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.

Top Articles
5.2 Self-Defense – Criminal Law
Naruto: 7 Characters That Can Defeat Sasuke Uchiha (& 7 That Can't)
Skylar Vox Bra Size
Davita Internet
Ffxiv Palm Chippings
Algebra Calculator Mathway
Boomerang Media Group: Quality Media Solutions
Beacon Schnider
Helloid Worthington Login
Diablo 3 Metascore
People Portal Loma Linda
Moonshiner Tyler Wood Net Worth
Stihl Km 131 R Parts Diagram
Lesson 8 Skills Practice Solve Two-Step Inequalities Answer Key
Craigslist Blackshear Ga
Operation Cleanup Schedule Fresno Ca
Driving Directions To Bed Bath & Beyond
Illinois VIN Check and Lookup
Td Small Business Banking Login
Viha Email Login
Kaitlyn Katsaros Forum
Empire Visionworks The Crossings Clifton Park Photos
Military life insurance and survivor benefits | USAGov
Yisd Home Access Center
Drift Hunters - Play Unblocked Game Online
What Equals 16
480-467-2273
Craigslist List Albuquerque: Your Ultimate Guide to Buying, Selling, and Finding Everything - First Republic Craigslist
A Christmas Horse - Alison Senxation
JVID Rina sauce set1
Tamil Movies - Ogomovies
By.association.only - Watsonville - Book Online - Prices, Reviews, Photos
Duke University Transcript Request
R/Mp5
Pay Stub Portal
134 Paige St. Owego Ny
Warren County Skyward
Donald Trump Assassination Gold Coin JD Vance USA Flag President FIGHT CIA FBI • $11.73
Ourhotwifes
Chattanooga Booking Report
Ark Unlock All Skins Command
Rise Meadville Reviews
1-800-308-1977
Imperialism Flocabulary Quiz Answers
Pensacola Cars Craigslist
Conroe Isd Sign In
Tryst Houston Tx
Pa Legion Baseball
Rite Aid | Employee Benefits | Login / Register | Benefits Account Manager
Skyward Login Wylie Isd
Glowforge Forum
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg O'Connell

Last Updated:

Views: 5867

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg O'Connell

Birthday: 1992-01-10

Address: Suite 517 2436 Jefferey Pass, Shanitaside, UT 27519

Phone: +2614651609714

Job: Education Developer

Hobby: Cooking, Gambling, Pottery, Shooting, Baseball, Singing, Snowboarding

Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.