How to Find a Recently Deleted File
Losing an important file can be a distressing experience, especially when it was deleted accidentally. Whether it’s a crucial document, a cherished photo, or a cherished video, the need to recover a recently deleted file can arise at any time. In this article, we will guide you through various methods to find a recently deleted file on different platforms and devices.
1. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash
The first and simplest step to find a recently deleted file is to check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). These folders are designed to temporarily store deleted files, allowing users to restore them before they are permanently deleted.
– On Windows, open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking on its icon on the desktop. If you find the deleted file, right-click on it and select “Restore” to recover it to its original location.
– On Mac, open the Trash by clicking on its icon in the Dock. Locate the deleted file, right-click on it, and choose “Put Back” to restore it to its original folder.
2. Use File Recovery Software
If the deleted file is not found in the Recycle Bin or Trash, you can use file recovery software to scan your device and recover the deleted file. There are several reliable file recovery tools available for both Windows and Mac, such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill.
– Download and install a file recovery tool on your computer.
– Run the software and select the drive where the file was deleted.
– Start the scanning process, which may take some time depending on the size of the drive.
– Once the scan is complete, browse through the recovered files and locate the deleted file.
– Select the file and choose the “Recover” option to save it to a new location on your computer.
3. Check the Previous Versions
If you have enabled the System Restore feature on your Windows computer, you can recover a deleted file from a previous version of your system. This method is useful when the file was deleted before the last restore point was created.
– Open File Explorer and navigate to the location where the file was stored.
– Right-click on the folder or file and select “Restore previous versions.”
– A list of available restore points will appear. Select the one that contains the deleted file.
– Double-click on the file to open it, and then copy it to a new location on your computer.
4. Use Command Prompt (Windows)
For Windows users, you can use the Command Prompt to search for the deleted file. This method requires some technical knowledge, but it can be effective in certain situations.
– Open Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin).”
– Use the “dir” command to list all files and folders in the desired location. For example, “dir C:\Documents” will list all files and folders in the “Documents” folder.
– Use the “findstr” command to search for the deleted file’s name. For example, “findstr “filename.txt” C:\Documents” will search for a file named “filename.txt” in the “Documents” folder.
– If the file is found, note its location and use the “copy” command to copy it to a new location.
5. Use Google Drive or Dropbox
If you have stored the deleted file on Google Drive or Dropbox, you can recover it from the cloud storage service.
– Log in to your Google Drive or Dropbox account on a web browser.
– Navigate to the folder where the file was stored.
– Click on the three dots next to the file and select “Restore” to recover it to its original location.
In conclusion, finding a recently deleted file can be challenging, but by following these methods, you can increase your chances of recovering the lost data. Remember to act quickly and use the appropriate tools to maximize your chances of successful recovery.
