How to Recover Accidentally Lost or Deleted Windows Data?

I accidentally deleted important data from my Windows device. Is there any recovery workaround to restore the lost files?

Data loss on Windows PC can be a distressful experience. Whether you’ve any important photos, video files, or documents, losing them is really painful. However, the good news is that there are several Windows data recovery methods, including built-in recovery utilities or third-party data recovery software, which can help you to recover lost or deleted data from a Windows PC.

This comprehensive guide explores various methods on how to recover accidentally lost or deleted files on Windows. Keep reading this article to understand the common reasons for data loss instances on Windows PC, and then apply the mentioned recovery workarounds one by one to get your deleted files back.

Can I Recover Lost or Deleted Data on Windows?

Yes, it is possible and even quite easy to recover deleted files on Windows PCs, especially if you have any previously created backups. When you delete a file, intentionally or by mistake, Windows only removes the reference to it; the actual data remains on the disk until new data overwrites it. This is why it is important to act quickly, as the sooner you act, the easier it will be to restore lost files.

Common Reasons for Data Loss

Understanding the exact cause of data loss on Windows PCs helps in identifying the exact recovery workarounds. Some main reasons why files usually get deleted are:

• Accidental Deletion: You might have accidentally deleted the data while emptying the Recycle Bin or performing other tasks on your device.
• Formatting: When you format any storage drive or partitions, all its stored content gets deleted.
• Virus or Malware Attacks: Malicious programs like viruses or malware sometimes infect your device, which eventually corrupts the stored files/folders and leads to data loss instances.
• Power Failure: Sudden system shutdowns can cause data corruption. To avoid such instances, make sure your device is connected to an adequate power source.

Quick Methods to Recover Lost or Deleted Data on Windows

In this part of the blog, we’ll discuss various common recovery workarounds, with or without backup, which can help you recover lost files on a Windows PC:

Method 01: Check the Recycle Bin Folder

Before you proceed with any complex data recovery workaround, it is important to check the Recycle Bin folder. Every deleted file on a Windows PC goes to the Recycle Bin folder and remains there until it is permanently deleted. You can follow the below steps to restore the lost data from the Recycle Bin folder:

• Firstly, double-click on the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop.
• Locate and select the deleted file you need to restore.
• Right-click on it and select Restore. This will return the file to its original location.

Note: The Recycle Bin recovery fails if your files are deleted from the external storage drives or if you’ve used the Shift + Delete shortcut to delete them.

Method 02: Recover Data Using File History Backups

Windows provides a built-in File History backup utility, which, when enabled on your device, creates an automatic backup of the stored files. You can use these backups for data recovery when data loss occurs. All you have to do is:

• Type File History in the search box of your desktop and then open Restore your files with File History.

• Browse through folders or use the search bar to locate the deleted file which you need to restore.
• Select the required backup version and click the Restore button.

Method 03: Use Windows Backup and Restore Option

Another backup alternative that can help you restore lost data on Windows PCs is Backup and Restore. To recover files using this option, you need to:

• Type CP in the search box, then launch Control Panel.
• Now, go to System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

• Click the “Restore my files” option.
• Browse or search the file you need to restore and follow the on-screen steps to complete the recovery process.

Method 04: Use Third-Party Windows Data Recovery Software

If the above methods fail to restore your lost files or you don’t have any backup, third-party Windows data recovery software such as Stellar Data Recovery Standard can help you. This all-in-one data recovery tool supports the recovery of files deleted due to accidental deletion, formatting, virus attacks, system failure, and many more reasons.

This amazing data recovery Windows software performs both scanning modes – Quick Scan and Deep Scan. Quick Scan helps in the recovery of data deleted due to common data loss scenarios, including accidental deletion, formatting, etc., while the Deep scan supports the recovery of files deleted in complex scenarios such as logical drive failure, RAW drives, BSoD errors, lost partitions, and more.

Not only this, the Stellar data recovery software is known for various features, such as:

• It supports the recovery of files deleted from SD cards, hard drives, SSDs, or any other internal or external storage devices.
• The software is available in multiple versions varying in features and prices. You can check these features and opt for the one that best suits your requirements.
• It allows users to preview the recoverable files before saving them on the device.
• The recovery process is quite simple; even a beginner can easily restore lost data using this Windows data recovery tool.

Here’s how to recover accidentally lost or deleted Windows data using the Stellar Data Recovery Standard tool:

Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Data Recovery Standard software on your Windows PC (preferably on a different drive).

Step 2: Launch the software, and from the homepage, select the type of file you need to restore and click Next.

Step 3: Choose the storage location where the deleted file was stored before deletion and click the Scan button to initiate the scanning.

Step 4: Once the scan is complete, preview the recoverable files and click Recover to save them at the desired storage location.

Method 05: Opt for Professional Data Recovery Services

Instances may occur (though quite rare) when even the Stellar Data Recovery Standard tool fails to restore data on your Windows devices. In such cases, you can consult professional recovery services.

When to use:

• Drive not recognized by PC.
• Physically damaged storage.
• Critical data with no backup.

Top Service Providers:

• Stellar Data Recovery Services
• Ontrack
• SalvageData
• Seagate Recovery Services

Note: It is important to carefully analyze the services offered by these experts before selecting any particular service provider. Also, note that these services are quite expensive, but they offer more than 90% recovery rates.

Wrapping Up

When you find any important data missing from your Windows PC, don’t lose hope. Go with the aforementioned recovery workarounds one by one to get your lost data back. Windows offers several built-in recovery tools, such as Recycle Bin, File History, Previous Versions, etc., to help you recover your files. If these methods fail, third-party Windows data recovery software such as Stellar Data Recovery Standard can be a lifesaver. Moreover, regular backups, good security practices, and disk health monitoring can save you from future data disasters.