how to retrieve deleted files from recycle bin,How to Retrieve Deleted Files from Recycle Bin

How to Retrieve Deleted Files from Recycle Bin

Accidentally deleting important files can be a distressing experience. However, with the right approach, you can often recover deleted files from the recycle bin. In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through various methods to retrieve deleted files from the recycle bin, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of the process.

Understanding the Recycle Bin

The recycle bin is a temporary storage location for deleted files on your computer. When you delete a file, it is moved to the recycle bin instead of being permanently deleted. This gives you a chance to recover the file if needed. However, it’s important to note that the recycle bin has a limited capacity, and once it’s full, older files may be automatically deleted to make space for new ones.

Method 1: Restore Files from the Recycle Bin

The simplest way to retrieve deleted files is by restoring them from the recycle bin. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the recycle bin by double-clicking on its icon on your desktop.
2. Locate the file you want to recover. You can use the search bar at the top to search for specific files.
3. Right-click on the file and select “Restore.” This will move the file back to its original location.
4. Repeat the process for all the files you want to recover.

Keep in mind that if the recycle bin is full or if the file has been deleted from the recycle bin, this method may not work.

Method 2: Use File Recovery Software

If the above method doesn’t work, you can try using file recovery software. These programs are designed to scan your computer’s hard drive and recover deleted files. Here’s how to use file recovery software:

1. Download and install a reputable file recovery software from a trusted source.
2. Launch the software and select the drive where your deleted files were located.
3. Start the scanning process. This may take some time, depending on the size of your drive.
4. Once the scan is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files. Browse through the list and select the files you want to recover.
5. Choose a location to save the recovered files and click “Recover.” Make sure not to save the recovered files to the same drive where they were deleted, as this may overwrite the deleted files.

Some popular file recovery software options include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill.

Method 3: Check the Previous Versions

Windows has a built-in feature called “Previous Versions” that allows you to restore previous versions of files and folders. Here’s how to use it:

1. Right-click on the folder or file you want to recover and select “Restore previous versions.” If the file is not in a folder, you can right-click on the file itself.
2. A window will open showing a list of available previous versions. Select the version you want to restore and click “Restore.” This will overwrite the current file with the previous version.

Keep in mind that this method only works if the “Previous Versions” feature was enabled for the folder or file.

Method 4: Use the Command Prompt

For advanced users, you can use the Command Prompt to recover deleted files. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press “Windows + X” and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin).” This will open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
2. Use the “dir” command to list the contents of the recycle bin. For example, type “dir /s /b c:$Recycle.Bin” and press Enter. Replace “c:” with the drive letter where your recycle bin is located.
3. Identify the file you want to recover and note its name and location.
4. Use the “copy” command to copy the file back to its original location. For example, type “copy c:$Recycle.Bin. c:pathtorestore” and press Enter. Replace “.” with the file name and “c:pathtorestore” with the desired location.

Be cautious when using the Command Prompt, as incorrect commands can cause data loss.

Prevent Future Data Loss