

Back Up Your Data Regularly

Implementing a regular data backup can greatly reduce the risk of losing data. It is advisable to back up your essential files using system tools, third-party software, or cloud storage services. Here are some recommended tools for backup:

• Backup and Restore
• AOMEI Backupper Standard
• Google Drive

Maintain Device Safety

Take essential measures to keep your devices in good working condition. For example, you can use security software to prevent your important data from accidental loss or other threats.

Double-Check before Acting

Be careful when handling and managing files in your business’s routine. Ensure that your actions do not lead to the unexpected loss of certain files. 

To Sum Up

In this post, we have explored the reasons why ZIP files are lost and how to recover deleted ZIP files for free on Windows. There are three totally free methods available for recovering missing files. However, to simplify the recovery process and enhance the user experience, using a professional recovery tool is also a perfect option. If the first 3 methods cannot fix your issue, consider using AOMEI FastRecovery to get your desired files back. What’s more, it is equally significant to take measures to protect crucial files from loss