That sinking feeling when you realize you've deleted something important. Before you panic, know this: deleted files are often recoverable. Whether you emptied the Recycle Bin, lost photos from your phone, or accidentally formatted a drive, these methods can help bring your files back.
⚠️ Act Fast & Don't Save New Files
When files are deleted, the space is marked as available but the data remains until overwritten. Stop using the device immediately to maximize recovery chances.
Windows File Recovery
-
Check the Recycle Bin
Obviously—but sometimes we forget. Open Recycle Bin, find your file, right-click → Restore.
-
Check File History (if enabled)
Navigate to the folder where the file was, right-click → Properties → Previous Versions tab. If File History was enabled, you can restore older versions.
-
Use Windows File Recovery (Free)
Microsoft's free command-line tool for Windows 10/11:
- Install from Microsoft Store: "Windows File Recovery"
- Open Command Prompt as admin
- Use:
winfr source-drive: destination-drive: /n filename
-
Third-Party Recovery Software
For more comprehensive recovery:
- Recuva (Free) - Simple and effective for most needs
- Disk Drill (Free/Paid) - Excellent for photos
- R-Studio (Paid) - Professional-grade recovery
Mac File Recovery
-
Check Trash
Open Trash from Dock, find file, right-click → Put Back.
-
Use Time Machine (if enabled)
Open the folder where the file was → Click Time Machine icon in menu bar → Enter Time Machine → Browse to find the file → Restore.
-
Check "Recently Deleted" in Apps
Photos, Notes, and other apps have their own 30-day trash. Check there first.
Phone File Recovery
iPhone
- Photos: Albums → Recently Deleted (keeps files 30 days)
- Notes: Recently Deleted folder
- Files: Browse → Recently Deleted
- iCloud.com: Check recently deleted in iCloud Drive online
Android
- Google Photos: Library → Trash (keeps 60 days)
- Files app: Check Trash folder
- Google Drive: Trash (keeps 30 days)
Cloud Storage Recovery
- Google Drive: Trash keeps files 30 days
- Dropbox: Deleted Files → 30-180 days depending on plan
- OneDrive: Recycle Bin → 93 days
- iCloud: Recently Deleted → 30 days
If Standard Methods Fail
For critical data (failed hard drives, formatted drives):
- Stop using the drive immediately
- Professional data recovery services - Expensive ($300-$1500+) but can recover from physically damaged drives
- Don't attempt DIY on clicking/grinding drives - You'll likely make it worse
💡 Prevent Future Loss
Set up automatic backups today. See our guide: Backup Data Automatically. Future you will thank present you.
Conclusion
Most deleted files can be recovered if you act quickly. Check trash/recycle bins first, then cloud storage trash, then try recovery software. For the future, enable automatic backups so you never face this stress again.