How to Recover a File I Accidentally Deleted on Windows 8?

Is it possible to recover a file I accidentally deleted on Windows 8?

Accidentally deleting a file can be a frustrating experience, especially when it holds significant value, such as important contents or data. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to get it back. If you are wondering how to recover deleted files on Windows 8, keep reading this post to discover the best recovery solutions available.

How to recover deleted files in Windows 8?

How to recover deleted files in Windows 8 depends on how these files were deleted. This section covers several practical methods to address most loss scenarios. Whether you’re a novice user or someone with a bit more technical know-how, you’ll find practical solutions to help you navigate the recovery process.

Fix 1. Restore from the Recycle Bin

Recovering deleted files from the Recycle Bin is one of the most common methods for file restoration in Windows. This folder is designed to temporarily store deleted files, allowing you to recover items if you change your mind or realize you made a mistake. You can easily find the desired file in this folder and restore it to its original location in just a few clicks. Here are the steps to recover deleted files on Windows 8:

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

Step 2: Search your file within the search bar.

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

However, if your file size exceeds the Recycle Bin’s limit or you have emptied the folder, it will be permanently deleted and inaccessible through this method. In this case, please refer to the methods outlined below for further recovery options.

Fix 2. Use Software to Recover Deleted Files

Sometimes, you may fail to locate the deleted files in the Recycle Bin since they have been permanently removed. This often occurs when you choose permanent deletion or clear the Recycle Bin. Don’ panic! A professional data recovery tool can help you resolve this issue effectively.

AOMEI FastRecovery is designed to fast and easily recover lost or deleted Windows data, whether it’s deleted by mistake or intentionally. With its advanced scanning and restoration technology, you can get your data back with one click, regardless of the reasons for their loss.

Key Features of AOMEI FastRecovery:

User-Friendly Interface: Step-by-step guidance makes it easy for users to recover their desired files without hassle.

Excellent Compatibility: Supports retrieving 1000+ types of data from various devices, applying to different loss scenarios.

Preview-Supported Recovery: Allows users to verify the content of files before recovering, ensuring they are restoring the correct files.

High Security: Ensures your data is 100% secure throughout the recovery process.

Free Download
Windows PCs & Servers

100% Secure

Here’s how to recover permanently deleted files in Windows 8 using AOMEI FastRecovery:

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

Step 2: Scan the selected drive to find the deleted files. It offers two modes, Quick Scan and Deep Scan, supporting thoroughly scanning your storage devices for finding lost data.

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

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

Fix 3. Recover via File History

"Is there another way to recover a file I accidentally deleted on Windows 8?" Sure! If you have previously created backups, you can effortlessly restore your deleted files from their copies. File History is a backup feature built into Windows that automatically saves copies of your files and offers recovery options when necessary. When you lose files due to accidental deletion, corruption, or other issues, File History can help you get them back by restoring previous versions. Follow these steps to recover deleted files on Windows 8:

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

Step 2: Click Restore personal files.

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

Fix 4. Check Cloud Backups

In addition to the built-in tools in Windows, cloud backups are a widely used method for safeguarding your files. Services like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox offer convenient recovery options. Follow these steps to recover deleted files via Google Drive:

Step 1: Go to the website of Google Drive and sign into your account.

Step 2: Click on Trash on the left sidebar to see all your deleted files.

Step 3: Right-click the desired files and click the Restore option.

Fix 5. Data Recovery Service

If you’ve exhausted all available options for recovering a deleted file on your Windows 8 device without success, you might consider seeking the help of a professional data recovery service. This method also applies to the situation where your hard drive or storage device has suffered physical damage due to water exposure, electrical failure, or other issues. While these specialized services can be costly, they often provide a high chance of successfully recovering your deleted files.

FAQs

Q1: Can I recover a permanently deleted file without backups?

Yes, of course. If the file has been permanently removed and there are no backups available, you can use third-party data recovery software like AOMEI FastRecovery to retrieve it. Be aware that the success of recovery depends on whether the deleted file's data has been overwritten.

Q2: How to Get Back Deleted Apps on Windows 8?

If you unexpectedly delete an app, you can get it back by enabling System Restore, provided you have created restore points before loss. This method allows you to revert the current system to a previous state, which will bring back any apps that were installed at that time.

Q3: What should I do if my hard drive is physically damaged?

If your hard drive is physically damaged, it is important to stop all operations to avoid making the problem worse. Just power down the device and then seek the help of a professional data recovery service. They can help you find a solution to recover data from damaged drives.

Final Words

Accidental deletion of crucial files can always lead to significant inconvenience and data loss. "Can I recover a file I accidentally deleted on Windows 8?" This post outlines five effective solutions, along with detailed steps for each method, which can help you address common data loss scenarios and get your deleted files back. To enhance your recovery experience, we recommend using a reliable and user-friendly tool, such as AOMEI FastRecovery.