4 Proven Ways of Accessing Deleted Files on PC in Windows 10, 8, 7

4 feasible and tested methods of accessing deleted files on PC are gathered in this guide, helping who use Windows 10 recover deleted files easily and quickly.

Lora

By Lora / Updated on April 3, 2024

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Where can I find all my deleted files?

People who use computers will definitely manage and organize their important data from time to time.

It is not exaggerated to say that tons of vital files are created, modified, and even deleted in a day, their family photos, video recordings, work files, collected movies, and so on.

Also, it is undoubtedly to say users are always being bothered by file deletion and having difficulties accessing deleted files on PC.

   
   
   
       

How to recover recently deleted files?

       

Hi, I just accidentally deleted 15GB worth of data a few minutes ago. Can you please recommend a method or software?

       

- Question from Tom’s Hardware

   

In general, files that were recently or just deleted can be found in the Recycle Bin. But if you have accidentally emptied Recycle Bin, or permanently deleted those files, is it still possible to recover deleted files?

Can permanently deleted files be accessed?

In terms of permanently deleted files, we are talking about:

  • Files that were removed again from the Recycle Bin;
  • Files that were removed from an external storage device;
  • Data wiped due to the emptied Recycle Bin;
  • Data wiped due to disk formatting.

But deleted data recovery only requires that the deleted data were not overwritten, that is to say, after deletion, you would better stop using your hard disks and prevent writing any new items of info to the affected dirve.

Methods of accessing deleted files on PC

In this part, you will get guided by several feasible methods and quick tricks.

Quick tricks to recover deleted files on Windows PC

How to recover deleted files from PC? If the files were just removed not so long ago, these tricks can help you.

  1. Turn to the Recycle Bin;

This only applies to data not permanently deleted. You could recover deleted files from Recycle Bin directly. Just go ahead and choose items to restore.

recycle-bin-restore

  1. Look into your cloud backup;

Cloud backup service is popular among users nowadays. If you have enabled cloud backup options using OneDrive, Dropbox, etc., just find your wanted files in the backups.

Apart from these, 4 tested methods are prepared as well.

Method 1. Recover deleted files PC via File History

File History is the first tool that you could rely on when you need to recover permanently deleted files on Windows machines.

It records the copies of your files on the drive that has System Protection activated (generally the C: drive). Using it, you could easily recover deleted/lost/damaged files.

Step 1. Launch Control Panel > System and Security > File History.

file-history

Step 2. Restore personal files.

restore-personal-files

Step 3. Go to the original location where files were deleted or lost > select the data you want > Recover.

restore-deleted-file

This tool also helps perform desktop data recovery.

Method 2. Revert to previous version of folders/files

Previous Versions is another feature that help users who are using Windows machines like Windows 10 recover deleted files. It stores the file copies from File History and the restore points.

Once you install an app, update, or make some big modifications, a restore point will be generated. You could restore previous version of files and folders to get back the data you need.

Step 1File Explorer> find the upper/parent folder where the deleted files were saved.

Step 2. Right-click the folder >Restore previous versions> choose an earlier version >Restore.

select-previous-versions-click-restore

Thus you could revert the folder to its earlier version and get the contents in it back.

Method 3. Windows 10 recover deleted files using the Windows backup feature

Windows also provides a backup feature for users to make backups and restore data. The Backup and Restore, pre-installed since Windows 7, facilitates accessing deleted files on PC.

It allows users to select a drive/folder (on a local drive) to back up and also restore files to anywhere they want, on a local drive.

Step 1.Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

restore-my-files

Step 3. Browse for files > select backups > select your wanted files > Next.

browse-for-files-to-restore

Step 4. Choose a target place or restore the files to the original location > click Restore.

select-location-to-save-recovered-files

Choosing Browse for folders and restore deleted folders on Desktop is also available.

Method 4. Efficiently accessing deleted files on PC

Frankly speaking, the 3 methods mentioned above require a backup. But as data loss accidents are unpredictable, considerable users don’t have any backups to rely on.

If you are one of them, how to recover deleted files from PC without backups? Using a professional Windows data recovery tool is the correct answer. With the help of a reliable tool, efficiency and safety will be ensured.

MyRecover is the best choice for you. It facilitates users to restore deleted and missing files from internal and external storage devices quickly.

Accessing deleted files on PC without any difficulties
  • Restore data from HDD, SSD, USB flash drive, SD card, etc., in 3 steps.
  • 200+ types of recoverable data including photos, videos, office files, zip files, etc.
  • Select and restore files during the scanning process, don’t have to wait.
  • Deleted data will be recovered in its original format, filename, and directory.
  • Support Windows 11/10/8/7/Server.
Download SoftwareWin 11/10/8/7/Server
Secure Download

Step 1. Install and run the software > hover the mouse over the affected drive > click Scan.

select-location-to-scan

Step 2. Choosing filters like Size, Type, Date modified, path, etc., is feasible to help you target your wanted files.

scanning-drive

Step 3. Go to Deleted files> go to the original location > find and select your wanted files > click Recover x files. Or go to Other missing files > select a certain type to restore.

select-files-to-restore

Not only for a healthy drive, but this app helps recover data from formatted hard drive as well.

Related suggestions

Approaches to accessing deleted files on PC are introduced well with details. Except for the solutions provided, some related suggestions also are ready to help you.

  • Do not delete important files in such a hurry.
  • Do not empty the Recycle Bin intentionally or too frequently.
  • Properly use storage devices, especially external ones.
  • Back up your essential data using a cloud backup service or professional backup software for Windows PC.
Lora
Lora · Editor
Lora is an editor of AOMEI Technology. She is also a tester and editor of AOMEI Data Recovery Tools. -- "Keep testing, write the most useful tutorials for helping people recover the lost data for Windows and phones" is the most meaningful thing for her. Dedicated to creating helpful tutorials, she hopes her tutorial can assist users to effortlessly solve data loss problems on their personal computers and mobile phones.