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How to recover recently deleted files [Windows 10 & Mac]
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Files can get deleted in various ways. So, it’s not uncommon for users to need to recover files that they accidentally erased themselves.
The good news is users can at least usually recover recently deleted files a few days or a couple of weeks after erasing them.
The Recycle Bin is a file deletion safeguard in Windows that makes it easy to recover files.
Unless configured otherwise, the Recycle Bin stores the files users select to delete. So, you can often recover deleted user files from the Recycle Bin.
You might still be able to recover files that were in anemptied Recycle Bin. When a file is fully deleted, the references to it are erased and the hard drive space it originally consumed becomes available.
A file’s data remains intact until it gets overwritten. So, users can retrieve recently deleted files with recovery software.
How can I recover recently deleted files?
1. Use Stellar Data Recovery
StellarData Recoveryis among the more highly-ratedfile recoveryutilities for Windows and Mac platforms.
This software enables users to quickly and easily recover their document, email, photo, audio, and video files. It includes a Deep Scan option for thoroughfile recoveryscanning.
With StellarData Recovery, users can select to scan specific folders, internal drive partitions, or various external storage devices for data recovery.
After scanning, this software provides a preview of all files it can recover. Then users can choose what files to recover.
Other useful features
Stellar Data Recovery
2. Check the Recycle Bin
3. Restore Deleted Files with File History
Note:Only users who have enabled File History can recover deleted files with the method outlined directly above. OurHow to Save File Copies Automatically posttells you how users can enable File History backups.
4. Recover deleted files Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery utility
Windows doesn’t include any built-infile recoverytool. However, you can download Microsoft’s freely available WindowsFile Recoveryutility from the MS Store.
OurWindows File Recoveryguide provides further details for how users can recover data with that utility.
5. Check the Trash (Mac)
Mac users can check if their Trash bins include deleted files by clicking theTrashbutton on the Dock.
Then right-click a deleted file and select itsPut Backoption to restore it. Alternatively, you can drag-and-drop files from Trash onto the desktop.
6. Recover deleted files with Time Machine (Mac)
Note:This method will only work for users who have previously enabled automatic Time Machine backups.
So, there’s always a chance you might be able to recover a deleted file. First, check if your Recycle Bin or Trash includes a deleted file.
If not, you might be able to restore deleted files with File History or Time Machine if you’ve activated those backup tools.
Failing that, you’ll need to utilizefile recoverysoftware.
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
