Accidentally deleted important files? Formatted the wrong drive? Don’t panic—your data may still be recoverable. Whether it’s a simple deletion or something more complex, acting swiftly is crucial to maximise the chances of successful recovery. This guide will walk you through practical steps to recover your lost files, from basic fixes to advanced recovery tools.
Stepwise Data Recovery: How to Recover Deleted Files
1. Check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (macOS)
Sometimes the simplest solution works best.
- Windows: Open the Recycle Bin, right-click the file, and choose Restore.
- Mac: Open Trash, right-click the file, and select Put Back.
2. Use “Undo Delete” (Immediately After Deletion)
If you just deleted the file, you might be able to use Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Cmd + Z (Mac) to undo the deletion right away.
3. Look in Cloud Backups
Check if your files were backed up to:
- Google Drive
- OneDrive
- iCloud
- Dropbox
4. Try Free Data Recovery Software
If the file isn’t in the Recycle Bin or Trash, data recovery tools can help:
- Recuva (Windows): User-friendly and free.
- PhotoRec/TestDisk: Powerful, supports multiple OSs, but not beginner-friendly.
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: Free version recovers up to 2GB.
- Disk Drill: Compatible with both Windows and macOS.
5. Restore from a Backup
If you’ve set up backups:
- Windows Backup, Time Machine (Mac), or other third-party tools can help you restore your files easily.
6. Use File History or Previous Versions (Windows Only)
If File History is enabled:
- Right-click the folder where the file was located.
- Select Restore previous versions and pick the desired version.
Tips for a Successful Recovery
- Stop using the affected drive immediately – New data might overwrite deleted files.
- Avoid installing recovery tools on the same drive – Use a USB or external drive instead.
- Act quickly – The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovery.
When to Call the Pros
If the data is critical or the drive is physically damaged, professional data recovery services can help. They have specialized tools for handling severe data loss.
Conclusion
Accidentally deleting a file isn’t the end of the world—it’s a reminder to stay prepared. Once your data is recovered, take time to set up regular, automated backups. Your future self will thank you.
