Accidentally deleting important files on Windows devices can be a distressful experience. Whether you lose your valuable photos, videos, documents, or other critical files, losing data can put you in trouble or disrupt your workflow. Luckily, there are several free data recovery software tools and Windows built-in utilities available that you can use to recover lost files without spending a penny.
This comprehensive guide will cover the most effective free solutions to help you learn how to recover accidentally deleted folder on Windows for Free. Keep reading!
Understanding How File Gets Deleted on Windows
When you delete a file on Windows PC, it is not immediately erased from your device storage. Instead, the system marks the storage space occupied by that file as available for new data. You can easily recover your lost files until the new ones overwrite them. Here’s what happens when a file is deleted:
- Move to the Recycle Bin: If the file is deleted using the Delete key only, it is sent to the Recycle Bin folder, allowing for easy restoration.
- Permanently Deletion: Files deleted using the Shift + Delete key shortcut or removed from the Recycle Bin are permanently deleted from your Windows device. However, you can use professional data recovery software to restore your lost files in such cases.
By acting quickly and using the right recovery method, you can often restore your lost files.
Best Free Methods to Recover Lost Files on Windows PC
Whenever you find any file deleted accidentally on your Windows device, it is important to act quickly to avoid data overwriting. Here are some best free methods that you can try to recover your lost files without any additional cost:
Method 01: Check the Recycle Bin Folder
Before you go ahead with other methods to recover accidentally deleted files on Windows, you should check the Recycle Bin folder. Every deleted file remains in this folder until you permanently delete the file or empty the bin yourself. Follow the below steps to recover your files from the Recycle Bin:
- Double-click the Recycle Bin icon from the desktop.
- Locate and select the file you need to recover.
- Right-click on your file and choose Restore to save the file to its original location.
If the file isn’t in the Recycle Bin, proceed to other methods.
Method 02: Recover Files Using File History
Windows OS provide built-in File History backup utility that automatically backs up your files when enabled. To recover your lost files using File History, you need to:
- Press the Windows + S keys and type File History in the search box.
- Now, select the Restore your files with File History option from the context menu.
- Go to the folder where your deleted file was earlier stored.
- Choose your required file and then click the Restore button or right-click on it and select the Restore to option.
Method 03: Try Recovering Files Using ‘Previous Version’ Feature
Another Windows backup utility you can try to restore your lost files on Windows is the Backup and Restore option. If you’ve previously set up this backup utility, you can follow the below steps to retrieve deleted files:
- Type backup in the search box of your desktop and press the Enter key.
- From the Files backup window that appears, click the “Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)” option under “Looking for an older backup?”
- Click on the “Select another backup to restore files from” option and select the backup you want to recover.
- Go through the on-screen instructions to complete the recovery process.
Method 04: Restore Files from Temporary Files
Windows devices automatically create Temporary Files which save your file while you are working on it. You can check your deleted files here. For this:
- Press the Windows + R keys, type %temp% in the Run prompt and press Enter to open the folder where temporary files are stored on your device.
- Go through the files and subfolders in the temporary directory to locate the deleted or unsaved files you need to restore.
- Once you find the required file, copy it to a safe location, such as your desktop or a specific folder.
Method 05: Recover Files Using Free data recovery software
If all the above methods fail, it’s time to use a free data recovery software to restore your files without any cost. Tools like Stellar Data Recovery Free completely scan your Windows PC for recoverable files. This all-in-one Windows data recovery software is known for its user-friendly interface and simple process for recovering deleted files of numerous types, including photos, documents, videos, and more.
The Stellar Data Recovery Free software supports the recovery of up to 1 GB of files for free. It also allows you to preview the recoverable files before saving them on your device. You can use this tool to recover files lost or deleted from any internal or external storage devices, including hard drives, memory cards, and USB drives.
Here’s how to recover accidentally deleted files on Windows for free using the Stellar Data Recovery Free software:
Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Data Recovery Free software on a different drive (not the one with the deleted files). Launch the software and from the homepage, select the type of data you need to restore and click Next.
Step 2: Select the folder location where your deleted file was earlier stored and click Scan to initiate the scanning process.
Step 3: Wait till the tool completes the scan. Once done, preview the recoverable files and click Recover to save the recovered files to a new location.
What if All Data Recovery Methods Fai?
Though it is quite impossible, there are chances that you may fail to recover your lost file even by using a professional recovery tool. In such cases:
- Consult a Professional: Data recovery professionals can restore your lost files from severely damaged or overwritten storage devices.
- Use Cloud Backups: If you use cloud storage services, such as Google Cloud, Google Drive, etc. to recover saved versions of your file.
Additional Tips For Successful File Recovery
Along with the above free methods to recover lost files on Windows, consider the below tips to enhance the chances of your file recovery:
- Stop Using the Affected Drive: Immediately stop saving new files to the drive from where your file was deleted to avoid overwriting the recoverable data.
- Act Quickly: The sooner you act, the higher the chances that the file will be easily recoverable.
- Choose a Reliable Free Data Recovery Software: Use a trusted recovery software to avoid further data corruption or malware risks.
- Back-Up Regularly: Enable Windows built-in backup utilities like Backup and Restore, File History, or third-party cloud storage services like OneDrive or Google Drive.
Conclusion
Whether the files are deleted accidentally or intentionally on your Windows PC, there’s no need to worry. With tools like the Recycle Bin, File History, and free data recovery software, you can easily restore your lost files without spending a dime. Acting quickly and following the right recovery methods increases the chances of a successful recovery. Moreover, try creating regular backups, use cloud storage, and be cautious when deleting files to avoid future data loss. By implementing these best practices, you can protect your data and ensure peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I recover permanently deleted files on Windows?
Yes, you can use previously created backups or third-party free data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery Free to restore permanently deleted files without any cost.
How long does it take to recover deleted files?
Recovery time depends on the file size, the level of corruption, and the performance of the recovery software. Basic scans can take a few minutes, while deep scans may take several hours.
Do I need to pay to recover files?
There are many free data recovery tools available to restore your lost file without any additional cost. However, they come with limited features when it comes to recoverable file size or data amount. For larger recoveries, premium versions may be required.
