How do I find recently deleted files? This is a common question among computer users who have accidentally deleted important documents or files. Whether you’re using a Windows, Mac, or Linux operating system, there are several methods you can try to recover your deleted files. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to find recently deleted files and the steps you need to follow to retrieve them successfully.
Deleted files can be a major headache, especially if they contain important data or sentimental value. However, with the right approach, you can often recover your deleted files before they are permanently lost. Let’s dive into the various methods to find recently deleted files on different operating systems.
1. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash
The first place you should check for recently deleted files is the Recycle Bin on Windows or the Trash on Mac. These folders store deleted files temporarily before they are permanently deleted from your system. To recover files from the Recycle Bin or Trash:
– On Windows, open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking on its icon on your desktop. Right-click on the deleted file and select “Restore” to return it to its original location.
– On Mac, open the Trash by clicking on its icon in the dock. Drag the deleted file out of the Trash to restore it to its original location.
2. Use File Recovery Software
If the deleted files are not in the Recycle Bin or Trash, you can use file recovery software to scan your hard drive and attempt to recover the deleted files. There are many free and paid file recovery tools available online, such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill. Here’s how to use file recovery software:
– Download and install a file recovery tool on your computer.
– Run the software and select the drive where your deleted files were located.
– Start the scanning process and wait for the software to complete its search.
– Once the scan is finished, browse through the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore.
– Choose a location on your computer to save the recovered files and proceed with the recovery process.
3. Check for Previous Versions
Windows users can take advantage of the Previous Versions feature to restore deleted files from system restore points. This feature creates copies of your files at specific intervals, allowing you to revert to a previous state. To check for previous versions:
– Right-click on the folder or file you want to recover and select “Restore previous versions.”
– Look for a folder with a date and time that shows when the file was last available.
– Double-click on the folder to open it, and then drag the file you want to recover to a new location.
4. Use Command Prompt or Terminal
For advanced users, you can use Command Prompt on Windows or Terminal on Mac to search for deleted files. This method requires some technical knowledge, but it can be effective in certain situations. Here’s how to use Command Prompt or Terminal:
– On Windows, open Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
– On Mac, open Terminal by searching for “Terminal” in the Applications folder.
– Use the appropriate command to search for deleted files, such as `dir /a /s /b` on Windows or `find / -name “filename”` on Mac, where “filename” is the name of the deleted file.
– The command will display the path to the deleted file, which you can then navigate to and restore the file manually.
In conclusion, finding recently deleted files can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, you can often recover your lost data. Whether you’re using the Recycle Bin, file recovery software, Previous Versions, or Command Prompt, these methods can help you retrieve your deleted files and save you from potential data loss.
