How to retrieve recently deleted files

When you delete a file on Windows, macOS, or Linux, the operating system does not immediately erase the file’s contents. Instead, it removes references to the file in the system directory, marking the space occupied as available for new data. This is why “recently deleted” files can usually be recovered—they physically remain on the storage medium until overwritten by new files.

Key factors that affect recovery success include:

Time elapsed since deletion: The sooner you attempt recovery, the higher the chances of success.

Type of storage medium: HDDs retain deleted data longer than SSDs due to SSDs using TRIM commands that overwrite deleted files.

Usage of the drive: Saving new files to the same drive increases the risk of overwriting deleted data.

Precautions Before Recovery

Before starting the recovery process, it’s crucial to take precautions to maximize success:

Stop using the affected drive: Avoid writing new files, installing software, or performing updates.

Do not install recovery software on the same drive: Use another drive or USB to prevent overwriting deleted data.

Consider cloning the drive: For extremely important files, creating a sector-by-sector copy preserves the original state for professional recovery if needed.

Built-In Recovery Methods

Most operating systems include features that can recover recently deleted files without additional software.

1. Windows Recycle Bin

For files deleted in the past few hours or days:

Open the Recycle Bin.

Browse for the deleted file or folder.

Right-click and select Restore.

This returns the file to its original location. However, once the Recycle Bin is emptied, this method no longer works.

2. Windows File History

If File History is enabled:

Open Control Panel → File History.

Navigate to the folder where the file was stored.

Click Restore personal files and select the version to recover.

File History periodically backs up versions of files, making it possible to restore files even after permanent deletion.

3. Previous Versions

Windows also maintains restore points through System Protection:

Right-click the folder where the file was located → Properties → Previous Versions.

Choose a restore point prior to deletion.

Click Restore to recover the file.

4. Mac Trash and Time Machine

For macOS users:

Check the Trash folder for recently deleted files.

If Time Machine backup is enabled, open Time Machine → navigate to the file location → restore the desired file version.

Using Cloud Services for Recovery

Many users rely on cloud storage, which simplifies recovery:

OneDrive: Deleted files go to the OneDrive Recycle Bin for 30 days. Open OneDrive → Recycle Bin → select and restore.

Google Drive: Open Drive → Trash → select the file → Restore. Files remain in Trash for 30 days before permanent deletion.

Dropbox: Deleted files can be restored via the Dropbox website → Deleted Files.

Cloud platforms often maintain version histories, allowing recovery of earlier file versions even after changes or deletions.

Data Recovery Software

When built-in tools fail, dedicated recovery software becomes essential. These programs scan drives for deleted data and restore it even after emptying the Recycle Bin.

Popular Options

Panda Assistant

When files are deleted, the operating system doesn’t immediately erase them. Instead, it marks the storage space as available for new data. Until this space is overwritten, deleted files remain on the drive, making recovery possible. Panda Assistant leverages this by scanning drives deeply to locate these recoverable files.

Steps to Recover Recently Deleted Files

Stop Using the Drive

Avoid saving new files or installing software on the drive where the files were deleted. This prevents overwriting.

Install Panda Assistant

Download and install the software on a separate drive or USB device to ensure safe recovery.

Launch the Program and Select the Drive

Open Panda Assistant and choose the drive where the files were lost.

Scan for Deleted Files

Use the Deep Scan feature for maximum recovery results. The software will search for all recently deleted files.

Preview and Select Files

Panda Assistant allows you to preview documents, photos, videos, and other files before restoring them.

Recover to a Safe Location

Save recovered files to a different drive or USB to avoid overwriting other deleted data.

Tips for Successful Recovery

Act quickly to maximize recovery chances.

For critical data, consider creating a clone of the drive before recovery.

Avoid writing new data to the affected drive until recovery is complete.

With Panda Assistant, even recently deleted files can often be restored efficiently, making it a reliable solution for both personal and professional data recovery needs.

Steps to Recover with Recovery Software

Install the software on a separate drive to avoid overwriting deleted data.

Select the drive where the files were stored.

Run a quick scan, then a deep scan for better chances.

Preview files to check integrity.

Recover files to a different location.

Advanced Techniques

1. Command Prompt in Windows

For hidden or misattributed files:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Run:

chkdsk X: /f

Then:

ATTRIB -H -R -S /S /D X:*.*

Replace X with the affected drive letter.

2. Professional Data Recovery

If the files are extremely valuable or the drive is damaged:

Recovery experts can restore data in cleanroom environments.

They use specialized tools for logical and physical recovery, often with higher success rates than DIY methods.

Recovery on Different Devices

SSDs

SSDs use TRIM commands to improve performance, which can immediately overwrite deleted data. Rapid action is critical, and professional tools may improve success.

External Drives and USBs

Files deleted from these devices can often be recovered using the same methods, provided the drive hasn’t been heavily used since deletion.

Network Drives

Files deleted from mapped network drives may bypass the Recycle Bin entirely. Recovery depends on server backups, shadow copies, or professional tools.

Mobile Devices

iOS: Recently deleted files appear in the “Recently Deleted” album in Photos.

Android: Google Photos or file manager apps may store deleted files for recovery.

Best Practices to Prevent Future Data Loss

Enable File History, Time Machine, or cloud backups.

Use cloud storage for real-time synchronization and backup.

Keep a recovery tool installed or on a USB drive for emergencies.

Handle drives carefully, particularly external HDDs.

Enable System Restore and Previous Versions for automatic recovery options.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Continuing to use the drive after deletion, risking overwriting.

Installing recovery software on the same drive.

Ignoring regular backups.

Attempting to recover files to the same location.

Psychological Aspect of File Loss

Data loss often feels more severe than it is. Panic leads to mistakes that decrease recovery chances. Staying calm, acting quickly, and following methodical recovery steps is essential. Maintaining strong backup habits also prevents future stress.

Recovering recently deleted files is usually possible, thanks to the way modern operating systems manage file deletion. Built-in features, cloud backups, and specialized recovery software all play a role. Acting quickly, avoiding overwriting data, and using appropriate tools are key to success. Adopting preventive measures like File History, Time Machine, and cloud backups ensures that accidental deletion does not lead to permanent loss, turning potentially catastrophic incidents into minor inconveniences.