Restoring Deleted Files and Folders: A Simple Guide

Losing important files and folders can be a major inconvenience, but don't panic! In many cases, you can restore them quickly and easily. In this blog, we'll walk you through the steps to recover your lost data and provide you with some useful tips to prevent future data loss.

1. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash

When you delete a file or folder, it often goes to the Recycle Bin (on Windows) or Trash (on macOS) before being permanently removed. To restore your files:

1. Open the Recycle Bin or Trash.
2. Locate the file or folder you want to recover.
3. Right-click on the item and select Restore (Windows) or Put Back (macOS).

2. Use File History or Backup

If your files are not in the Recycle Bin, you might have a backup. Both Windows and macOS offer built-in tools for backing up data:

For Windows:

1. Open Control Panel and go to System and Security.
2. Click on File History.
3. Click on Restore personal files to see a list of backed-up files.
4. Select the file or folder you wish to restore and click Restore.

For macOS:

1. Connect your Time Machine backup drive.
2. Open Time Machine from the Applications folder.
3. Navigate to the date when the file or folder existed.
4. Select the item and click Restore.

3. Use Data Recovery Software

If you don’t have a backup, you might need to use data recovery software. These programs can scan your drive and attempt to recover deleted files. Some popular options include:

• Recuva (Windows)
• Disk Drill (Windows and macOS)
• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (Windows and macOS)

Data recovery software works best if you act quickly. The longer you wait, the higher the chance that new data will overwrite the deleted files.

4. Contact a Professional Data Recovery Service

For critical data or severe cases of data loss, consider reaching out to a professional data recovery service. These services have specialized tools and expertise to recover files that other methods might not reach. However, they can be expensive, so weigh this option carefully.

5. Prevent Future Data Loss

To avoid losing your files in the future, consider these preventive measures:

• Regular Backups: Use cloud storage or external drives to back up your data regularly.
• File Recovery Tools: Install data recovery software in advance.
• Be Cautious: Always double-check before deleting files and folders.