How to Recover Deleted File by Name?

Learn to recover deleted file by name via regular backups or data recovery software in this article. Besides, there’re related document recovery tips and free Windows backup software.

By @Penny Last Updated October 17, 2024

Is it possible to recover deleted files by name?

Data loss is a prevalent occurrence, and many reasons can lead to the loss of your files. Although data recovery is relatively easy, the retrieved files may not retain their original names, which can bring inconvenience when organizing them.

   
   
   
       

Hey, folks! I need some advice here. I accidentally deleted a super important file on my Windows 10 laptop. I heard there are ways to recover deleted files by name, but I’m not sure where to start. Has anyone tried using a data recovery program for this? How do I recover deleted files by file name? Any recommendations for a reliable utility that works well on Windows 10? Thanks.

Are you eager to recover deleted file by name? If it happens to be your case, you’ve come to the right place. Please read further to recover files with their original file names.

Useful tips before file recovery

To recover deleted files with their original file names and folder structures, please keep the following tips in mind and put them into practice, which can improve the possibility of a successful data recovery rate.

◢ Before file recovery, it’s advisable to check your desktop Recycle Bin first. If you never emptied this temporary storage place, you might find your desired files there.

◢ Please avoid creating new files on the drive or partition where data loss occurred. After overwriting, it’s hard to retrieve deleted files or retain their original filenames.

The sooner you initiate data recovery with professional file recovery software, the better chances you’ll be.

If your lost files are caused by physical damage, you’d better consult professional data recovery services to avoid inadvertently causing further damage to the drive.

2 ways to recover deleted file by name

“So how do I recover deleted files by file name?” If there’s no sign of your desired files in the desktop Recycle Bin, which means you need to recover permanently deleted files. In this case, there’re two feasible ways for your reference.

Method 1. Recover deleted files by name via data recovery software

The most straightforward approach to recover deleted file by name is to employ a third-party tool. Since not all data recovery software can retrieve accurate file names alongside the files themselves, we recommend utilizing MyRecover.

With its precise file retrieval capabilities, MyRecover can recover deleted files with the corresponding original file names.

Additionally, it offers advanced filter and preview features that allow the sorting of all recoverable files by name, type, path, date, and size, which can help you quickly locate your wanted files.

Highlights of MyRecover:
  • High-efficiency: Recover MS Office files, WPS files, folders, compressed files, audio, songs, images (JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, ORF, etc.) videos (MP4, MOV, MKV, etc.), and websites, etc.
  • Advanced scanning method: MyRecover runs Quick Scan & Deep Scan automatically to search all the recoverable files. Specify the filename, saved path, date, or size to filter your needed files.
  • Convenience: Retain the original filename, path, and format for the deleted files.
  • Excellent compatibility: Support NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS file systems and work with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, or Server PC.
Download Software Windows 11/10/8/7/Server
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Notes:✎...  
After data recovery, please save your retrieved files in a new path instead of the original drive.
If you only need to recover files within 500MB, you don’t have to pay for it because MyRecover can enable users to recover 500MB files freely.   
If you want to recover a large number of deleted files from internal and external HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, or SD cards, upgrading MyRecover might be a more money-saving choice.   

Step 1. Launch MyRecover on your Windows. Hover the mouse over the drive saved deleted files before, and click Scan.

Step 2. MyRecover will automatically scan your selected drive and detect all the recoverable files.

You can preview/filter specific files according to Name, Documents Type, Path, or Date.

  • Name: Type the relevant filenames in the search bar to quickly locate your desired deleted/lost files.
  • Date modified: Set a customized date (today, yesterday, last 7 or 30 days, etc.)
  • Size: Filter the file size (<128KB, 128KB~1MB, 1MB~512MB, etc.)

Step 3. In this case, under the Recycle Bin Folder, choose your needed ORF files. Then click the “Recover x files” button.

Method 2. Restore deleted, lost, or damaged files by name via File History

Apart from data recovery software, a valuable backup is another way to recover deleted files.

Let’s take Windows File History as an example because this built-in backup feature can restore copies even if their original documents were deleted, lost, or corrupted.

Please ensure you’ve activated File History in System and Security before deleting files and your needed files are saved in Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, or Desktop folders, otherwise, this solution is useless for you.   

Notes:✎...
After turning on File History, Previous Versions is also feasible for you. It’s possible for you to recover overwritten PowerPoint files in Windows 10/11 via Previous Versions.

Step 1. Type “System and Security” in the search bar to open it.

Step 2. Click File History > Restore your files with File History.

Step 3. Click the “Restore personal files” button.

Step 4. Restore” your selected file to its original saved path.

If you need to change its saved path, you can right-click on Restore > Restore to.

Bonus tips: How can I protect my data from loss?

If you want to prevent your files from losing, there’re some pertinent suggestions for you.

  • Always keep your computer clean.
  • Protect your hard drive.
  • Ensure sensitive data is encrypted.
  • Run the latest anti-virus software to protect your PC.
  • Please think twice before deletion.
  • Make regular backups to prevent data loss at the source. If you prefer easier backup & restoration steps, AOMEI Backupper is better than Windows features.

In this scenario, let’s take File Backup as an example.

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Step 1. Launch AOMEI Backupper on your Windows PC and select the “File Backup” option.

Step 2. Click “Add Folder/Add File” to add the folder or files you want to back up.

Step 3. Click “Schedule Backup” to enable Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Event triggers or USB plug as you prefer. Then click the “Start Backup” button.

Related Q&A about document recovery

How to recover deleted files by name? Please get feasible ways from the above content to solve this issue. Moreover, there’re some relevant file recovery tips for your reference.