How to Recover Deleted Files in Windows 10 (Not in Recycle Bin)

Watblog – Recover Deleted Files in Windows 10 – Losing important files on your Windows 10 computer can be a nightmare, especially when they bypass the Recycle Bin. But don’t despair; there are several methods to recover deleted files in Windows 10 even if they aren’t in the Recycle Bin. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore these methods and provide solutions for each.

Several methods you can use to Recover Deleted Files in Windows 10 (Not in the Recycle Bin)

Using File History

File History is a built-in feature in Windows 10 that allows you to recover previous versions of files. Here’s how to use it:

1. Type “File History” in the Windows search bar and select “Restore your files with File History.”
2. Look for the folder or location where your deleted files were stored.
3. Navigate through the versions of your files and select the ones you want to restore.
4. Click the “Restore” button to recover the selected files to their original location.

Data Recovery Software

If File History doesn’t have your back, third-party data recovery software can be a lifesaver.

Some popular options include:

• Recuva: A free data recovery tool from Piriform.
• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: A comprehensive data recovery software with a free version.
• MiniTool Power Data Recovery: Another powerful data recovery tool with a free edition.

Here are the general steps to recover deleted files using data recovery software:

1. Download and install the data recovery software of your choice (avoid installing it on the same drive where your files were deleted).
2. Launch the software and select the drive or location where the files were deleted.
3. Scan for deleted files.
4. Once the scan is complete, preview the recoverable files and select the ones you want to restore.
5. Choose a location to save the recovered files (do not save them on the same drive from which you’re recovering).
6. Click the “Recover” or “Restore” button to recover your deleted files.

Checking Cloud Storage and Backup

If you had cloud storage or backup services set up, your deleted files might be recoverable from there. Services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox often keep deleted files for a limited time in a “Trash” or “Deleted Items” folder.

Previous Versions

Windows sometimes creates “Previous Versions” of files and folders automatically. To check for previous versions:

1. Right-click on the folder where the deleted files were located.
2. Select “Restore previous versions.”
3. Look for a version of the folder that contains the files you want to recover and open it.
4. Copy the files from the previous version to your desired location.

Professional Data Recovery Services

If all else fails, and your data is crucial, consider seeking professional help from a data recovery service. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from physically damaged drives or situations where software-based solutions fail.

Conclusion

Recovering deleted files in Windows 10, even if they aren’t in the Recycle Bin, is possible with the right methods and tools. Be sure to act quickly, avoid overwriting the deleted data with new files, and choose the method that best suits your situation. With these strategies, you can often rescue your precious data and avoid the frustration of permanent loss.

Are permanently deleted files gone forever?

Permanently deleted files are not necessarily gone forever, but their recovery becomes significantly more challenging. When you delete a file from your computer, it typically moves to the recycle bin or trash folder, where it can be easily restored. However, if you bypass the recycle bin or empty it, the file is marked as “deleted” in the file system, but the actual data remains on the storage device until it’s overwritten by new data.

Here’s what happens when you permanently delete a file:

1. Deletion: When you delete a file, the operating system removes the file’s reference from the file system, marking the space it occupies as available for new data.
2. Recovery Window: Until that space is overwritten by new files, there is a window of opportunity to recover the deleted file.
3. Overwriting: Once new data is written to the same storage sectors, it replaces the deleted file’s data, making recovery increasingly difficult or impossible.

To increase the chances of recovering permanently deleted files:

1. Act Quickly: Stop using the storage device as soon as you realize you’ve deleted important files. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of overwriting the data.
2. Use Data Recovery Software: There are various data recovery tools available that can scan for and attempt to recover deleted files. These tools work best when used as soon as possible after deletion.
3. Avoid Writing New Data: To prevent overwriting the deleted file, refrain from saving or downloading new data to the same storage device.
4. Seek Professional Help: If the data is extremely critical, consider consulting a professional data recovery service. They have specialized equipment and expertise to recover data from damaged or overwritten storage media.

Keep in mind that while many deleted files can be recovered, there are no guarantees, especially if the data has been partially or fully overwritten. Regular backups and proactive data protection practices are the best ways to prevent permanent data loss.