Windows 10 is a popular operating system used by millions of people worldwide. While it offers many useful features, one common issue that users face is accidentally deleting important files. Whether it’s a document, photo, or video, losing data can be frustrating and stressful. However, there is hope. In this blog post, we will explore various methods on how to view recently deleted files on Windows 10. We will provide step-by-step instructions along with pros and cons for each method. So, if you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where you need to recover deleted files, this article is for you.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to View Recently Deleted Files on Windows 10
Accidentally deleting files is a common occurrence for Windows 10 users. It can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as a misclick, system error, or even a faulty software update. Regardless of the cause, the end result is the same – your important files are gone. In such situations, knowing how to view recently deleted files becomes crucial for data recovery. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of recovering these files and avoid the stress and frustration that comes with data loss.
Method 1: Using the Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin is a built-in feature in Windows that acts as a temporary storage for deleted files. When you delete a file, it is moved to the Recycle Bin instead of being permanently deleted. This provides users with a safety net, as they can easily restore files from the Recycle Bin if needed.
To view recently deleted files using the Recycle Bin method, follow these steps:
1. Locate the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and double-click to open it.
2. In the Recycle Bin window, you will see a list of all deleted files. Scroll through the list or use the search bar to locate the file you want to recover.
3. Once you have found the file, right-click on it and select "Restore" from the context menu.
4. The file will now be restored to its original location on your computer.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to restore deleted files.
2. Provides a safety net for accidental deletes.
3. Allows for the recovery of multiple files at once.
Cons:
1. Deleted files may take up storage space until they are permanently deleted from the Recycle Bin.
2. Files that are too large to fit in the Recycle Bin may be permanently deleted without a chance for recovery.
Method 2: Using File History
File History is a backup feature in Windows 10 that automatically saves copies of your files to an external drive or network location. It creates a snapshot of your files at regular intervals, allowing you to easily recover previous versions or deleted files.
To view recently deleted files using the File History method, follow these steps:
1. Connect your external drive or access the network location where File History is stored.
2. Go to the folder where the deleted file was located.
3. Right-click in the folder and select "Restore previous versions" from the context menu.
4. A list of previous versions of the folder will appear. Select the version that contains the deleted file you want to recover.
5. Open the selected version, locate the deleted file, and copy it to the desired location on your computer.
Pros:
1. Provides a backup solution for recovering deleted files.
2. Allows for the recovery of previous versions of files.
Cons:
1. Requires the setup and configuration of File History prior to the deletion of files.
2. May consume significant storage space on the external drive or network location.
Method 3: Using Data Recovery Software
If the Recycle Bin method or File History method did not help you recover your recently deleted files, using data recovery software may be your best bet. These software programs are specifically designed to scan your computer’s storage drives and recover deleted or lost files.
To view recently deleted files using data recovery software, follow these steps:
1. Download and install a reliable data recovery software such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Disk Drill.
2. Launch the software and select the drive or partition from which you want to recover deleted files.
3. Start the scanning process and wait for the software to analyze the selected drive.
4. Once the scan is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files. Browse through the list or use the search function to find the deleted file you want to recover.
5. Select the file and choose a location to save the recovered file. It is recommended to save the file to a different drive to avoid overwriting any recoverable data.
Pros:
1. Effective for recovering permanently deleted files.
2. Can recover files from various storage devices including hard drives, SSDs, and external drives.
Cons:
1. Requires the download and installation of third-party software.
2. The success rate of file recovery may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the file deletion.
Method 4: Via File Backup
If you have a file backup in place, restoring recently deleted files becomes a relatively easy task. Backing up your files regularly is a good practice to safeguard against accidental data loss.
To view recently deleted files via file backup, follow these steps:
1. Access your file backup location, whether it’s an external drive, network location, or cloud storage service.
2. Navigate to the folder where the deleted file was located.
3. Locate the backup version of the file you want to recover.
4. Copy the file from the backup location to the desired location on your computer.
Pros:
1. Offers a reliable and efficient way to recover deleted files.
2. Provides an additional layer of data protection.
Cons:
1. Requires the setup and maintenance of file backup systems.
2. The availability of file backups may vary depending on the frequency and scope of the backups.
What to Do If You Can’t View Recently Deleted Files
If you have tried all the methods mentioned above and still can’t view your recently deleted files, here are a few possible fixes:
– Check if you have any additional backups stored in different locations. Sometimes, files are backed up to multiple storage devices or services.
– Consult with a data recovery professional or service. They may have specialized tools and techniques to recover your deleted files.
– Avoid using the affected drive or device to prevent further data loss. Overwriting deleted files can make them irretrievable.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to help you in your quest to view recently deleted files on Windows 10:
1. Enable the "Show hidden files" option in File Explorer settings. Sometimes, deleted files may still be present but are hidden from view.
2. Regularly backup your files to an external drive or cloud storage service. This ensures that you have a recent copy of your important files in case of accidental deletion.
3. Keep your computer’s antivirus software up to date. Some viruses or malware may delete or hide files on your system, and a robust antivirus program can help prevent such incidents.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I recover permanently deleted files from a USB drive?
A: Yes, data recovery software can help recover permanently deleted files from a USB drive. Make sure to stop using the USB drive after the deletion to avoid overwriting the deleted files.
Q2: How long does Windows keep deleted files in the Recycle Bin?
A: By default, Windows keeps deleted files in the Recycle Bin for 30 days. After this period, the files are automatically permanently deleted.
Q3: Can I recover files deleted from a formatted hard drive?
A: Recovering files from a formatted hard drive can be challenging. However, data recovery software may still be able to retrieve some of the deleted files. It is recommended to seek professional assistance in such cases.
Q4: Is there a way to recover overwritten files?
A: Recovering overwritten files is extremely difficult, if not impossible. When a file is overwritten, the original data is replaced, making recovery unlikely.
Q5: Are there any free data recovery software options available?
A: Yes, there are several free data recovery software options available, such as Recuva and MiniTool Power Data Recovery. However, the functionality and success rate of free software may be limited compared to paid alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Accidentally deleting important files can happen to anyone. However, with the methods outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of recovering these files and minimize the impact of data loss. Remember to act promptly and avoid using the affected drive or device after the deletion to maximize the chance of successful recovery. Whether it’s using the Recycle Bin, File History, data recovery software, or file backups, there are multiple options available to view recently deleted files on Windows 10.