5 Effective Methods to Recover Files on Windows 10

Losing important files on your Windows 10 computer can be a stressful experience, but fortunately, there are several methods you can use to recover them. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore five effective ways to recover files on Windows 10. Let’s dive in!

Introduction

Accidentally deleting files on your Windows 10 computer is a common occurrence. However, it’s essential to understand that deleted files are not permanently gone; they are just hidden from view and can be recovered using the right tools and methods. In this guide, we will discuss five proven methods to help you recover your lost files.

Method 1: Check the Recycle Bin

The Recycle Bin is the first place you should check when trying to recover deleted files on Windows 10. Follow these simple steps:

Steps to Recover Files on Windows from Recycle Bin:

1. Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon to open it.
2. Browse through the files in the Recycle Bin to locate the ones you want to restore.
3. Right-click on the files you want to recover and select “Restore.”
4. The files will be restored to their original location.

Method 2: Recover Files Hidden by Viruses Using Command Prompt

Viruses, such as ransomware, can hide or delete your files. You can use Command Prompt to reveal and recover these hidden files. Follow these steps:

Steps to Recover Hidden Files Using Command Prompt:

1. Open the Start menu and type “CMD.”
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator.”
3. Enter the following command, replacing “X” with the drive letter:

attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:\*.*

4. Press Enter to execute the command.
5. Check the drive to find your recovered files.

Method 3: Use Data Recovery Software

Data recovery software like Disk Drill can help you recover deleted files from your Windows 10 computer. Follow these steps:

Steps to Recover Files on Windows Using Disk Drill:

1. Download and install Disk Drill from the official website.
2. Launch Disk Drill and select the disk or partition where the files were located.
3. Click on “Search for lost data” to initiate the scanning process.
4. Preview the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore.
5. Choose a save location for the recovered files and click “Recover.”

Method 4: Use File History Feature

Windows 10 includes a built-in feature called File History, which allows you to recover previous versions of files. Here’s how to use it:

Steps to Recover Files on Windows Using File History:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder containing the files you want to recover.
2. Click on the “Home” tab and then select “History.”
3. Choose the files or folders you want to restore from the list of available versions.
4. Click “Restore” to recover the selected files to their original location.

Method 5: Restore Previous Versions of Files

Windows 10 also allows you to restore previous versions of files using the “Restore previous versions” feature. Follow these steps:

Steps to Restore Previous Versions of Files:

1. Right-click on the file or folder you want to restore.
2. Select “Restore previous versions” from the context menu.
3. Choose a previous version from the list of available versions.
4. Click “Restore” to recover the file or folder to its previous state.

Conclusion

Losing important files on your Windows 10 computer can be a frustrating experience, but with the right tools and methods, you can often recover them successfully. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of recovering your lost files and minimize the impact of accidental deletions. Remember to act quickly and use the appropriate method based on your specific situation.