How to Recover Deleted WAV Files: 5 Free Ways for Windows/Mac

What Is WAV?

WAV (Waveform Audio File Format), is an audio file format standard developed by Microsoft and IBM. for storing an audio bitstream on computers. WAV files are known for their high-quality, uncompressed audio and are commonly used in professional audio applications, music production, and sound editing.

Unfortunately, accidents happen everywhere. WAV files may be lost due to different reasons like accidental deletion, software issues, incomplete transfer, power outage, etc.

Can deleted WAV files be recovered? YES! You can get them back effortlessly. Scroll down this page to get 5 efficient solutions to recover deleted WAV files on Windows and Mac.

How Do I Recover Deleted WAV Files on Windows? (3 Ways)

The following will provide 3 different recovery methods to solve the issue in Windows. Among all deleted WAV file recovery methods, it is recommended to use WAV audio recovery software to retrieve your WAV files as this way is the most effective.

Way 1. Recover Deleted/Lost WAV Files Effortlessly 🔥

When a WAV file is too large or is permanently deleted, it will not be stored in the Recycle Bin. At this point, you might wonder how to recover permanently deleted files?

For most users, using powerful data recovery software like MyRecover is the most efficient way to restore permanently deleted WAV files. It has a simple interface with advanced scanning features to ease the task of restoring WAV and other media files (photos, video files) and other files without facing any trouble.

MyRecover

👍Why Choose MyRecover?

• Recover deleted audio files such as WAV, MP3, CDA, AIFF, WMA, VQF, OGG, ARM, APE, FLAC, AAC, M4A, etc., and other 1000+ file types.
• Apply to comprehensive data loss scenarios: accidental deletion, unintentional formatting, file system conversion, firmware bug, virus infection, etc.
• Advanced scanning method: Quick and Deep scans can find as many files as possible and recover them with a high success rate.
• Find files quickly: search, filter specific files or folders, and preview them to confirm that you have selected the right files for recovery.
• Highly compatible: Support NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS in Windows 11/10/8/7 & Windows Server.

Download Freeware Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 & servers

100% Secure

🔥 Bonus! 500 MB of data can be recovered for free. Please refer to the following steps to perform WAV file recovery via MyRecover easily!

Step 1. Download and run MyRecover on your computer. Hover the mouse over the drive saved deleted WAV files before, and click Scan.

Step 2. It will scan your disk automatically and thoroughly to locate all the found data. You can use the Search Box or the Filter feature to quickly locate the files you want.

Step 3. You will see a list of audio files that MyRecover found on your drive. Choose your desired files to recover and click Recover x files.

Step 4. Select a new location to save the recovered WAV files and click Select Folder. Your files will be recovered in a few minutes or longer.

Way 2. Restore Deleted WAV Files from the Recycle Bin

How to recover deleted music like WAV files? Another way is to recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin. If you haven't cleaned your Recycle Bin, then it is possible to find your deleted WAV files from there. Please follow the simple steps to recover deleted WAV files from the Recycle Bin.

Step 1. Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop, and locate your WAV file. Right-click on it to choose Restore.

Way 3. Recover Deleted WAV Audio Files with File History

File History, a built-in Windows feature, automatically backs up files like Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, and Desktop folders after turning on File History. If you lose and delete files, you can restore them from your selected backup.

Step 1. Type Control Panel in the search bar to open Control Panel > System and Security > File History > Restore your files with File History.

Step 2. Click Restore personal files.

Step 3. Select the WAV files you want to restore and click the green Restore button to get them to their original locations.

How to Recover Deleted WAV Files on Mac? (2 Ways)

Similarly, this part provides 2 simple ways to recover deleted WAV files on Mac. Keep reading!

Way 1. Recover Deleted WAV Files from Trash

If you've accidentally deleted a WAV file on Mac, you can immediately recover deleted or lost WAV files if you can find them in Trash. Here's what you can do:

Step 1. Open the Trash and locate the WAV file you want to restore.

Step 2. Right-click on the WAV file and select Put Back. Alternatively, drag the file directly to its original destination.

Way 2. Recover WAV Audio Files with Time Machine

Time Machine (similar to Windows File History) is a backup tool for protecting personal files on your Mac. You can also try using Time Machine to retrieve deleted WAV files.

Step 1. Connect your backup drive to your Mac. Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Time Machine.

Step 2. Use the arrow keys to select the backup you need and double-click the folder to find the desired WAV file.

Step 3. Then, select the file and click Restore to recover it.

Further Reading: More About WAV Files

How to Fix Corrupted WAV Files

Corrupted WAV files often result from improper transfers, malware, or forceful editing. In this case, you can easily fix corrupted WAV files using VLC Media Player after protecting your WAV audio files from data loss.

Step 1. Download and launch the VLC Media Player, and click Media > Convert/ Save.

Step 2. Now, click on the Add option from the File menu.

Step 3. Then, choose the corrupted WAV file and click on Convert/Save appearing at the bottom of the screen.

Step 4. Click the Browse and choose a destination folder for the restored file. Then, type the file extension and name, and click Start.

How to Protect WAV Files from Data Loss

While the 3 recovery methods provided above, especially excellent WAV file recovery software like MyRecover, can help you recover your WAV and other audio files easily. Here are some useful tips for you to prevent WAV audio file loss.

• Use trusted media players.
• Handle your device carefully.
• Install good antivirus software.
• Be cautious with file conversions.
• Download from secure sites.
• Back up your files regularly if you are unwilling to bear the pain of data loss. It is the best way to combat data loss. Here we recommend a free Windows professional backup tool to everyone - AOMEI Backupper Standard.

It supports automatic regular backup of your files. Then, once the WAV files or audio files are deleted and lost again. It will be a very easy thing to restore them from the backup.

Closing Words

Reading here, you may find the best solution to recover deleted WAV files and fix corrupted WAV files. Without backups, your best choice is to seek help from a professional data recovery tool like MyRecover. You can recover permanently deleted audio files or other types of files with a few clicks and a high success rate.

Besides, backup is of great importance and you can try the backup freeware - AOMEI Backupper Standard. When data is lost, you can easily restore files from backups.

FAQs About WAV File Recovery