How to Retrieve Recently Deleted Files on Windows- A Comprehensive Guide

How to Check Recently Deleted Files on Windows

If you’ve ever deleted a file on your Windows computer and then realized you still need it, you might be wondering how to check recently deleted files on Windows. Losing important data can be frustrating, but fear not, as there are several methods you can use to recover your deleted files. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of checking recently deleted files on Windows, so you can get your data back with ease.

Method 1: Using the Recycle Bin

The Recycle Bin is a default feature in Windows that stores deleted files temporarily. To check recently deleted files using the Recycle Bin, follow these steps:

1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
2. Scroll through the list of deleted files to find the one you want to recover.
3. Right-click on the file and select “Restore” to recover it to its original location.

If the file is not in the Recycle Bin, it might have been permanently deleted. In that case, you can try the following methods.

Method 2: Using the “Previous Versions” feature

Windows has a “Previous Versions” feature that allows you to restore files from a previous point in time. To use this feature, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the folder or file you want to recover and select “Restore previous versions.”
2. A window will open, displaying available restore points. Click on the one you want to restore from.
3. Click “Restore” to save the file to its original location or choose a different location to save it.

Method 3: Using File Recovery Software

If the above methods don’t work, you can use file recovery software to check recently deleted files on Windows. Here’s how to do it:

1. Download and install a reliable file recovery software, such as Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.
2. Run the software and select the drive where your deleted files were located.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan for deleted files.
4. Once the scan is complete, preview the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore.
5. Choose a location to save the recovered files and click “Restore.”

Method 4: Using the Command Prompt

If you’re comfortable using the Command Prompt, you can use it to check recently deleted files on Windows. Here’s how:

1. Press “Windows Key + X” and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the menu.
2. In the Command Prompt, type “dir /a /od” and press Enter. This command will list all files and folders, including hidden ones, in the order they were deleted.
3. Scroll through the list to find the recently deleted file you’re looking for.
4. Note the file’s name and location, then use the “copy” command to restore it to its original location or a new location.

By following these methods, you should be able to check recently deleted files on Windows and recover your lost data. Remember to act quickly, as deleted files may be overwritten by new data, making recovery more difficult.