Ultimate Guide: How to Recover Deleted Files Windows 10

Accidental file deletions are almost inevitable, even on the most advanced operating systems like Windows 10. Some users even report that Windows deletes everything after updating to 11. Whether it's a crucial work document, cherished family photos, or valuable project files, the sinking feeling that comes with realizing you've deleted something important can be distressing.

Fortunately, this particular operating system offers a range of tools and techniques on how to recover deleted files Windows 10 and restore your data. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through various methods that can help you recover your lost files, whether you've emptied your Recycle Bin or formatted a storage device.

From utilizing built-in features to using third-party software, you'll gain the knowledge and confidence to tackle data loss head-on. Let's dive into the world of Windows 10 file recovery and learn how to retrieve those precious files you thought were lost forever.

Part #1: Methods to Recover Deleted Files (Windows 10)Part #2: The Best Tool on How to Recover Deleted Files (Windows 10): FoneDog Data Recovery SoftwareConclusion

Part #1: Methods to Recover Deleted Files (Windows 10)

Method #1: Using the Recycle Bin

Accidentally deleting files is a common mishap, and the good news is that Windows 10 offers a safety net in the form of the Recycle Bin. When you delete a file, it's not immediately erased from your system; instead, it's moved to the Recycle Bin where it remains until you choose to permanently delete it.

Here's how to recover deleted files Windows 10 using this built-in feature:

1. Access the Recycle Bin: Double-click the "Recycle Bin" icon on your desktop to open it. Alternatively, you can search for "Recycle Bin" in the Windows Start menu and open it from there.
2. Locate and Select Files: In the Recycle Bin window, you'll see a list of deleted files and folders. Scroll through the list or use the search bar to locate the file(s) you want to recover.
3. Recover the Files: Once you've found the desired files, select them by clicking on them to highlight them. Right-click on the selection and choose "Restore" from the context menu. The files will be restored to their original location on your computer.

It's important to note that the Recycle Bin has a storage limit, and when it gets full, older items are automatically deleted to make space for new ones. So, if you've recently deleted the files, they are likely to be found in the Recycle Bin. However, if you've emptied it, then getting back those deleted files from the Recycle Bin after emptying would be a huge challenge.

Method #2: Using Windows File Recovery Tool

When the Recycle Bin fails to rescue your deleted files or if you've permanently deleted them, the Windows File Recovery tool comes to the rescue. This command-line utility, introduced in the Windows 10 May 2020 Update (version 2004), allows you to recover a wide range of file types from various storage devices, including internal and external drives, SD cards, and USB devices.

Here's how you can use the Windows File Recovery tool:

1. Open the Command Prompt: Press the Windows key on your keyboard. Type “Command Prompt” or “cmd” into the search bar. Right-click on “Command Prompt” from the search results and select “Run as administrator”.
2. Choose a Recovery Mode: The Windows File Recovery tool offers three recovery modes: Default, Segment, and Signature. The Default mode is recommended for most scenarios, as it attempts to recover recently deleted files. The Segment mode is suitable for cases where the storage device has been damaged or corrupted. The Signature mode is for recovering specific file types by specifying their headers.
3. Run the Recovery Command: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command for the desired recovery mode: winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode]. Replace source-drive with the drive letter of the storage device where the files were deleted and destination-drive with the drive letter of the destination where recovered files will be saved. Add /mode with the desired recovery mode: /regular, /seg, or /signature.
4. Recover Files: Press Enter to execute the command. The tool will scan the source drive for recoverable files and copy them to the destination drive. Once the process is complete, you’ll find the recovered files in the destination drive’s specified directory.

Using the Windows File Recovery tool might seem a bit technical due to its command-line interface, but it's a powerful option for retrieving files that may otherwise be unrecoverable. It's particularly useful when dealing with scenarios where files were deleted some time ago or when dealing with corrupted storage media.

Method #3: Using Cloud Storage Services Like Google Drive

In today's digital landscape, cloud storage services have become an integral part of our data management. Services like Google Drive provide an added layer of protection against accidental file deletions, as they often come with built-in features for recovering deleted files. If you've stored your files on a cloud platform like Google Drive, here's how you can recover them:

1. Log into your Cloud Account: Open a web browser and navigate to the website of your cloud storage service (e.g., Google Drive). Log in with your credentials to access your account.
2. Access the Trash or Bin: Most cloud storage services have a "Trash" or "Bin" section where deleted files are temporarily stored before being permanently deleted. Look for this section in your account's interface.
3. Locate and Restore Files: In the Trash/Bin, you'll find a list of files and folders you've deleted. Browse through the items to find the files you want to recover.
4. Restore the Files: Select the files you wish to recover by clicking on them. Look for an option that allows you to "Restore" or "Undelete" the selected files. Confirm the action and the files will be restored to their original location in your cloud storage.

Remember that cloud storage platforms often retain deleted files in the Trash for a certain period before permanently deleting them. The duration varies from service to service, so it's advisable to act quickly if you've realized you've deleted important files. Additionally, some cloud services offer version history features, which can be useful for recovering previous versions of files that were overwritten or modified.

Utilizing cloud storage services for data recovery not only safeguards your files against accidental deletions but also provides the convenience of accessing your data from various devices. However, it's still essential to have a backup strategy in place, as relying solely on cloud storage could have limitations.

Method #4: Using the Command Prompt

The Command Prompt is a versatile tool that can be employed for various tasks, including recovering deleted files on Windows 10. While this method requires some familiarity with commands, it can be effective in certain scenarios. Here's how to recover deleted files Windows 10 using the Command Prompt:

1. Open the Command Prompt: Press the Windows key on your keyboard. Type “Command Prompt” or “cmd” into the search bar. Right-click on “Command Prompt” from the search results and select “Run as administrator.”
2. Navigate to the Target Drive: Use the cd command to navigate to the drive where the deleted files were located. For example: cd D:\.
3. Run the Recovery Command: Type the following command to initiate the file recovery process: chkdsk /f. This command checks and repairs file system errors on the selected drive. During this process, it might recover some deleted files.
4. Search for Recovered Files: Once the chkdsk process is complete, navigate to the root directory of the drive. Look for a folder named “FOUND.000” or “FOUND.001” in the root directory. Inside this folder, you might find recovered fragments of deleted files.
5. Restore Recovered Fragments: Identify the recovered fragments that correspond to the files you want to recover. Manually copy these fragments to a different location on your computer.

While using the Command Prompt for file recovery can be effective in certain cases, it's important to note that this method doesn't guarantee the recovery of all deleted files, and it may not be suitable for everyone due to its technical nature. Moreover, the recovered fragments may not be in their original, complete form.

Part #2: The Best Tool on How to Recover Deleted Files (Windows 10): FoneDog Data Recovery Software

When it comes to effectively recovering deleted files on Windows 10, third-party data recovery software can provide a comprehensive and user-friendly solution. FoneDog Data Recovery Software is one such powerful tool that can help you retrieve your lost files with ease. Whether your files were deleted from your hard drive, external storage devices, or even formatted partitions, FoneDog offers a reliable way to recover them.

Data Recovery Recover deleted image, document, audio and more files. Get deleted data back from computer (including Recycle Bin) and hard drives. Recover loss data caused by disk accident, operation system crushes and other reasons. Free Download Free Download

How to recover deleted files Windows 10 using FoneDog Data Recovery Software:

1. Download and install the software from the official FoneDog website.
2. Launch the software and follow the on-screen instructions to select the recovery mode that matches your situation.
3. Choose the drive or location where your files were deleted and initiate the scanning process.
4. Preview the recoverable files, select the ones you want to recover, and click the "Recover" button to restore them to a safe location.

By leveraging the capabilities of FoneDog Data Recovery Software, you can greatly enhance your chances of successfully recovering deleted files on Windows 10. This tool offers a comprehensive solution for users seeking a reliable and efficient way to regain their valuable data. In the next section of this guide, we'll explore the importance of regular backups and how they can be your first line of defense against data loss.

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Conclusion

Accidental file deletion can be a distressing experience, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can effectively recover your lost data on Windows 10. Throughout this guide, we've explored various methods for recovering deleted files, each catering to different scenarios and levels of technical expertise.

Tools like FoneDog Data Recovery Software offer an intuitive and comprehensive solution on how to recover deleted files Windows 10. With user-friendly interfaces, diverse recovery modes, and file type support, these tools can greatly enhance your chances of successful data retrieval.

In addition to these recovery methods, remember that prevention is key. Regularly backing up your important files to external drives, cloud storage, or network locations can significantly reduce the impact of accidental deletions. Implementing a robust backup strategy ensures that even if files are lost, you have a copy that can be restored.

Ultimately, the approach you choose for recovering deleted files will depend on the specific circumstances and your comfort level with various methods. By familiarizing yourself with these techniques and tools, you'll be well-equipped to tackle data loss situations with confidence. Always act promptly when you realize files are missing, as delaying recovery attempts might decrease the chances of successful retrieval.