How can i recover deleted files from my pc

​Losing a file on your PC—whether it’s an important work document, cherished photo, or downloaded software can feel like a nightmare. In a world where so much of our lives depend on digital data, accidentally deleting files or losing them to a crash can bring about panic. But here’s the good news: in most cases, those deleted files can still be recovered, even if they seem permanently gone.

There are different levels of file deletion:

Sent to Recycle Bin – The file is still easily recoverable.

Shift+Delete or Recycle Bin emptied – The file is marked as deleted but still recoverable with software.

Overwritten by new data – The file becomes difficult or impossible to recover.

The sooner you act, the higher your chance of successful recovery. Let’s go over your recovery options.

Step-by-Step: How to Recover Deleted Files from Your PC

Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin

The Recycle Bin is Windows’ first line of defense against accidental deletions. If your file was simply deleted using the Delete key or dragged to the bin, recovering it is incredibly simple.

How to recover files from the Recycle Bin:

Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.

Browse or search for your deleted file.

Right-click on the file you want to recover.

Click “Restore.”

The file will be returned to its original location. If you can’t find it here, move on to the next method.

Step 2: Restore a Previous Version Using File History

Windows has a built-in feature called File History that automatically saves versions of your files over time. If File History was enabled, you might be able to recover previous versions of files or entire folders.

To restore a file from File History:

Right-click on the folder where the file was located.

Select “Restore previous versions.”

Browse the list of available versions.

Select one and click “Restore.”

Alternatively, go to:

Settings > Update & Security > Backup > More options > Restore files from a current backup.

This method only works if File History was previously set up. If it wasn’t, don’t worry—there are still more solutions ahead.

Step 3: Use Windows File Recovery Tool (Command Line)

Microsoft provides a command-line utility called Windows File Recovery for Windows 10 and 11 users. It’s designed to help recover permanently deleted files—even after the Recycle Bin has been emptied.

How to use it:

Download and install Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.

Open the app—it will launch via Command Prompt.

Use the following format to run recovery:

bash

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winfr C: D:\Recovery /regular /n *.docx

In this example:

C: is the drive where files were deleted.

D:\Recovery is the folder where recovered files will be saved.

/regular is the mode used (you can also use /extensive for deeper scans).

/n defines which file types to look for.

This method is powerful but technical. If you prefer a graphical interface, move on to third-party tools.

Step 4: Use a Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant

Accidentally deleted an important file? Don’t panic Panda Assistant can help you recover lost data from your PC quickly and easily. Whether you’ve removed files using Shift+Delete, emptied the Recycle Bin, or lost them during a crash, Panda Assistant is designed to handle a wide range of recovery scenarios with minimal hassle.

Panda Assistant works by scanning your computer’s storage for traces of deleted files that haven’t been overwritten yet. When you delete a file, it isn’t immediately erased—it’s simply marked as free space. As long as that space hasn’t been used by new data, Panda Assistant can locate and restore your lost files.

To begin, launch Panda Assistant and select the drive where the file was deleted. You can choose between a quick scan for recently deleted files and a deep scan for files lost some time ago or after formatting. Once the scan is complete, the software will display all recoverable files, including previews, file paths, and sizes.

Step 5: Look in Temporary and Auto-Recovery Folders

Many programs create auto-save or backup files as you work, especially Microsoft Office. If your system crashes or you forget to save a file, you might find a version in the temporary folder.

To find temporary files:

Press Windows + R, type temp, and hit Enter.

Browse the folder for files that match the name or type of the lost file.

You can also check:

mathematica

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C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Local\Temp

For Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents:

Open the app (e.g., Microsoft Word).

Go to File > Open > Recover Unsaved Documents.

Select from the list of auto-recovered files.

This method is great for recovering recent unsaved work after unexpected shutdowns.

Step 6: Check Cloud Storage or Sync Services

If you use cloud services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, your file might have been automatically backed up or synced—even if you don’t remember doing it.

To recover files from OneDrive:

Visit onedrive.live.com.

Sign in with your Microsoft account.

Check your files and look in the Recycle Bin or Trash section.

For Google Drive:

Visit drive.google.com and sign in.

Look for your file or check under the Trash section.

Dropbox:

Visit dropbox.com.

Go to Deleted files in the left panel.

Cloud services often keep deleted files for up to 30 days, giving you a safety net you may not even realize you had.

Step 7: Use System Restore (For System Files)

System Restore allows you to roll your PC back to a previous state. It’s not ideal for recovering personal files like documents or photos, but it can help if your files disappeared due to a system issue, app installation, or Windows update.

To perform a System Restore:

Type “Create a restore point” in the search bar and open it.

Click System Restore.

Choose a restore point created before your files were deleted.

Follow the instructions to complete the restore.

While not always useful for file recovery, this method can help bring back system settings and files that were altered or deleted during updates.

Step 8: Recover Files from a Formatted or Corrupted Drive

If you accidentally formatted a drive or it became unreadable, there’s still hope. Recovery software like EaseUS, Disk Drill, or Stellar can scan formatted drives for recoverable files.

Launch your chosen recovery tool.

Select the formatted or corrupted drive.

Perform a deep scan (not a quick scan).

Preview files and recover them to a different drive.

If the drive is physically damaged or showing signs of hardware failure (e.g., clicking sounds), it’s best to stop using it immediately and move on to professional recovery services.

Step 9: Contact Professional Data Recovery Services

Most services offer free diagnostics and a “no data, no fee” policy. This route can be expensive, but for critical files, it’s often worth the investment.

Tips to Improve File Recovery Success

To give yourself the best chance of recovering deleted files, keep the following tips in mind:

Act quickly – The longer you wait, the more likely the data will be overwritten.

Stop using the affected drive – Avoid saving or installing anything on the drive.

Avoid formatting – Don’t reformat a drive unless you’ve exhausted all recovery options.

Save recovered files to another drive – This avoids overwriting and increases recovery success.

Use deep scan options – These scans take longer but find more data.

Enable backup options going forward – Prevention is the best solution.

How to Prevent Future File Loss

Once you’ve recovered your files, you’ll want to avoid the stress of going through this process again. Here are the best ways to protect your data in the future:

1. Enable File History

Turn on Windows’ File History feature so your files are backed up regularly.

2. Use a Cloud Backup Service

Services like Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or iCloud automatically sync and store your data.

3. Create Full Backups

Use external hard drives or network-attached storage (NAS) to create regular full-system backups.

4. Set Up Auto-Save in Software

Enable auto-save and auto-backup features in your word processors, photo editors, or creative tools.

5. Install Antivirus Protection

Malware and ransomware can destroy or encrypt files. A good antivirus can prevent this.

6. Double-Check Before Deleting

Always review files in the Recycle Bin before emptying it, and avoid using Shift+Delete unless you’re absolutely sure.