How to Recover Deleted Files in Windows 10

Have you ever unconsciously deleted your files in a Windows 10 operating system? You definitely got inconvenienced. Chances are you may have missed some deadlines, lost some money, or endured some form of punishment. You vowed never to let that happen again, didn’t you?

How To Recover Deleted Files In Windows 10

Well, it did not really have to happen in the first place. That is because it is, in fact, possible for you to recover deleted files and USB recovery easily. You only have to know the steps involved to do so. Our discussions on how to recover deleted files in windows 10 here below shall examine briefly the circumstances under which this problem can arise. It shall go further to examine those options and steps you may use to actualize this issue.


Why we face this problem


Several reasons are to explain why we accidentally lose the files we store in a Windows 10 operating system machine. These are:

  • Deleting files via right-click menu – This is by far the most common way of bringing about this problem. We accidentally and deliberately delete those files we still need for some time.
  • Formatting or partitioning the hard drive – While formatting or partitioning the hard drive, it is not uncommon to delete some files that are still useful.
  • System crash or re-installation – In the event that your system crashes or some programs have to be re-installed, we might delete some files.
  • Windows Upgrade – From time to time, we have to upgrade our Operating System. Though noble, this might often delete some files accidentally.
  • Deleting partition – While deleting the partitions, some files will usually get deleted also in the process.
  • Virus or ransomware attack – Lastly, the attacks to your computer via ransomware or virus may also delete some files.

How to Recover Deleted Files in Windows 10


As stated above, there are a couple of methods that may reverse the trend. Of these, some three stand out. These are outlined and explained hereunder:

1. Use of a Back-up

Start off by checking your backup. This has to be the case only if you are using a Windows backup. If this is the case, go ahead to restore the files you deleted permanently. Follow these steps to do so:

  • Connect the backup storage media to the Windows 10 personal computer
  • Open the ‘Control Panel’
  • Go to ‘System and Maintenance’
  • Choose ‘Backup and Restore Windows 7’
  • Click ‘Restore my files’
  • Follow the wizard to restore the lost files

NB: In case the ‘Restore my files’ option is lacking, click ‘select another backup to restore files from’ alternative. Thereafter, follow the ‘restore wizard’. That should certainly help you out.


2. Restore Previous Versions

If the method above fails to yield the desired ends, you may try out this second one. This one is more comprehensive in scope. That is because it restores whole files rather than just a few selected ones. It is for this reason that the method is great for wholesome applications as well. Follow these procedures to actualize it:

  • Right-click the folder which contained the permanently deleted file(s) or folder(s)
  • Select ‘Restore previous versions’
  • Select the appropriate date for the file(s) that were deleted permanently
  • Click ‘Restore’ or drag-and-drop the relevant version at any location on your system

PS: Kindly utilize an external storage drive to forestall the possibility of the data being overwritten if the files of interest are missing in the restored version.


3. Use a File Recovery Software

As a last resort, you may use a file recovery software to do the bidding. Follow the instructions stipulated below to make use of this software to retrieve the data:

  • Download the Stellar Data Recovery Standard software
  • Install the software on a separate volume or external USB drive (To avoid overwriting data or files, the USB drive is highly recommended)
  • Launch the software
  • Select ‘All Data’ or a precise file type from the various options and finish off by clicking ‘Next.’
  • Choose the location in which the files were originally deleted. (You may choose a specific folder under the ‘Common Locations’ or the drive volume from the ‘Connected Drives’
  • Click ‘scan’ as soon as you are through
  • If the volume of the drive is not listed, choose ‘Can’t Find Drive’ to reinstate data from a partition that is deleted or missing
  • After a scan, the files are listed on the left ‘Tree View’ pane. Expand this tree to narrow down to the desired files. Alternatively, click the ‘File Type’ tab in order to sort the files quickly.
  • Locate files using the search bar and click on a file in order to peek its preview before moving on save it
  • If you do not find the desired files, click the ‘click here’ link which is at the bottom in order to run ‘Deep Scan.’ This deep scan takes quite some time. However, it retrieves all recoverable data given that it searches for those permanently deleted files thoroughly on the hard drive using the file signatures.
  • Lastly, choose the files you would like to recover
  • Thereafter, click ‘Recover then Browse’
  • Choose a save location
  • Click ‘Start Saving’

Tips to avoid the problem next time


  • External Backups – As a first step, you may create a backup of your files to prevent future losses of data.
  • Cloud Storage – If you can, identify and submit your data to a cloud for added storage. Some of these like Dropbox are web-based and are also free-of-charge.
  • File History – You may also enable the ‘File History.’ This is a great Windows-based backup tool. It automatically stores a shadow copy of your folders and file to external drives.
  • Data Recovery Software – Consider installing data recovery software like the Stellar Data Recovery under extreme circumstances.
  • Caution – Exercise some caution while handling your files to prevent accidental damage of your files and folders.

The Final Words (Summary)


No matter how careful you are, you will from time to time delete some files accidentally or knowingly. That is why you should not treat this issue of data recovery lightly. If I were you, I would carry out some mock data recovery using each of the steps we have outlined above. The above solutions are also working to pen drive data recovery without any obstacle.

I would also attempt other operating systems besides Windows 10. This way, I would be well-equipped to handle whichever mud that comes my way. Being a potentially complicated issue, how to recover deleted files in windows 10 is best done in conjunction with an expert data specialist. When do you plan to launch out in a data recovery plan?

Other Articles You Might Also Like-