How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files in Windows 10?
Overview: Have you ever accidentally deleted a critical file from your Windows 10 computer? Well, it’s a general problem with all. However, Windows has many security features that can help you recover permanently deleted files in Windows 10. So, read this blog to know how to get back your files before they are lost forever. Windows Data Recovery Software is the most suggested solution to restore all your valuable data from a corrupted drive or accidental deletion.
What are the Possible Causes for Permanent File Loss?
If you are looking for methods to restore permanently deleted files Windows 10, first know the reasons. The main reasons why files might disappear for good on Windows are:
- Emptying the Recycle Bin, either on purpose or by accident.
- If you have deleted files by pressing ‘Shift + Delete’.
- Viruses or malware can mess up files and make them unusable.
- Also, bulky files don’t go to the Recycle Bin, they just vanish.
- Erasing your user account from the computer wipes out all your files.
- The ‘Don’t put deleted files in the Recycle Bin’ setting will delete files directly.
- Deleting files using the command prompt can also let you lose files permanently.
However, you can prevent such situations where you need to recover permanently deleted files in Windows 10. Let us see how.
Preventive Measures to Avoid File Loss in Windows 10
Data loss can be a distressing experience, especially on Windows 10 systems. However, there are simple steps you can take to minimize the risk and safeguard your important files. Apart from learning how to recover permanently deleted folders, you can also adopt preventive measures. Here are some easy-to-follow tips to keep your data safe and secure on your Windows 10 PC:
- Regularly back up your data, following the 3-2-1 backup rule.
- Download software only from trusted sources.
- Keep your antivirus or antimalware software active to fend off viruses.
- Exercise caution when handling suspicious emails and attachments.
- Avoid using third-party tools to delete files from your system.
Further, moving to know how to retrieve permanently deleted files in Windows 10. We will discuss various solutions to get this done, however, choosing the right one is your responsibility.
Solutions: Recover Permanently Deleted Files in Windows 10
The first and foremost step to finding the lost file or folder on Windows 10 is checking your recycle bin. Cross-check the recycle bin and be sure the file is not stored there. Well, if you can’t find the deleted files in Recycle Bin, go for the methods further.
Here, we will discuss the top three ways to restore permanently deleted files Windows 10. They are:
Method 1: Windows Backup Utilities
If you’ve backed up your data using Windows’ built-in backup utilities like File History, you can easily recover your files. Connect the external drive containing your backup to your system.
Here’s how to recover files with File History:
- From Windows Settings (Windows + S), open your Backup Settings.
- Under the Backup using File History, click on More Options.
- Click on ‘Restore files from a current backup’. You can see all your backups.
- Next, choose the files/folders you want to recover from the drive.
- Click Restore to retrieve the selected files.
Restore Files with Previous Versions Utility:
The old version of Windows saves extra copies of your files and folders when you make a restore point, which is also called shadow copies. If you turned on making restore points, you can use these steps to get back files you deleted or return files or folders to how they were before:
- Go to Start > select Computer from the given options.
- Navigate to the folder with the files and right-click on it.
- Now, select the ‘Restore previous versions’ option.
- Choose the desired version from the list of previous versions of the file/folder.
- Lastly, click on Restore, and this way you can recover permanently deleted folder.
Method 2: Windows File Recovery Tool
Microsoft made a tool called Windows File Recovery. It helps you bring back files you deleted using commands. This tool has three ways to work: Default, Segment, and Signature. Default and Segment modes work with NTFS drives, while Signature mode works with ReFS, FAT, exFAT, and NTFS drives.
However, before you recover shift deleted files in Windows 10, here are some limitations of this stool:
- Ensure you’re using Windows 10 build 10941 or later.
- Use different commands for recovering files based on their formats and modes of operation.
- Run the appropriate command to recover your files.
Well, when no other method works to retrieve permanently deleted files in Windows 10, we have a better alternative solution too.
Method 3: Best Tool to Recover Permanently Deleted Files in Windows 10
DRS Windows Data Recovery is the ultimate solution you need to get all your deleted files to recover. Whether you have lost your files due to Drive corruption or have accidentally deleted them, this tool will surely benefit you. Most importantly you can also recover permanently deleted Excel files from Windows. Moreover, it is not at all difficult to operate and is compatible with all Windows systems. So, whether you have to recover files on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, or any older version, this is an all-in-one solution.
You can also download the free version of the software to know it’s working before purchasing it. However, this recovery tool is restricted to displaying the preview of recovered data. Further, to save the recovered data, use a premium tool.
Conclusion
So, were you able to recover permanently deleted files in Windows 10? Hopefully, yes. We have explained three different methods to get all files/folders back. However, the professional tool would be a more secure and reliable choice. On the other hand, you should also note that keeping a backup of your files and folders can save you from such situations.
About The Author:
Shivam is a digital marketer and technical content writer at DRS Solution®, specializing in topics like databases, email recovery, and migration solutions. She enjoys researching and crafting content that assists database administrators, businesses, and beginners in resolving various issues related to MS SQL, MySQL, and Microsoft Exchange.