How to Restore Deleted Data on a Computer

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Have you ever accidentally deleted important files or folders from your computer? Losing valuable data can be a frustrating experience, but fear not! In this article, we will guide you through the process of recovering deleted data on your computer.

Whether it’s a document, photo, or video, there are several methods you can try to retrieve your lost files. So, keep reading to learn how to restore your precious data and put your worries to rest.

Method 1: Check the Recycle Bin

The first place to look for your deleted files is the Recycle Bin. When you delete a file from your computer, it doesn’t immediately vanish into thin air. Instead, it is moved to the Recycle Bin, which acts as a temporary storage space for deleted files. To restore a file from the Recycle Bin, simply double-click on it and select the “Restore” option.

The file will then be returned to its original location on your computer. However, if you have emptied the Recycle Bin or used the “Shift + Delete” command to delete your files, they will not be found here.

Method 2: Utilize File History or Backup

If you have enabled the File History feature or regularly create backups of your data, you may be able to recover your deleted files from these sources. File History is a built-in backup tool in Windows that automatically saves versions of your files over time.

To access File History, go to the “Settings” menu, then click on “Update & Security,” followed by “Backup.” From here, you can choose to restore files from a specific date or browse through previous versions of your files.

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Alternatively, if you have a backup system in place, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage, you can retrieve your deleted files from there.

Simply connect your external device or access your cloud storage platform and search for the files you wish to recover. By restoring from file history or utilizing a backup system, you can easily retrieve your lost data without much hassle.

Method 3: Use Data Recovery Software

When all else fails, data recovery software can be your saving grace. These programs are specifically designed to scan your computer’s hard drive for traces of deleted files and recover them. There are various data recovery software options available, both free and paid, that offer different features and capabilities.

To use data recovery software, you will need to download and install the program on your computer. Once installed, launch the software and select the drive or partition where your deleted files were previously located.

The program will then perform a scan to detect any recoverable files. After the scan is complete, you will be presented with a list of recoverable files. Simply select the files you want to restore and choose a new destination for them. It’s important to note that the success rate of data recovery software depends on various factors, such as the duration since the files were deleted and the extent of file fragmentation.

Method 4: Seek Professional Help

If none of the above methods yield successful results, it may be time to seek professional help. There are data recovery specialists and services available that specialize in recovering lost or deleted data. These professionals have advanced tools and techniques to retrieve data from even the most challenging situations.

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However, it’s essential to remember that professional data recovery services can be expensive and time-consuming. Additionally, there is no 100% guarantee that they will be able to restore your files successfully. Therefore, it’s advisable to consider professional data recovery as a last resort, especially if the lost data holds significant value or importance.