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How to Find Deleted Files
Have you ever accidentally deleted a file and wished you could recover it? Losing important documents, photos, or other files can be a frustrating experience. But fear not, as there are several methods you can use to find deleted files. In this article, we will explore various techniques to help you retrieve your lost data.
Check the Recycle Bin or Trash
The first place you should check for deleted files is the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). When you delete a file, it is often moved to this temporary storage location, allowing you to restore it easily.
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On Windows, open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking its icon on the desktop. Once open, you can browse through the files and restore the ones you want by right-clicking on them and selecting “Restore.”
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On Mac, open the Trash by clicking on its icon in the dock. Similar to Windows, you can restore files by right-clicking on them and selecting “Put Back.”
Use File Recovery Software
If the deleted files are not in the Recycle Bin or Trash, you can try using file recovery software. These programs scan your hard drive for deleted files and attempt to recover them. Here are some popular file recovery tools:
Software | Operating System | Price |
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Recuva | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free |
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard | Windows, Mac | Free version available; paid version for advanced features |
Stellar Data Recovery | Windows, Mac | Free version available; paid version for advanced features |
Follow these steps to use file recovery software:
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Download and install the file recovery software of your choice.
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Launch the program and select the drive where the deleted files were located.
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Start the scanning process. This may take some time, depending on the size of your drive.
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Once the scan is complete, browse through the list of deleted files and select the ones you want to recover.
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Choose a location to save the recovered files and click “Recover.”
Check for Previous Versions
Windows and Mac both offer a feature called “Previous Versions” that allows you to restore files to a previous state. This can be useful if you have deleted a file and want to recover an older version of it.
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On Windows, right-click on the folder or file you want to restore and select “Restore Previous Versions.” A list of available versions will be displayed. Select the desired version and click “Restore.”
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On Mac, right-click on the file or folder and select “Get Info.” In the “General” tab, you will see a “Previous Versions” section. Click on the “Show” button to view available versions and restore the one you want.
Use a Cloud Backup Service
Cloud backup services, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, can help you recover deleted files. If you have backed up your files to the cloud, you can easily restore them from there.
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Log in to your cloud storage account.
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Search for the deleted file using the search bar.
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Right-click on the file and select “Restore” or “Download” to recover it to your computer.
Prevent Future Data Loss
Now that you know how to find deleted files, it’s essential to take steps to prevent future data loss. Here are some tips:
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Regularly back up your files to an external drive, cloud storage, or another backup solution.
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