How Can You Recover Deleted Files from the Recycle Bin?
Accidentally deleting files from the recycle bin can be a distressing experience. Whether it’s an important document, cherished photos, or a crucial project, the loss can feel irreparable. However, there are several methods you can employ to recover deleted files from the recycle bin. Let’s explore these options in detail.
Check the Recycle Bin
The first and most straightforward step is to check the recycle bin itself. Sometimes, deleted files might not be completely removed and can still be found in the recycle bin. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the recycle bin by double-clicking on its icon on the desktop.
- Scroll through the list of deleted files and folders.
- Right-click on the file or folder you want to recover and select “Restore” from the context menu.
- Confirm the restore location if prompted.
After restoring the file, it will be placed back in its original location on the computer. If you can’t find the file in the recycle bin, proceed to the next method.
Use File Recovery Software
When the recycle bin fails to restore the deleted files, you can turn to file recovery software. These programs are designed to scan your computer’s hard drive and recover deleted files, even if they have been emptied from the recycle bin. Here are some popular file recovery software options:
Software | Features | Price |
---|---|---|
Recuva | Supports various file formats, easy-to-use interface, free version available | Free version, paid version for advanced features |
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard | Supports a wide range of file formats, preview deleted files, free trial available | Free trial, paid version for full functionality |
MiniTool Power Data Recovery | Supports various file formats, deep scan option, free version available | Free version, paid version for advanced features |
Follow these steps to use file recovery software:
- Download and install a file recovery software of your choice.
- Launch the program and select the drive where the deleted files were located.
- Start the scanning process. The software will search for deleted files on the selected drive.
- Preview the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore.
- Choose a location to save the recovered files and click “Restore” to save them.
Check for Previous Versions
Windows operating systems have a feature called “Previous Versions” that allows you to restore files to a previous state. This feature is particularly useful if you have enabled system protection on your computer. Here’s how to check for previous versions:
- Right-click on the folder or file you want to recover and select “Restore previous versions” from the context menu.
- A list of available previous versions will be displayed. Select the version you want to restore.
- Click “Restore” to save the file to its original location or a new location of your choice.
Use the Command Prompt
For advanced users, the command prompt can be a powerful tool to recover deleted files from the recycle bin. Here’s how to use the command prompt:
- Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the menu.
- In the command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
- chkdsk C: /f /r
- Replace “C:” with the drive letter of the drive where the deleted files were located.
- Wait for the disk check process to complete. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the drive.
- After the disk check process is complete, try to restore the deleted files from the recycle bin or use file recovery software.