How to Recover Lost Files in Windows 10

Edited 4 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Windows 10RecoveryLost FilesDataSoftwareSystemBackupSecurityTroubleshootingMaintenance

Losing important files in Windows 10 can be frustrating, whether it's due to accidental deletion, hard drive failure, or software glitch. Fortunately, there are various methods and tools to help you recover lost files. This comprehensive guide will explore the various approaches you can take, from basic recovery techniques built into Windows to more advanced tools.

1. Check the recycle bin

Windows 10, like its predecessors, stores deleted files temporarily in the Recycle Bin. This feature provides an easy way to retrieve files that have not been permanently erased. Here's how you can recover files from the Recycle Bin:

1. Find the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and open it.
2. Find the files you want to recover.
3. Once you find the files, right-click on them and select Restore. This will restore the files to their original location.

If the Recycle Bin is emptied regularly or files are permanently deleted using Shift + Delete, you may need to take additional steps.

2. Use windows file history

File History is a feature in Windows 10 that automatically backs up versions of your files. If it was enabled before your files were lost, you may be able to recover them using this feature. To use File History:

1. Open Settings by clicking the gear icon in the Start menu.
2. Go to Update & Security > Backup.
3. Select More options, then choose Restore files from current backup.
4. This will open a new window displaying the File History interface. Locate the files or folders you want to recover.
5. Use the arrows to navigate between the different versions. Once you find the right version, select the file and press the green Restore button.

Note that File History must be set up and turned on beforehand. If not, this option won't be available.

3. Restore from a system restore point

System Restore in Windows 10 allows you to return your computer to a previous state. If a recent change to the system has caused your files to be changed or lost, restoring your computer to an earlier state can help:

1. Search for Create a reset point in the Windows search box and select it.
2. In the System Properties window, click the System Restore button.
3. Follow the prompts to select a restore point. A list of available restore points will be displayed based on your previous actions.
4. Choose a restore point where you know your files haven’t been deleted or lost yet.
5. Complete the system restore process as instructed. This may take some time and your computer will restart.

While this procedure generally restores system files, it may not affect user-created files. Therefore, it is best to combine it with other methods.

4. Use the previous version

Windows 10 also has a functionality called "Previous Versions". These snapshots are taken automatically by the system or created by Windows Backup:

1. Right-click on the folder from which you have lost files or suspect changes have occurred.
2. Select Properties.
3. In the Properties window, go to the Previous Versions tab.
4. You will see a list of available backup points. Select the version you want to restore.
5. Click Restore or drag the previous version to a safe location.

This method requires that either File History was used to create the backup or that a restore point is active.

5. Take advantage of the command prompt and built-in tools

Advanced users may want to take advantage of the Command Prompt. Here are some commands and built-in tools that can help recover lost files:

Check disk (CHKDSK)

When file loss is caused by drive errors, chkdsk can be used to repair the drive:

1. Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
2. At the command prompt, type chkdsk X: /f /r and press Enter. Replace X with the drive letter that needs repair.
3. This tool will scan for system errors and try to fix them. Let chkdsk complete its operation.

Use the Windows 10 troubleshooter

The Windows troubleshooter can fix common problems that might have caused the file to be lost:

1. Open Settings and go to Update & Security.
2. Select Troubleshooting.
3. Run the troubleshooter relevant to your issue, whether it's Windows Update, Files, or Ports.

Recovery via the Windows.old folder

After a major system update, your files may be located in the Windows.old folder.

1. Go to C:\Windows.old\Users\
2. Search for missing files in the relevant folders.

Be careful, as this folder is automatically deleted by Windows after a certain period of time.

6. Third-party file recovery software

In situations where built-in tools prove insufficient, third-party recovery software can often retrieve files that are considered permanently lost:

Recuva

Recuva is a well-known recovery tool that can be used for this purpose:

1. Download and install Recuva from the official website.
2. Run the software and select the file type you want to recover.
3. Follow the given step-by-step guide to start the scan of possible recovery locations.
4. Review the list of files you can recover and make your selection.
5. Save the recovered files to a different drive to prevent data from being overwritten.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

This tool provides another reliable solution for file recovery:

1. Download and install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.
2. Select the drive where the files were lost to start scanning.
3. Use the preview feature to find exactly what you’re looking for.
4. Recover files by saving them to a different device or partition.

7. Cloud storage and backup

If you use online services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, copies of your files may already be saved, making them easy to restore:

1. Log in to your cloud storage account via a web browser or desktop app.
2. Check out the recovery or recycle sections these services offer.
3. Restore or download your files as needed.

Such services often provide a history or bin for recovering files within a certain period of time.

Conclusion

The various methods discussed, from the Recycle Bin to sophisticated recovery software, provide a range of options for recovering lost files on Windows 10. Using these techniques, you can restore important data and maintain a proper backup system to prevent future loss. Regularly backing up your data ensures peace of mind and reduces the effort required when files are lost.

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