How can i restore permanently deleted files

Accidentally deleting an important file can feel like a nightmare. The sinking feeling that follows the realization that the file is not just deleted, but permanently deleted can lead to panic. Whether it was a cherished photo, a critical work document, or years of stored data, the loss can be deeply frustrating. But don’t despair.

But here’s the catch: the data isn’t truly erased. The operating system simply marks the space the file occupied as “available” for reuse. Until something else is written over that space, the data often remains on the disk. That’s why time is of the essence the more you use the drive, the higher the chance that deleted data will be overwritten and truly lost.

Step 1: Stop Using the Affected Device Immediately

This may sound dramatic, but if the file is truly important, the first thing to do is stop using the storage device—especially if it’s your primary system drive. Every second your computer runs, system processes, updates, and even background tasks can write new data to the disk, potentially overwriting the files you want to recover.

If the file was on your main drive (e.g., C:), try not to install or download anything new. If possible, shut the system down and connect the drive to another computer for recovery. This minimizes the risk of data loss due to overwriting.

Step 2: Check Your Backups

While this may seem obvious, many people overlook it in the panic of deletion. Take a moment to check:

External backups: USB drives, external hard drives, or backup SSDs.

Cloud backups: Services like Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, Dropbox, or even an email you might’ve used to share the file.

Built-in OS backups: Tools like Windows File History, Backup and Restore, macOS Time Machine, or third-party apps like Acronis or Carbonite.

Even if you don’t remember creating a backup, it’s worth looking. Some apps or devices automatically back up files in the background.

Step 3: Try the “Previous Versions” or “Shadow Copies” Feature (Windows)

If you’re using a Windows system and have System Restore or File History enabled, there’s a good chance you can restore a previous version of a folder or file—even after deletion.

Here’s how:

Right-click the folder where the file was originally stored.

Choose “Restore previous versions.”

A list of snapshots (if available) will appear.

Select a version from before the file was deleted.

Click Restore or open it to manually copy the files you need.

This works only if you had versioning enabled beforehand, so results may vary.

Step 4: Restore From Time Machine (Mac)

Mac users have an edge with Time Machine, Apple’s built-in backup utility. If you use Time Machine and have a backup drive connected, restoring deleted files is relatively easy.

To restore a file:

Connect your Time Machine backup drive if it’s not already.

Open the folder where the file was previously located.

Click the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and choose Enter Time Machine.

Browse through the timeline to a backup date before the file was deleted.

Select the file and click Restore.

If your backup drive hasn’t been updated since the file was deleted, chances are you’ll still find the file intact.

Step 5: Use File Recovery Software (Windows)

Panda Assistant

Panda Assistant is a reliable and user-friendly data recovery tool designed to help users retrieve lost or permanently deleted files from a wide range of storage devices. Whether your files were removed by mistake, lost due to formatting, or deleted beyond the Recycle Bin or Trash, Panda Assistant offers a powerful solution to bring them back.

When a file is permanently deleted, it isn’t immediately erased from your storage device. Instead, the system simply marks the space as available for new data. Until that space is overwritten, the file remains recoverable. Panda Assistant takes advantage of this by performing deep scans to locate and recover such hidden or “inaccessible” files.

How it Works:

Download and install Panda Assistant on a safe, separate drive.

Launch the software and choose the drive where the file was deleted.

Select Deep Scan mode to detect files that are no longer visible in your system.

Preview and restore the files you want to recover.

Save recovered data to a different location to prevent overwriting.

Step 6: Recovering From Formatted Drives or Partitions

If you formatted a drive or deleted an entire partition, it might seem like recovery is impossible. But surprisingly, many recovery tools are built to handle this too.

Formatting doesn’t usually erase all data—it just removes the file system references, like a table of contents being torn out of a book. The content is still there until overwritten.

To recover files from formatted drives:

Use advanced tools like R-Studio, EaseUS, or PhotoRec/TestDisk.

Select the formatted drive.

Run a deep scan.

Recover the files to a different drive.

Step 7: Recovering Deleted Files From External Drives

Whether it’s a USB flash drive, SD card, or external hard drive, recovery steps are mostly the same:

Stop using the device immediately.

Connect it to your computer using a USB port or card reader.

Run your recovery software.

Scan the external drive.

Preview and restore files to a safe location.

Step 8: Try Command-Line Recovery Tools (Advanced Users)

For tech-savvy users, command-line tools offer powerful data recovery with more control. These are particularly useful for recovering files from Linux or corrupted partitions.

Options include:

TestDisk – Recovers lost partitions and boot sectors.

PhotoRec – By the same developers, scans for individual files by signature.

Foremost – Originally developed by the U.S. Air Force, works well on forensic recoveries.

extundelete – Works with ext3/ext4 filesystems on Linux.

These tools are open-source and free, but have a steeper learning curve.

Step 9: Use Mobile Data Recovery Tools (Android and iOS)

If you’ve permanently deleted files from your phone—like photos, videos, or app data—recovery is possible, but depends on the platform and whether you use cloud sync.

Android:

Check Google Photos Trash (keeps deleted items for 30 days).

Use recovery apps like DiskDigger or Dr.Fone.

Rooting may be required for deep recovery, which comes with risks.

iPhone:

Check Recently Deleted in Photos or Files app.

Restore from iCloud or iTunes backup.

Use tools like iMobie PhoneRescue, Dr.Fone, or Tenorshare UltData.

Mobile recovery is more limited and time-sensitive. If your phone is syncing with cloud services, that’s your best bet.

Step 10: When to Contact a Professional Recovery Service

Sometimes, DIY methods won’t work—especially if:

The drive is physically damaged (clicking, grinding, not spinning up).

You accidentally performed a secure erase or full drive overwrite.

The file is extremely valuable and no risks can be taken.

In such cases, a professional data recovery service is the best solution. Companies like DriveSavers, Ontrack, and Gillware operate clean rooms to physically recover data from failed drives.

These services are expensive but can be worth it for irreplaceable data. They often offer evaluations and no-recovery-no-fee policies.

Tips to Prevent Future Permanent Data Loss

After going through the stress of recovering deleted files, you’ll want to avoid the experience ever again. Here’s how:

Enable automatic cloud backups (Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud).

Use Time Machine or File History for local backups.

Keep at least two backups—one local and one offsite or in the cloud.

Avoid using Shift + Delete unless absolutely necessary.

Don’t rush through deleting files; double-check before emptying Trash or Recycle Bin.

Consider using file versioning software or version control for documents.

The best protection is proactive not reactive file management.

Permanently deleting a file doesn’t have to be the end of the story. In many cases, with the right approach, tools, and a bit of luck, you can bring lost files back to life. The key is to act quickly, avoid overwriting data, and use the best recovery methods available for your device or operating system.