Where to Find Recently Deleted Files on Windows
Deletion of files on Windows can sometimes be an unintentional action, leading to the loss of important data. However, Windows provides a way to recover recently deleted files from the Recycle Bin. In this article, we will guide you on where to find recently deleted files on Windows and how to recover them if necessary.
1. The Recycle Bin
The first place to look for recently deleted files on Windows is the Recycle Bin. When you delete a file, it is moved to the Recycle Bin instead of being permanently deleted from your system. To access the Recycle Bin, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
2. Double-click on the Recycle Bin to open it.
3. Look for the deleted file in the list of files.
4. Right-click on the file and select “Restore” to move it back to its original location.
2. The Previous Versions Feature
Windows also provides a feature called “Previous Versions” that allows you to restore files to previous states. This feature is particularly useful if you have deleted a file and want to recover an earlier version of it. To access Previous Versions, follow these steps:
1. Right-click on the folder or file you want to recover.
2. Select “Restore previous versions” from the context menu.
3. A window will appear showing the available versions of the file or folder.
4. Double-click on the version you want to restore, and then click “Restore” to save it to its original location.
3. File History
If you have enabled the File History feature on your Windows system, you can recover deleted files from a backup. File History automatically saves copies of your files to an external drive or network location. To recover a deleted file using File History, follow these steps:
1. Open the File History settings by searching for “File History” in the Start menu.
2. Click on “Restore files” or “Restore individual files” from the left pane.
3. Use the search bar to find the deleted file.
4. Double-click on the file to open it, or right-click and select “Restore” to save it to its original location.
4. Third-Party File Recovery Software
If the above methods do not work, you can use third-party file recovery software to recover recently deleted files on Windows. These tools are designed to scan your hard drive and recover deleted files even if they have been emptied from the Recycle Bin. Some popular file recovery software options include:
– Recuva
– EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
– Stellar Data Recovery
Remember to install the file recovery software on a different drive than the one where the deleted files were located to avoid overwriting the deleted files.
In conclusion, finding recently deleted files on Windows can be done by checking the Recycle Bin, using the Previous Versions feature, enabling File History, or utilizing third-party file recovery software. By following these steps, you can recover your deleted files and prevent data loss.
