Comprehensive Guide to Undelete Files in Windows 10

How do I recover a file I accidentally deleted in Windows 10?

No matter on phones, computers, or any other storage devices, file deletion is the most common cause of data loss, especially on a PC.

Users' PCs save a considerable number of vital files. Thousands of important work files, as well as precious family memories like photos and videos, are held on the machines. As a result, no one can afford to lose data.

Once users have accidentally deleted files in Windows 10, they might try to add new items to the original location, which will cause irreversible overwriting to the deleted files.

So, after deletion, it is sincerely suggested not to do further operations. Stop using the hard drive and then refer to the tutorial below.

How to undelete files Windows 10?

How to retrieve recently deleted files Windows 10? If the files were deleted just now or not long ago, the two quick fixes will be helpful.

If the data was removed for a while, some other feasible methods are also available.

Quick tricks before deleted files recovery

The 2 quick fixes are pretty straightforward, but in case some users don’t know, we will walk you through them. They are suitable for those who have just deleted their files.

>> Use the Ctrl+Z keys

Firstly, when you have just removed the file from where it was, you could directly undo delete by using the “Ctrl+Z” keys to revoke. Then the removed file will go back to its original location.

>> Recover deleted files from Recycle Bin

Another way is to turn to the Recycle Bin. Simply put, it is a space used to store the deleted files temporarily. Before permanently deleting and emptying, you could always restore what you want.

Go to Recycle Bin > find the deleted files > right-click the files > Restore. You could search for your wanted files in the search box.

Then they will be sent back to where they were previously saved.

If the files were removed a while, the deletion record might not still stay on the clipboard.

Or, if you found the deleted files not in Recycle Bin, it means that they have been permanently wiped. You have to look for other approaches to undelete files Windows 10.

1. Turn to File History to recover recently deleted files in Windows 10

Windows machines are equipped with many useful built-in features. File History is one of the optional utilities. It stores the copies of the C: drive files, including Desktop/Favorites/Downloads/Contacts folders, etc.

For files that were deleted from the C: drive, this feature is feasible.

Step 1. Start Control Panel > System and Security > File History > Restore personal files.

Step 2. Go to the original location > select the deleted files you need > Recover. Multiple versions are available. Click the arrow button to view.

You could also utilize this app to restore deleted folder from Desktop.

2. Restore previous versions

Previous Versions is another choice. Once the File System is enabled, and the System Protection is switched on (usually the C: drive), versions of files will be accessible for users to recover files that were deleted/modified/damaged.

You could restore previous versions of files to undelete files Windows 10.

Step 1. Go to File Explorer > locate the upper folder which contained the deleted files you need.

Step 2. Right-click the folder > Properties > Previous Versions > choose a wanted version > Restore. It also supports previewing by clicking Open.

Not only common files, but it will also be easy to use this feature to find previous version of Word documents after a system crash or deletion.

3. Try using Windows inbuilt backup tool

Except for the 2 features above, how to recover deleted files in Windows 10 that were stored on other drives? Windows backup feature – Backup and Restore will be the answer.

It supports selecting files or folders to back up from any local hard drives. Also, you could restore them to anywhere you want but not just the original location. Using it, you can restore files from backup in Windows 10 conveniently.

Notes:✎...

This method requires a backup made in advance.

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

Step 2. Click Restore my files.

Step 3. Browse for files/folders > select the deleted data > Next.

Step 4. Choose a destination > click Restore.

Thus, you can successfully achieve deleted file recovery.

4. The easiest and most efficient way to recover deleted files in Windows 10

All the methods mentioned above have their limits. Some only apply to the C: drive, some can merely help you recover recently deleted files Windows 10 from a basic data drive.

Is there any comprehensive tool that is suitable for any data loss on any devices no matter internal or external?

A professional and efficient Windows data recovery tool will be the best choice. MyRecover, developed by the leading enterprise in the data security industry, is reliable and excellent in data rescue.

Using an efficient tool saves your time and helps you recover deleted files in Windows 10 easier.

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

Step 2. While scanning, you could use filters like Size, Path, Type, etc., to target the wanted files.

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

In addition to undoing deleting, you could also undo quick format using this app.

Minimize data loss risk in the future

This article gathers several methods to undelete files Windows 10, including some Windows inbuilt tools and a professional third-party tool.

Except for that, it is also important to do some precautionary actions to prevent future risks.

Lay emphasis on disk maintenance. Connect any external hard drives properly.

Perform deletion/formatting operations with more care.

Attach importance to data backup. Protect your priceless data by using reliable data backup software for Windows​​​​​​.