Windows file recovery starts with Recycle Bin, then Previous Versions or File History, and ends with the Windows File Recovery tool.
Lost a document, photo, or project? Don’t panic. On a PC, many losses are reversible if you move fast and follow a calm plan. This guide walks you through the smartest order of actions, from the fastest wins to deeper scans, with clear steps and plain language. You’ll see what works for accidental deletes, overwritten saves, drive glitches, and even reformatted media.
Recovering Deleted Files On Windows: Quick Wins
Start with the easy stuff. These checks take seconds and bring back a surprising number of items. Work in order, and stop as soon as you find the file so you don’t overwrite anything else on the drive.
Fast Checks Before Anything Else
- Recycle Bin: Open it on the desktop, sort by Date Deleted, and restore.
- Undo Delete: In the folder you deleted from, press Ctrl + Z. Try the Desktop too.
- Search: Tap Win, type part of the name, and check Documents, Pictures, and Downloads.
- Cloud Trash: If the file lived in OneDrive or SharePoint, check the service’s recycle bin in the browser.
Quick Reference: Best First Steps
| Method | Best For | Quick Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Recycle Bin | Recent deletes on local drives | Open Bin → right-click file → Restore |
| Undo Delete | Immediate mistakes in a folder | Open original folder → Ctrl+Z |
| Previous Versions | Accidental overwrite or edits | Right-click folder → Restore previous versions |
| File History | Personal libraries on an external backup | Search “File History” → Restore personal files |
| OneDrive Version History | Cloud-synced items | In browser → open file → Version history |
| Full Backup | System crash, drive swap, ransomware | Restore from your image or backup set |
| Windows File Recovery | Permanently deleted files not in Bin | Use winfr from Command Prompt (Admin) |
Use Previous Versions And File History
When you saved over a file or deleted it earlier in the day, Previous Versions can bail you out. It pulls from File History or restore points if present. You can restore an entire folder or a single file copy from a time stamp.
Check Previous Versions On A Folder
- Open File Explorer and browse to the parent folder.
- Right-click the folder and pick Restore previous versions.
- Choose a date and time. Click Open to preview, then Restore to put it back, or Restore to for a safe alternate location.
Restore With File History
If you set up File History to an external drive or network share, you can flip through snapshots like a time machine for libraries such as Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, and Desktop. Open the restore window, search, and bring back what you need without touching other files around it.
Cloud Sync Saves: OneDrive And SharePoint
If your folders are synced, the cloud side keeps a recycle bin and version history. That means you can roll back a spill without plugging in a backup drive. Sign in on the web, check the bin, or open the file and browse older revisions. For wide-spread issues like mass deletes or malware, you can also roll back the entire library to a prior point in time.
Deeper Recovery With The Windows File Recovery Tool
When the file is gone from the Bin and there’s no backup, a scan can still pull data from free space on the drive. Microsoft ships a command-line tool called Windows File Recovery in the Store. It searches raw disk space for traces of deleted content and copies hits to another drive.
Before You Run A Scan
- Stop writing to the source drive. Avoid installs, downloads, or edits. Every write can overwrite deleted clusters.
- Choose a second drive for recovered files. A USB drive works well. Point the tool to save there.
- Know your file system. Most internal drives use NTFS; older flash cards may use exFAT or FAT.
Basic WinFR Workflow
- Install Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run a targeted scan first. If you don’t see results, step up the mode.
- Review the recovery folder on the destination drive. Sort by date and file type.
Mid-range cases respond to the default mode. Tough jobs need an extensive sweep or a signature search for certain formats like JPEG, PDF, or DOCX. Scans can take time on large disks; let them finish.
When The Drive Itself Acts Up
If a drive vanishes or throws read errors, stop heavy use. A failing disk can get worse fast. Try a different port or cable, listen for clicks, and check SMART warnings. If a unit shows repeated I/O errors, consider cloning it to a healthy device before deep scans. For encrypted volumes, have the BitLocker key handy to unlock data after a reset or reattach.
Step-By-Step Paths For Common Scenarios
Accidental Delete Today
Open the Bin and restore. If not there, press Ctrl + Z in the original folder. Still missing? Try Previous Versions on the parent folder, then run a regular scan with winfr.
Overwritten Save
Use Previous Versions on the file or folder. With File History configured, you can browse prior copies and bring one back beside the current version to compare.
Formatted Memory Card Or USB Stick
Pull the device, stop using it, and scan from a separate PC with an adapter. Signature mode can locate photos and videos even after a quick format.
Corrupted User Profile
Sign in with an admin account, copy data from the old profile folder under C:\Users\OldName, then fix the profile. If folders look empty, run a scan pointing at the old path.
Windows File Recovery Modes And Examples
Pick the lightest mode that can find your target, then move up only if needed. These samples assume the source is C: and the destination is E:. Adjust letters for your setup and create a dedicated sub-folder on the destination for each run.
| Mode | Use Case | Sample Command |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | Recent deletes on NTFS | winfr C: E:\Rec /regular /n *.docx |
| Extensive | Older deletes or damaged MFT | winfr C: E:\Rec /extensive /n *.xlsx |
| Signature | Cards or drives with exFAT/FAT | winfr D: E:\Rec /signature /y:JPEG,PNG,PDF |
Linking The Steps To Official Guidance
You can install and run the Store app named Windows File Recovery for deep scans and file signatures. If the item lived in cloud-synced folders, you can roll back a file or even the whole library using OneDrive’s web controls; learn the exact clicks on restore your OneDrive.
What To Do When Reset Or Recovery Tools Misbehave
System resets sometimes fail during rare update bugs. If “Reset this PC” stalls or recovery screens ignore input, install the latest cumulative update, then try the reset again. For file rescue, stick to user-space methods first: Previous Versions, File History, cloud version history, and the file recovery tool. These avoid a full reset and keep user data in reach.
Safe Handling: Don’ts That Cost You Data
- Don’t install recovery software on the harmed drive. Install on a second disk or run from a USB.
- Don’t scan to the same drive you’re rescuing. Always choose a different destination for output.
- Don’t keep working in the same folder. Close apps that auto-save or sync.
- Don’t defragment or “clean up” first. These actions rewrite blocks you need.
Naming And Search Tricks That Help
If you can’t recall the exact name, search by type or date. In the search box, try filters like kind:=document, date:today, or a wildcard such as *.pptx. In the recovery tool, use /n patterns to limit noise and speed up the process. Sorting results by Date Modified or Type also helps you spot the right item fast.
If You Use Encryption
BitLocker volumes need to be unlocked before you can scan or restore. Keep the recovery key printed or stored in your Microsoft account. After a reset or board swap, you may be asked for that key to access the data again. Once unlocked, user-space recovery works the same as on a plain NTFS drive.
Plan Ahead So This Stays Easy Next Time
Turn On File History To An External Drive
- Connect a USB drive with room for growing snapshots.
- Open the File History panel, pick the drive, and start protection.
- Choose a steady schedule and keep the drive connected during work sessions.
Use OneDrive Version History
With Desktop, Documents, and Pictures synced, you get a second safety net in the cloud. Version history catches overwrites, and the recycle bin covers accidental deletes on any device.
Keep A Periodic Image Backup
A system image on a separate disk saves time during a full rebuild. Pair that with daily File History or a third-party file backup and your bases are covered.
Checklist: The Order That Saves Time
- Check the Recycle Bin and try Ctrl + Z.
- Search the name and type; include wildcards.
- Use Previous Versions on the parent folder.
- If enabled, restore from File History.
- For cloud-synced content, use version history or the service’s recycle bin.
- Run Windows File Recovery to a second drive, starting with a regular scan.
- Step up to extensive or signature mode if needed.
- For failing hardware, minimize writes and clone first if possible.
Wrap-Up: Calm Steps Bring Files Back
Most mishaps are fixable with a short list of actions in the right order. Quick checks solve many cases in minutes. Backups and version history make rollbacks painless. When files fall through the cracks, a careful scan still pulls wins from free space. Follow the steps above, keep output on a second drive, and you’ll give lost work a strong chance to return.