Recover lost or deleted files (2024)

Restore deleted files and folders or restore a file or folder to a previous state.

To restore a deleted file or folder

  1. Open Computer by selecting the Start button Recover lost or deleted files (1), and then selecting Computer.

  2. Navigate to the folder that used to contain the file or folder, right-click it, and then select Restore previous versions. If the folder was at the top level of a drive, for example C:\, right-click the drive, and then select Restore previous versions.

    You'll see a list of available previous versions of the file or folder. The list will include files saved on a backup (if you are using Windows Backup to back up your files) as well as restore points, if both types are available.

Note:To restore a previous version of a file or folder that's included in a library, right-click the file or folder in the location where it's saved, rather than in the library. For example, to restore a previous version of a picture that's included in the Pictures library but is stored in the My Pictures folder, right-click the My Pictures folder, and then select Restore previous versions.


Recover lost or deleted files (2)

Some previous versions of files

  1. Double-click a previous version of the folder that contains the file or folder you want to restore. (For example, if a file was deleted today, choose a version of the folder from yesterday, which should contain the file.)

  2. Drag the file or folder that you want to restore to another location, such as your desktop or another folder.

    The version of the file or folder is saved to the location that you selected.

Tip:If you don't remember the exact file or folder name or its location, you can search for it by typing part of the name in the search box in the Documents library.

To restore a file or folder to a previous state

  1. Right-click the file or folder, and then select Restore previous versions.

    You'll see a list of available previous versions of the file or folder. The list will include files saved on a backup (if you're using Windows Backup to back up your files) as well as restore points, if both types are available.

    Recover lost or deleted files (3)

    The Previous Versions tab, showing some previous versions of files

  2. Before restoring a previous version of a file or folder, select the previous version, and then click Open to view it to make sure it's the version you want.

    Note:You can't open or copy previous versions of files that were created by Windows Backup, but you can restore them.

  3. To restore a previous version, select the previous version, and then select Restore.

Warning:The file or folder replaces the current version on your computer, and the replacement can't be undone.

Note:If the Restore button is unavailable, you can't restore a previous version of the file or folder to its original location. You might be able to open it or save it to a different location.

Recover lost or deleted files (2024)

FAQs

How do I recover deleted or lost files? ›

Press the Windows key, enter Windows File Recovery in the search box, and then select Windows File Recovery. When you are prompted to allow the app to make changes to your device, select Yes. There are 2 basic modes you can use to recover files: Regular and Extensive.

Can I recover permanently deleted files? ›

The quickest way to recover files that have been permanently deleted from the Recycle Bin is with Windows File Recovery. You can also go into the File History of a file and restore a past version.

How do I recover lost files for free? ›

Finding recoverable data with EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free is straightforward: select a drive or folder and wait for a few minutes while it completes its scan. You can browse through the recoverable data using a Windows Explorer style interface and filter them by type or opt to search for specific files.

Can deleted files still be recovered? ›

Can files be recovered once deleted? Yes, files can be recovered after being deleted. The level of difficulty depends on how long ago the file was deleted, however, and you may need to use specialized tools if trying to recover data that has been corrupted.

Where are all the deleted files stored? ›

Recycle Bin is a location where deleted files or folders are temporarily stored in every version of Microsoft Windows since Windows 95. The Recycle Bin allows users to recover files that were deleted in Windows. In Apple computers, the Trash application is used to store deleted files like Recycle Bin.

How do I find deleted files history? ›

Type Restore files in the search box on the taskbar, and then select Restore your files with File History. Look for the file you need, then use the arrows to see all its versions. When you find the version you want, select Restore to save it in its original location.

Are permanently deleted files gone forever? ›

If you permanently delete a file, you only remove the entry for that file and not the file itself. The file is removed from the file system tables, but it is not wiped off.

Can Google recover permanently deleted files? ›

There are 3 ways to restore permanently deleted files on Google Drive . You can get deleted files back from Trash, ask the administrator for help, or contact Google's support team.

Can I recover deleted files from 2 years ago? ›

If permanently deleted 2 years ago, they are gone and can not be recovered. 2 years is too far back in time.

What is the app that restores deleted files? ›

Recuva can recover pictures, music, documents, videos, emails or any other file type you've lost. And it can recover from any rewriteable media you have: memory cards, external hard drives, USB sticks and more!

How to find lost files? ›

Check the Recycle Bin

When files have been deleted or even lost, the Recycle Bin is always the number one place to check. On almost all computer systems, once a file has been deleted this is the place it will end up next.

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