How to Recover Lost Files in Windows: A Step-by-Step Guide Using Data Recovery Software

"As a Windows user, I want to explore various methods to recover lost files, such as using the Recycle Bin, File History, or recovery software, to regain access to important data."

Ever wondered what if your important files get deleted from your Windows PC? Losing files, either accidentally or intentionally, can be a distressful experience. There are several reasons, such as accidental deletion, hardware failure, or software glitches, why any file usually gets deleted on Windows. Luckily, Windows OS provides several built-in utilities such as File History, Recycle Bin, etc. that you can use to recover your lost data in Windows. If these manual methods fail, you can use a professional data recovery software to get your deleted files back. 

In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through quick steps for recovering lost files using a professional data recovery software and tips to prevent future losses.

Why Use Data Recovery Software?

As mentioned above, Windows provides several built-in recovery utilities like the Recycle Bin, File History, and Backup and Restore, which you can try to restore your lost files. However, in case these methods fail, data recovery software offers additional benefits. 

Here are some reasons why you can try recovering your lost files using a professional data recovery software: 

• Retrieve Permanently Deleted Files: Recover files deleted with Shift + Delete or emptied from the Recycle Bin.
• Restore Lost Partitions: Recover data from formatted or corrupted partitions.
• Recover Files from Damaged Drives: Access files on drives suffering from logical errors or partial corruption.
• Handle Complex Scenarios: Retrieve files lost due to malware, power failures, or failed system updates.

Quick Steps to Recover Lost Files Using Data Recovery Software

Now that you are familiar with the importance of data recovery software for quick and easy lost data restoration, it’s time to go through step-by-step instructions to get your lost files back. There are several professional data recovery software tools available online that you can use for this purpose, but Stellar Data Recovery Professional stands quite different. This all-in-one data recovery software is known for many amazing features, including:

• It supports recovery of data deleted from multiple storage devices, including HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, external drives, etc.
• Also supports recovery of data from formatted, encrypted, or corrupted drives.
• Can recover deleted files of multiple types, including photos, videos, documents, emails, and many more. 
• The software is available in multiple versions, varying in features and prices. You can check and compare their features, then select the option that best fits your requirements.
• It allows you to preview the recoverable files before saving them on your device.

Here’s how to recover lost files in Windows using the Stellar Data Recovery Professional tool:

Step 1: Firstly, download and install the Stellar Data Recovery Professional software on your Windows PC. Launch the software and from the homepage, select the type of data you need to restore and click the Next button.

Step 2: Now, from the Recover From window, choose the storage location where the file was stored before deletion and click Scan to initiate the scanning process.

Step 3: Once the scan is successfully completed, preview the recoverable files and choose the ones you need to restore. Click the Recover button to save the selected file at the desired location on your device. 

Note: Avoid saving the recovered files at the storage location from where they were deleted. Saving them to the original drive may overwrite other lost files.

Other Alternatives to Recover Lost Files in Windows PC

Along with the above steps to recover lost files on Windows devices using the Stellar Data Recovery Professional software, there are some manual methods that you can apply. Go through the below methods one-by-one to restore your files:

Method 01: Recover from Recycle Bin

Every file after deletion on Windows devices goes to the Recycle Bin folder and remains there until it is permanently removed. You can locate the deleted files in the Recycle Bin and follow the below steps to recover them:

• Firstly, double-click on the Recycle Bin icon to open it.
• Go through the deleted files and folder and select the file(s) you need to restore.
• Right-click on the selected file(s) and click Restore to save it at the desired location.

Method 02: Recover Files Using the File History Feature

Windows OS provides a built-in File History backup utility that automatically creates backup of your files and folders on your device if enabled. Follow the below steps to recover your lost files using the File History feature:

• Type CP in the search box of your desktop and then launch the Control Panel from the context menu that appears.
• Now, click on System and Security.

• Select the “File History” or “Restore your files with File History” option.

• Locate the backup you need to restore and open it.
• Select the file or folder you want to recover and click the green Restore button to save it to your device. 

Method 03: Recover Lost Files Using CMD

Windows in-built Command Prompt (CMD) utility is another best option to recover your lost data without downloading any third-party professional data recovery software. Follow the below steps to restore your lost files using CMD:

• Open the Start menu and type CMD. Right-click on the Run as administrator option to run Command Prompt with an administrator privilege.
• Now, type the command "chkdsk X: /f" and press the Enter key (replace "X" with the letter of your hard drive).
• Type "ATTRIB -H -R -S /S /D X:*.*" and hit Enter. Again, replace "X" with the letter of your hard drive.

Once the scan completes, attempt to access the lost files.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Data Loss in the Future

Here are some additional tips that you can consider for easy and quick recovery of your lost files:

• Enable Automatic Backups: Use Windows Backup features such as File History or Backup and Restore or cloud backup services like Google Drive or OneDrive for regular backups.
• Invest in Reliable Hardware: Regularly check your storage devices for signs of wear and replace ageing hardware promptly.
• Monitor System Health: Use online tools like CrystalDiskInfo to check your drive’s health and address potential issues proactively.
• Install Antivirus Software: As data can be deleted on your Windows PC due to virus or malware attacks, protect your files from such threats by installing and maintaining updated antivirus software.

Wrapping Up

Losing files on Windows is a common problem and can occur at any time. You can easily go through the above steps to recover your lost files using a third-party data recovery software. Remember to implement preventive measures, such as regular backups and system monitoring, to protect your data from future mishaps. With proper tools and precautions, you can handle data loss confidently and ensure the safety of your valuable files.