How to Recover Deleted Files on Your Computer: Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

This guide explains how to recover deleted files on your computer in clear, practical terms. It covers the key concepts, recommended steps, common limitations, and useful checks so you can make a better-informed decision.

During use, you discover that you have accidentally deleted an important file on your computer. Don't worry, you can restore this file very simply!

Restore in Recycle Bin

Normally, if during use you do not use the complete delete command (Shift + Del) or use specialized software to uninstall or delete software, most users will only use the Del shortcut key to delete files for the purpose of cleaning up their computer. At this time, restoring files is straightforward, you just need to open the trash and find the deleted file, select Restore and the file will be restored to its original location.

Using Command Prompt

We can use it directly from the system to retrieve files. The steps are as follows:

Step 1: Go to Start menu > Type cmd > Right click and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Enter the command line chkdsk C: /f > Press Enter.

Note: in this example, I choose C as the drive where I want to restore the file. Depending on where your old file is saved, choose the corresponding drive name.

Step 3: Enter the command line ATTRIB -H -R -S /S /DC:*.* > Press Enter.

Note: C is still the hard drive I chose to restore, if you save the file on another hard drive, select the corresponding file.

In case you have completely deleted the file from the recycle bin, you need to do it as follows:

Recover deleted files from recycle bin

Step 1: Before doing this, you need to download Disk Drill software. To download the software, click here. After the download is complete, double-click the setup file to install the software.

Step 2: Start Disk Drill software. At the main interface, select the drive you want to recover files from and click Search for lost data.

Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete. Tick the file you want to recover. Next, right-click on that file and select Recover.

Step 4: Click on the file icon.

Select the location to save the recovered files.

Step 5: Notification that the file has been restored is complete, you can go to the selected location to check the file.

Key Takeaways

Use the guidance above as a practical reference for recover deleted files on your computer. Check compatibility, follow the steps carefully, and verify important details with official documentation when software, security, accounts, health, or purchases are involved.