Accidentally deleting the wrong files in Windows 10 can be frustrating, but the good news is that there are several ways to recover them. In this article, we’ll explore the top 6 methods for Windows 10 deleted file recovery.
When you delete files from your computer, they aren't immediately erased from the storage device. Instead, the operating system marks the space it occupies as available for new data, but the actual file data remains on the disk until it's overwritten by new files. This means that deleted files can potentially be recovered using specialized data recovery tools, especially if the disk hasn't been used extensively after the deletion.
For example, using tools like AOMEI Data Recovery, you can often recover files that were thought to be permanently deleted. However, once new data starts overwriting that space, recovery becomes increasingly difficult or impossible.
If you're trying to ensure that deleted files are truly gone, consider using secure erasure methods or software that overwrites the space multiple times, making the recovery of deleted files extremely unlikely.
To recover lost files on a Windows PC, here are six effective methods. You can choose one according to your situation.
Accidentally deleting files in Windows 10 is a common issue. While the Recycle Bin provides some protection, it’s not foolproof. For instance, if you hold the Shift key while deleting, it bypasses the Recycle Bin, or if the Bin is full, the data is permanently lost.
One of the most effective ways to recover permanently deleted files is through AOMEI FastRecovery, a specialized software that works with various Windows versions.
Here are the key features that make it stand out:
» The user-friendly interface, paired with a simple operation guide, makes it easy for beginners to get started quickly. » It offers fast recovery speeds and high success rates, capable of restoring lost data from HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, SD cards, and other Windows storage media. It supports over 1000 file types, including documents, photos, videos, audio files, emails, and compressed formats. » Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Windows Server, it also works with various file systems like NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS. » It ensures complete security, free from bundled software or intrusive ads.
Follow the steps below to recover deleted files or restore lost data on Windows 10.
Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI FastRecovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your data is lost and click Scan.
Step 2. Then, the recovery tool starts to scan and search. lt will execute the “Quickly Scan" first to find your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching other lost data.
Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted files, recycle bins and other missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".
Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.
Step 5. Wait patiently for this process of recovery to end.
Restoring deleted folders from your desktop is straightforward if you’ve accidentally deleted them. Whether you used the "Delete" key or dragged them to the Recycle Bin, Windows 10 provides a simple method to recover files.
Step 1. Locate the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and open it. Find the deleted folders or files you wish to restore.
Step 2. Browse the contents of the Recycle Bin. You can search for a specific file or use the column headings to sort by size, modification date, and other criteria.
Step 3. Select the file or folder you want to recover and right-click on it.
Step 4. Choose "Restore" to restore the deleted files back to their original location.
The Windows Command Prompt can be a useful tool for managing disks and files, especially when dealing with hidden files. You can use the attrib command to reveal hidden files, but note that it won’t recover deleted files—only those that are hidden.
Step 1. Open the Search box, type "cmd", right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Step 2. In the Command Prompt window, type attrib -h -r -s /s /d [drive letter]:*.*. and press Enter. Make sure to replace "d" with the letter of the drive you want to search.
If you have Windows 10 May 2020 Update (version 2004) or later, you can access Windows File Recovery—Microsoft’s free file recovery tool. However, it’s not as user-friendly as programs like AOMEI FastRecovery because it operates through the command line. This text-based interface may not be comfortable for all users, so it’s best suited for those with more technical experience.
Before using Windows File Recovery, ensure you have the following:
▪ Before using Windows File Recovery, ensure you have the following:
▪ A secondary drive (such as an external hard drive or USB drive) for saving the recovered data.
Step 1. Open the Microsoft Store app, search for Windows File Recovery, and click Get to download and install the app.
Step 2. Press the Windows key, open the Search box, type Windows File Recovery, and select the app.
Step 3. To start recovering deleted files using a deep scan, enter the following command in the Command Prompt: winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/switches]
For example: winfr C: E: /extensive /n \C:\Recycler\*.zip
Step 4. Wait for the recovery to complete. Then a folder named "Recovery_(date and time)" will be generated automatically in the destination.
This solution is effective only if you’ve set up a backup or enabled the File History function before data loss occurred. If no backup is available, you’ll need data recovery software to retrieve permanently deleted files on Windows 10.
To restore files from a Windows backup, follow these steps:
Step 1. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
Step 2. Click Restore my files.
Step 3. Click Browse for files > Select files you want > Next.
Step 4. Choose where you want to save the recovered files, then click "Restore."
You can recover permanently deleted files in Windows 10 using the Restore previous versions feature, but it requires that you have already enabled File History or created a system restore point beforehand.
If you've set up this feature, follow these steps to restore your files:
Step 1. Locate the folder that contained the permanently deleted files, right-click on it, and select Restore previous versions.
Step 2. In the pop-up window, you’ll see previous versions of the folder from File History or system restore points.
Step 3. Choose the version containing the files you want to recover and click Restore to recover the deleted files.
In conclusion, deleted files are not immediately erased from your computer and can often be recovered with specialized tools like AOMEI Data Recovery, especially if no new data has overwritten the space. While methods such as using the Recycle Bin or command prompt can help recover recently deleted files, permanent deletion requires secure erasure tools. For Windows 10 users, data recovery options like AOMEI FastRecovery, Windows File Recovery, and File History provide efficient ways to restore lost data.