How to recover lost photos (on windows）

​Photos capture memories, moments, and milestones that are often irreplaceable. Losing these precious images can be deeply upsetting, whether it happens due to accidental deletion, formatting errors, hardware failure, or malware. The good news is that in most cases, lost photos on Windows computers and external storage devices can be recovered using various methods.

Windows provides several built-in tools to assist with file recovery, and there are numerous third-party applications designed specifically to recover deleted or lost images. Understanding how photo loss occurs, and which recovery methods apply to your situation, is key to retrieving your images safely and effectively.

Why Photos Get Lost on Windows

Before jumping into recovery, it’s helpful to understand common causes of photo loss:

Accidental Deletion

The most frequent cause. You might delete photos unintentionally or empty the Recycle Bin without realizing what’s inside.

Formatting Drives

Formatting an SD card, USB flash drive, or hard disk without backing up photos leads to data loss. Quick formats don’t erase the underlying data, so recovery is possible if done promptly.

Virus or Malware Attacks

Malicious software can delete or corrupt photos, making them inaccessible.

Hardware Failures

A failing hard drive or corrupted memory card may prevent photos from appearing or cause file system errors.

Improper Ejection of External Devices

Removing a USB drive or SD card without safely ejecting can cause corruption and data loss.

Software Errors and Crashes

Unexpected shutdowns or software glitches during photo transfer can lead to incomplete or missing files.

Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin

The first and easiest step is to check the Recycle Bin on your desktop:

Double-click the Recycle Bin icon.

Search or browse for your deleted photos.

If found, right-click on the photos and select Restore. This will return the files to their original location.

If you’ve emptied the Recycle Bin, or the files are missing here, proceed to the next steps.

Step 2: Use File History or Backup and Restore

Windows offers backup features that might have saved your photos before loss.

File History (Windows 8. 10. 11)

Open Settings > Update & Security > Backup.

Click More options under “Back up using File History.”

Scroll down and click Restore files from a current backup.

Browse through folders or use the search to locate your photos.

Select files and click the Restore button.

Backup and Restore (Windows 7. later available in Windows 10/11)

If you’ve set up backups previously:

Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Click Restore my files.

Follow the wizard to locate and restore your photos.

If you haven’t enabled backup or File History before, skip ahead to software-based recovery.

Step 3: Check for Hidden Files or Folders

Sometimes photos might be hidden accidentally.

Open File Explorer.

Go to the folder where photos were stored.

Click on the View tab.

Check the box for Hidden items.

See if your missing photos appear.

Also, check if file extensions changed or files got renamed.

Step 4: Use Windows Previous Versions Feature

Windows automatically creates restore points or shadow copies of files and folders, which can be used to recover lost photos.

Navigate to the folder where photos were saved.

Right-click on the folder and select Restore previous versions.

A list of previous versions of the folder will appear with timestamps.

Select a version from before you lost your photos.

Click Restore or Open to view and copy files out.

Step 5: Use the Command Prompt to Check for Corrupted Files

Sometimes photos appear missing because of file system errors.

Press Windows + X and choose Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).

Type the following command and press Enter:

bash

CopyEdit

chkdsk X: /f

Replace X: with your drive letter where photos were lost.

Wait for the check to complete. It will fix file system errors and may recover lost files.

Step 6: Recover Photos Using Third-Party Software

Panda Assistant

Panda Assistant is designed to scan your storage devices thoroughly, detecting and restoring image files lost due to accidental deletion, formatting, system crashes, virus attacks, or corrupted drives. It supports a wide range of photo formats, including JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, and even RAW files used by professional cameras.

The software’s intuitive interface guides users step-by-step, making photo recovery accessible to beginners and experienced users alike. Panda Assistant runs a deep scan that searches every sector of your drive for recoverable photos, even those deleted long ago or from emptied recycle bins. It preserves the original file names, creation dates, and metadata, so your recovered photos remain organized and identifiable.

One of Panda Assistant’s key strengths is its non-destructive approach — it performs all recovery operations in read-only mode, ensuring that no further damage is done to your storage device or the photos themselves during scanning.

Step 7: Recover Photos from Formatted or Corrupted SD Cards and USB Drives

Formatting or corruption of removable drives is a common cause of photo loss, especially with cameras or smartphones.

Avoid writing new data on the formatted device.

Use recovery tools like PhotoRec, Recuva, or Disk Drill that support formatted drives.

Insert the SD card or USB into your PC and select it as the target drive in the recovery software.

Follow the same scanning and recovery process.

Step 8: Recover Photos from Cloud Backups

If you used cloud services like OneDrive, Google Photos, Dropbox, or iCloud, your photos may still be safely stored online.

Log into your cloud account.

Check Trash or Deleted Files folders (most cloud providers keep deleted files for 30 days).

Use restore or recovery options provided by the service.

Download recovered photos back to your PC.

Step 9: Check Your Camera or Smartphone for Recovery Options

Many modern devices offer their own recovery or backup options:

Some cameras keep copies of deleted photos in internal folders.

Smartphones often sync photos to Google Photos or iCloud.

Use device-specific apps to check trash or recently deleted folders.

Advanced Recovery: When to Use Professional Data Recovery Services

If your photos are extremely valuable and no software can recover them, professional data recovery services are the last resort.

Suitable for physical damage or severe corruption.

Experts can recover data from damaged drives, SSDs, and memory cards.

Services can be expensive and take days to weeks.

Always research reputable providers with good reviews.

Preventing Future Photo Loss on Windows

Once you’ve recovered your photos or want to avoid loss altogether, consider these tips:

Regular Backups

Use File History, Windows Backup, or third-party backup tools.

Back up photos to an external hard drive regularly.

Use cloud backup services for offsite protection.

Safe Ejection of Devices

Always use the “Safely Remove Hardware” option before unplugging USB drives or SD cards.

Use Reliable Antivirus Software

Protect your system against malware that can corrupt or delete files.

Avoid Abrupt Shutdowns

Use a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) if power outages are frequent.

Organize Your Photos

Keep photos organized in clearly named folders to avoid accidental deletions.

Use Photo Management Software

Programs like Google Photos, Adobe Lightroom, or Microsoft Photos can help organize and back up images automatically.

Losing photos on Windows can be a stressful experience, but most lost pictures are recoverable using the right tools and techniques. Always start by checking the Recycle Bin and backups. If these don’t work, explore built-in Windows features like Previous Versions and chkdsk.

For more stubborn cases, third-party recovery software provides a powerful solution, especially when dealing with formatted or corrupted drives. Cloud backups and device-specific recovery tools offer additional safety nets.