Losing important folders can be a frustrating experience, but there are several methods available to help you recover deleted folders in Windows 10.
1. Deleted Files in Windows 10
When you delete a folder in Windows 10. it typically doesn't vanish completely. Instead, the operating system marks the space it occupied as available for new data. This means that unless the space is overwritten by new files, you may be able to recover the deleted folder. Understanding this concept is crucial when attempting to recover lost data.
2. Checking the Recycle Bin
The first step in recovering a deleted folder is to check the Recycle Bin. This is the most common and straightforward method.
Steps to Restore from Recycle Bin:
Open the Recycle Bin:
Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop or search for "Recycle Bin" in the Start menu.
Locate the Deleted Folder:
Browse through the items listed. You can sort them by date deleted or name to make it easier to find your folder.
Restore the Folder:
Right-click on the folder you wish to restore.
Select "Restore." This action will return the folder to its original location.
Tips:
If you can't find the folder, use the search bar within the Recycle Bin window.
Keep in mind that if you have emptied the Recycle Bin or used Shift + Delete to remove the folder, it won't be available here.
3. Using File History
If you have File History enabled, you can restore previous versions of your folders easily.
Steps to Restore Using File History:
Access File History:
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
Ensure that File History is turned on. If it’s not, you may need to set it up first.
Navigate to File History:
Click on More options under Backup.
Scroll down to the Related settings section and select Restore files from a current backup.
Find Your Deleted Folder:
Use the arrows to navigate through the different backup versions. Look for the folder you want to restore.
Restore the Folder:
Once you find the desired folder, click the green Restore button. This will restore the folder to its original location.
Tips:
If you can't find the folder in the File History, check if the backup drive is connected and accessible.
4. Restoring Previous Versions
Windows 10 has a feature that allows you to restore previous versions of files and folders using System Restore or File History backups.
Steps to Restore Previous Versions:
Right-Click on the Parent Folder:
Navigate to the folder that contained the deleted folder.
Right-click on the parent folder and select Properties.
Select the Previous Versions Tab:
In the Properties window, click on the Previous Versions tab. Here, you’ll see a list of available versions.
Choose the Version to Restore:
Select a version that predates the deletion of your folder. Click on it to view the details.
Restore or Copy:
You can either click Restore to recover the folder to its original location or click Copy to save it to a different location.
Tips:
Make sure you have System Restore enabled for this feature to work.
5. Using Third-Party Recovery Software
If the above methods fail, you may need to consider third-party data recovery software. These tools can help recover files that have been permanently deleted or are no longer accessible.
Recommended Software:
Panda Data Recovery is an innovative software tool designed to effectively recover lost or deleted files from a variety of storage devices, including external hard drives, USB drives, and SD cards. With its advanced algorithms and user-friendly interface, it provides a seamless experience for users facing data loss.
One of the standout features of Panda Data Recovery is its capability to retrieve files lost due to accidental deletion, formatting, or device corruption. The software conducts thorough scans of your storage media, ensuring a high recovery success rate for various file types—documents, photos, videos, and more. This versatility makes it suitable for both personal and professional applications.
The intuitive design of Panda Data Recovery means that even those with minimal technical expertise can navigate the recovery process with ease. Step-by-step instructions guide users through each phase, providing real-time updates on recovery progress. This transparency allows users to feel confident about the process and know what to expect at every stage.
Moreover, Panda Data Recovery prioritizes data safety. Operating in a read-only mode, it ensures that existing data on the device remains intact while attempting to recover lost files. This feature is particularly important for users wanting to avoid any further data loss during recovery efforts.
Customer support is another strong aspect of Panda Data Recovery. The team is readily available to assist users with any challenges they may encounter, ensuring a smooth experience. Regular software updates keep it compatible with the latest operating systems, further enhancing its reliability.
Download and Install the Software:
Choose one of the recommended tools and install it on your computer. Avoid installing it on the same drive where the deleted folder was located.
Run the Software:
Open the recovery tool and select the drive where the folder was deleted.
Scan for Deleted Files:
Start a scan. The software will search for recoverable files.
Preview and Recover:
Once the scan is complete, preview the found files. Select your deleted folder and choose to recover it.
Tips:
Always download recovery software from reputable sources to avoid malware.
Save the recovered folder to a different drive to prevent overwriting data.
6. Preventing Future Data Loss
To minimize the risk of losing important files and folders in the future, consider implementing the following strategies:
Regular Backups:
Use built-in Windows tools like File History or third-party backup solutions to create regular backups of your important data.
Cloud Storage:
Utilize cloud storage services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox for automatic backups and easy access to your files from multiple devices.
Create Restore Points:
Regularly create restore points using System Restore. This can help you recover your system to a previous state in case of significant data loss.
