How to Access Recently Deleted Files on Mac
In the digital age, data loss can be a distressing experience. Whether it’s an accidental deletion or a system crash, losing important files can be frustrating. However, if you’re a Mac user, you don’t have to worry too much about recently deleted files. macOS provides a built-in feature called the Trash bin, which allows you to recover deleted files within a certain timeframe. In this article, we will guide you on how to access recently deleted files on your Mac.
Understanding the Trash Bin
The Trash bin is essentially a recycling bin for deleted files on your Mac. When you delete a file, it is moved to the Trash bin instead of being permanently deleted from your system. This gives you a chance to recover the file before it’s permanently removed. By default, files remain in the Trash for 30 days, but you can adjust this setting if needed.
Accessing Recently Deleted Files
To access recently deleted files on your Mac, follow these simple steps:
1. Open the Trash bin by clicking on its icon on the Dock or by navigating to the Applications folder and opening the Trash folder.
2. Once the Trash bin is open, you will see a list of deleted files and folders.
3. Scroll through the list and locate the file or folder you want to recover.
4. To restore a file, simply click and drag it back to its original location or to a new folder.
5. Alternatively, you can right-click on the file and select “Put Back” to restore it to its original location.
Emptying the Trash Bin
If you’re sure that you no longer need the deleted files, you can permanently remove them from your Mac by emptying the Trash bin. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open the Trash bin as described in the previous section.
2. Click on the “Empty Trash” button at the top of the window.
3. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click “Empty Trash” again to confirm the deletion.
Adjusting the Timeframe for Deleted Files
By default, deleted files remain in the Trash for 30 days. If you want to change this setting, follow these steps:
1. Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences.
2. Click on “Trash.”
3. In the “Options” section, you will find a dropdown menu for “Deleted items are kept.” Select the desired timeframe (e.g., 14 days, 30 days, or Forever).
4. Click “OK” to save the changes.
Additional Tips
– To quickly access the Trash bin, you can press Command+Option+Delete.
– If you’re unable to find a deleted file in the Trash bin, it might have been deleted by a third-party application or a system update. In such cases, you can try using data recovery software to recover the file.
– Always make regular backups of your important files to prevent data loss.
By following these steps, you can easily access recently deleted files on your Mac and recover them if needed. Remember to keep an eye on your Trash bin and regularly empty it to free up space on your Mac.
