Accidentally deleted important files on my Windows 11 PC. I checked the Recycle Bin, but they aren’t there. Can anyone guide me on how to recover them? Need help ASAP. Thanks!
If you’ve already checked the Recycle Bin and your files aren’t there, you’ve got a few options to try before you toss your PC out the window in frustration.
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File History: It’s a built-in feature in Windows 11. If you had it enabled before losing the files, it might be able to restore them. To check, go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup > More options > Restore files from a current backup.
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Previous Versions: Sometimes, Windows will create restore points which include versions of your files. Right-click the folder where your files were saved and select “Restore previous versions”. If you’re lucky, you’ll find an earlier version with your missing files.
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Check OneDrive: If you use OneDrive, deleted files might still be in the OneDrive Recycle Bin. Just log in to your OneDrive account and see if the files are there.
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Data Recovery Software: When all else fails, a quality data recovery program can often save the day. One reliable choice is Disk Drill
, which you can use to scan your storage for lost files. It’s user-friendly and highly effective in recovering deleted files that aren’t in the Recycle Bin. You can check it out here: Disk Drill. Just download and install it, and then follow the steps to scan your drive for recoverable files.
Remember that the sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering the files. Once new data overwrites the space where the deleted files were stored, it becomes much harder to retrieve them.
Good luck!
Besides the options that @codecrafter mentioned, you might also consider some alternative approaches to recovering your deleted files on Windows 11.
First, regarding File History – it’s a great feature if you had it set up in advance, but if you didn’t enable it, you won’t be able to restore the files using this method. Same goes for Previous Versions. If System Restore or a File History backup wasn’t configured, you’d likely be out of luck there.
Look, maybe try this instead:
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System Restore: Depending on when you last created a restore point, this can sometimes restore lost files by reverting your computer to an earlier state. Although typically used for system files, it occasionally recovers personal files too. Just be cautious, as any software installed after the restore point will get uninstalled. Go to Settings > System > About > Advanced system settings > System Protection > System Restore. Select a restore point that’s dated before you deleted the files, and cross your fingers.
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Professional Data Recovery Service: If it’s absolutely critical and none of these DIY methods work, you could consider a professional data recovery service. They’re not cheap, but they have specialized tools and techniques to recover data even from physically damaged disks. This should be a last resort because of the cost and downtime it might involve.
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Google Drive or Other Cloud Services: Occasionally, files are silently uploaded to other online services, especially if you use multiple services. Check any other drives or backup services you might’ve used. Google Drive, Dropbox, etc., might just have a copy lying around.
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Check for Shadow Copies: Sometimes, even if Previous Versions isn’t showing anything, there might be shadow copies created by other backup tools or during Windows updates. There’s a tool called ShadowExplorer that can help uncover these hidden copies. Download it and see if it reveals any of your missing files.
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Third-Party Recovery Tools: While Disk Drill is indeed powerful and user-friendly (and personally, I’ve had a lot of success with it – you can explore it here: Disk Drill Data Recovery Software), there are other data recovery tools like Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Stellar Data Recovery that also provide effective recovery solutions. Each has its own strengths in terms of what kind of file systems and file types they’re best at recovering.
Remember though, the longer you wait, the more likely your deleted data will be overwritten. So whichever route you choose, act quickly! And always make sure to set up regular backups in the future to avoid this kind of hassle.
Hopefully, one of these suggestions comes through for you. Best of luck!
I’ll chip in here with a few more suggestions and a slightly different angle, keeping in mind the urgency.
Your files disappearing into cyberspace can be a heart-stopper, but don’t despair just yet. If neither the Recycle Bin nor File History comes through, let’s discuss some additional avenues that while covered, I’ll try to expand on – and add a fresh perspective.
Temporary Files and System Cache
Sometimes deleted files linger in temporary system files or cache. Tools like CCleaner can surprisingly bring back files from these temporary spaces, so give it a try before diving into more complex recovery methods.
Windows File Recovery Tool
Have u guys used the Windows File Recovery Tool? It’s a command-line utility from Microsoft itself and can dig deep into your storage to find those elusive lost files. Fire it up by downloading it from the Microsoft Store and run it with instructions like:
winfr C: D: /n \Users\UserName\Documents\*
Custom-tailor the command to suit your targeted lost files. It’s powerful but might need a bit more tech-savviness compared to point-and-click software like Disk Drill.
Recovery Software Nuances
Using data recovery software like Disk Drill should be a priority. While some have noted its effectiveness, I agree, it’s somewhat user-friendly and broad in file system compatibility. It dives deep into drives to retrieve lost files, enhancing your chances by supporting various scenarios, including lost partition recovery and formatted drives. A minor con is the cost, but for anyone in a tight fix, its robust scanning makes it a solid choice.
Still, keep these in the back pocket: Recuva by Piriform – it’s free and decent for simple recovery jobs, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard which offers somewhat similar levels of finesse but with possibly less intuitive UI, and Stellar Data Recovery, worthwhile for those needing commercial-use levels of recovery.
Cloud Services Beyond OneDrive
I must second the valuable mentions of OneDrive while suggesting scrutiny of other cloud services. Files occasionally upload to cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox on auto-sync settings without explicit actions from users. Conduct a thorough crawln’ through these.
In-Place Data Recovery
A note on in-place recovery: Remember, interacting too much with the drive where data deletion occurred risks overwriting the files you aim to rescue. So install recovery tools on a separate drive or partition to avert such scenarios.
PowerShell Forensics
Advanced users can also employ PowerShell for forensic-level data recovery. Commands like Get-ChildItem
along with advanced parameters might spotlight hidden files and directories. It’s worth diving into if comfortable with scripts and command-line heritage.
Get-ChildItem -Recurse -Force
Family Digital Hygiene
Lastly, in terms of setting up safeguards post-recovery, transcend immediate fixes by thinking long-term. Regular backups (sure, sounds repetitive but essential) combined with redundant cloud synchronizations (same data on multiple services) ensure peace of mind. Set up frequent system restore points and delve into backup automation using Windows Backup and Restore alongside third-party cloud solutions. Constant vigilance and preemptive measures are the unsung heroes of digital hygiene.
So, intermittant use of Disk Drill combined with the afore-discussed strategies should steer you through. Here’s hoping you find those files swiftly!