Top Methods to Recover Deleted Data on Windows

Data loss on Windows is something we’ve all faced at least once. Whether it’s accidental deletion, system errors, or malicious software, losing important files is a major inconvenience. Fortunately, there are several methods to recover deleted data on Windows which can save the day. From simple Recycling Bin checks to sophisticated data recovery tools, different situations call for different approaches. To delve deeper into the best data recovery software for Windows, you can read for data recovery software on LinkedIn article. In this guide, I’ll share some of the most effective techniques that have helped me recover lost data on numerous occasions.

Common Scenarios:

Accidental Deletion 💼

Accidentally deleted an important file while cleaning up your workspace.

This is probably the most common data loss scenario. One moment you’re decluttering your system, and the next you’ve deleted a crucial document. The first step is to check the Recycle Bin, but if it’s not there, don’t worry. Windows offers multiple ways to recover deleted data and mitigate this loss.

System Crash 🔥

Your Windows system crashes, leading to the loss of unsaved or stored data.

A system crash can be catastrophic, especially if it happens unexpectedly. It can lead to unsaved documents, corrupted files, and other issues. Luckily, there are recovery methods that can help you retrieve data lost during a system crash. Utilizing software with robust data recovery features can make this process easier.

Software Corruption 📉

Important applications or software become corrupt, making data within them inaccessible.

Software corruption can occur due to various reasons like incomplete updates, conflicts with other software, or malware. When this happens, essential data within the corrupted software might become inaccessible. Knowing how to navigate this situation is key to data recovery on Windows. Specialized data recovery software can be particularly helpful in these cases.

Step-by-Step Guide. How To Recover Deleted Data On Windows:

Method 1: Using Recycle Bin 🗑

Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
Search for the files you’ve accidentally deleted.
Right-click on the file or folder and select Restore.
The restored file will return to its original location.
If not found, proceed to the next method.

Note: Files removed from the Recycle Bin or deleted using Shift+Delete won’t be found here.

Conclusion: This method is best for quickly recovering recently deleted files.

Method 2: Utilizing Backup and Restore 🛡

Go to Control Panel and click on System and Security.
Select Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
Click on Restore my files and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore process.
Alternatively, use File History if it’s enabled on your system.
Navigate to the directory housing the backups and select the files you wish to restore.
For more information, visit Microsoft support.

Note: This method is effective if you’ve configured backup settings previously.

Conclusion: Regular backups can be a lifesaver and are an essential practice for data security.

Method 3: Previous Versions Recovery 📂

Right-click on the folder that previously contained the deleted file.
Select Restore previous versions from the context menu.
Pick the most recent version that contains the deleted file and click Restore.
Check the folder for your recovered files.
Refer to this guide for more details.

Note: To use this feature, you must have System Restore or File History enabled.

Conclusion: This is an efficient way to recover data if System Restore points or File History backups are available.

Method 4: Using Data Recovery Software 🔍

Download and install a reliable data recovery software like Recuva, EaseUS, or Disk Drill.
Launch the software and follow the initial setup instructions.
Scan your drives for deleted files with the software.
Select the files you want to recover and save them to a different drive.
For assistance, visit the EaseUS guide.

Note: Avoid installing the recovery software on the drive you’re trying to recover files from.

Conclusion: This method is highly effective for recovering files that are not found in the Recycle Bin or via other system tools.

Method 5: CMD to Recover Files 💻

Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Search for CMD, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
Type chkdsk X: /f and press Enter. Replace X with the drive letter.
After scanning, type ATTRIB -H -R -S /S /D X:*.* and press Enter. Again, replace X with the drive letter.
Wait for the process to complete, then check the drive for recovered files.
Visit this MakeUseOf article for extra help.

Note: This method works best for recovering hidden files on external drives.

Conclusion: Knowing how to use CMD for file recovery adds a powerful tool to your data recovery arsenal.

Method 6: System Restore 🌐

Go to Control Panel and click on System and Security.
Select System and click on System Protection.
Click System Restore and follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system to a previous state.
Select a restore point created before the data loss occurred.
Complete the restore process and check if your data has been recovered.
For additional guidance, head to this link.

Note: System Restore will undo recent system changes, including installations.

Conclusion: This is a useful method if your data loss was due to a recent change or software installation.

Method 7: Windows File Recovery Tool 🛠

Download and install the Windows File Recovery Tool from the Microsoft Store.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type the command: winfr source-drive: destination-drive: /switches.
Replace source-drive and destination-drive with appropriate drive letters.
Follow the prompts to complete the recovery process. Check Microsoft’s official guide for switch options and detailed instructions.

Note: It’s recommended to use an external drive as the destination for recovered files.

Conclusion: This is a comprehensive tool provided by Microsoft for advanced data recovery needs.

Precautions and Tips:

Best Practices 🎯

Regularly backup your data using built-in Windows features like File History and Backup and Restore, or third-party software.
Always check the Recycle Bin first when you delete important files accidentally.
Enable System Protection and configure System Restore points on your Windows operating system.
Use a reliable backup software to schedule regular backups of your critical data.
Avoid saving new files to a drive where data was deleted, as this can overwrite the deleted files.

Adhering to these best practices can prevent future data loss events and ensure quick recovery when issues arise. Having a robust data management strategy in place is crucial for both personal and professional settings.

Additional Insights

In addition to using data recovery software and built-in Windows tools, you can also explore cloud storage solutions for data backup. Cloud storage providers like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox offer automatic backup and syncing features that can be incredibly useful in preventing data loss. Check out this article for more information on cloud storage options.

Another excellent precautionary measure is to use disk imaging software, which allows you to create exact replicas of your system drives. Tools like Acronis True Image and Macrium Reflect are highly recommended for this purpose. Learn more about disk imaging in this guide.

For businesses, investing in enterprise-level data recovery solutions can be vital. Companies like CrashPlan and Carbonite offer advanced backup and recovery options tailored for business needs. Explore this resource for a detailed comparison of business data backup solutions.

Conclusion:

Recovering deleted data on Windows doesn’t always have to be an uphill battle. By using a combination of built-in tools, data recovery software, and best practices, you can significantly increase your chances of recovering lost files. Whether it’s accidental deletion, system crashes, or software corruption, there’s a way to get your data back. By staying prepared and informed, you can navigate the challenges of data loss efficiently and effectively.

FAQ

How can I recover permanently deleted files on Windows?

Try using software like Recuva or Disk Drill. If that doesn’t work, consider consulting data recovery services. Explore more options on CCleaner

Is it possible to retrieve data from the Recycle Bin?

Files in the Recycle Bin can be restored by right-clicking and selecting Restore. Ensure the bin is not emptied to recover.

Can I recover data without using third-party software?

Windows has a built-in feature called Previous Versions that allows restoring files to previous states. Right-click the folder and select Restore Previous Versions.

How effective is Windows File Recovery?

This is a command-line tool by Microsoft that can recover deleted files from various storage devices. It's quite effective for simple recovery needs.

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

Seek professional data recovery services to avoid further damage. Specialized equipment is needed for physical data retrieval from damaged drives.

Can I recover data from a formatted drive?

Use data recovery software like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. These tools scan formatted drives to recover lost files effectively.

How do I use backup to restore deleted files?

Navigate to the backup location, find the corresponding backup file, and use the restoration functionality provided in your backup software.

Is it possible to recover overwritten files?

Overwriting significantly reduces the recovery chances. Recovery software might help, but results are unpredictable for overwritten data.

How do I recover data from a corrupted external drive?

First, check the drive using the chkdsk command. If that fails, use specialized recovery tools or consult professionals for best results.

Can I prevent accidental file deletion in the future?

Regularly back up important data to external drives or cloud storage. Enable File History on Windows and checkpoint your system.