7 Ways to Recover Your Deleted Computer Files
“Oh no!” If you’re like most of us, you can recall a time when you’ve accidentally deleted a file. And you’ll most likely not forget the initial horror, immediately followed by a sinking feeling of doom or dread.
Well, the next time that happens, you won’t despair. Because even if you don’t have a data backup solution in place, you still might be able to restore deleted items on your computer.
3 Ways to Restore Deleted Items on Your Computer — Windows PC
1. 3-Step Recycle Bin Method for Windows
If the deletion occurred a short time ago, chances are you can still find it in the recycle bin.
Step 1: Look for the trash can on your desktop. If you don’t see the trash can, open the Windows search bar. Type RECYCLE, then click the recycle bin in the search results.
Step 2: Scroll down to find the file or use the search bar in the top-right corner to search for the file by name.
Step 3. Right-click the selected item and choose “Restore.”
2. 5-Step File History Method for Windows
If you’ve set up File History backups on your Windows 10 PC, you can restore files and folders you’ve either deleted or overwritten with different data.
Step 1: Type RESTORE FILES into the search bar, typically located next to the Start menu. You might need to click the Start menu or a magnifying glass to open it.
Step 2: If you use an external hard drive to back up your Windows PC, connect the hard drive.
Step 3: Click on Restore your files with File History. You should see it at the top of the search results.
If a message pops up and says, “No file history was found,” you’ll have to try a different method. If not, continue to Step 4.
Step 4: Use the arrows to browse the backed-up files or use the search box at the top-right corner to find the file by name or other criteria.
Step 5: Click on Restore to move the file you’ve selected to its original location or click on Restore To and choose a different location.
3. Multiple-Step Data Recovery Tool Method for Windows
Step 1: Choose a free or paid data recovery program.
Intel recommends three data recovery tools with free downloads. You can use the free option or upgrade.
- Piriform Recuva
- Stellar Data Recover
- Disk Drill (includes a free option)
Step 2: Download your data recovery tool of choice.
Step 3: Follow the data recovery tools instructions.
3 Ways to Restore Deleted Items on Your Computer — Macintosh
1. 3-Step Trash Method for Mac
Step 1: Click on the Trash icon on the Dock menu.
If the deletion occurred within the last 30 days, the file(s) will usually still be in the trash.
Step 2: Scroll through the files in the trash to find your deleted file. Alternatively, type all or part of the file name into the search bar in the top-right corner of the window and press the return key.
Step 3: When you find the file, drag it to another folder or the desktop.
2. 6-Step Time Machine Method for Mac
Step 1: Open the Finder, the two-toned smiley face on the Dock menu.
Step 2: Type the file name into the search bar in the Finder window’s top-right corner and press return. Click the plus + on the right side of the window to refine your search if necessary.
Step 3: Click on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar near the top-right corner of the screen. (It looks like a clock with a circular arrow around it.)
If you can’t find the Time Machine icon, click the Apple menu at the top-left corner of your desktop and select System Preferences. Then click Time Machine and select Show Time Machine in menu bar.
Step 4: Click Enter Time Machine.
Step 5: Use the arrows or timeline to find the backup that contains the file you searched for.
Step 6: Select the file and click Restore to restore the file to its original location.
3. Multiple-Step Data Recovery Tool Method for Macintosh
Step 1: Choose a free or paid data recovery program.
Macworld recommends various data recovery tools. Most cost money, but some allow you to conduct a free scan to see if the file is recoverable before you buy the app.
- Data Rescue 5
- Stellar Data Recover
- Disk Drill (includes a free option)
Step 2: Download your data recovery tool of choice.
Step 3: Follow the data recovery tools instructions.
7-Step Method to Restore Deleted Items on Your Computer — Mac or PC
Step 1: Open https://www.icloud.com/ in your web browser.
Step 2: Sign in with your Apple ID.
Step 3: Click Account Settings, the blue link below your name.
Step 4: Click Restore Files under the Advanced header.
Step 5: Select the file(s) you want to restore. If you don’t see the files you want, they’re not saved to iCloud, and you should try one of the methods listed above. Click here to explore the risk of not having cloud backup.
Step 6: Click Restore to move the file back to its original location.
Step 7: Click Done.
So, when that feeling of dread overwhelms you, don’t worry. The odds are you will be able to restore at least some deleted items on your computer if you use one of the methods we’ve outlined in this article. At Trinity Solutions, we are always available to help you—both before and after a problem occurs.
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