Losing important files on your Windows PC can be a nightmare, but the good news is that there are several recovery methods available to restore lost data. Whether your files are deleted due to accidental deletion, formatting, or system crashes, you can use a professional data recovery software or manual workarounds to retrieve lost files.
This guide explains step-by-step instructions on how to recover lost files in Windows devices using a professional data recovery software, along with tips to minimise the risk of data loss in the future. Keep reading!
What Causes Deletion of Files on Windows?
Understanding the exact cause of data loss on your Windows PC is very helpful in identifying the adequate recovery method. Some main reasons why your files get deleted are:
- Accidental Deletion: You may have deleted files while performing some disk operations on your device. Deleting the file using the “Shift + Delete” command bypasses the Recycle Bin and may cause permanent loss.
- Corruption: Files or drives can become inaccessible due to corruption caused by malware, power failure, or hardware issues and may result in sudden data loss.
- Formatting: You may have formatted a drive without proper backup, causing significant data loss.
- Partition Loss: Losing a partition during disk management operations can make the stored files inaccessible.
- System Crashes: Blue screen errors or sudden system shutdowns may lead to data loss.
- Untrusted Applications: Installing or using unverified programs can sometimes result in data loss due to poor software design or hidden malicious behaviour.
Immediate Actions to Take For Smooth Data Recovery
When you find any file deleted from your Windows PC, it is important to understand what actually has happened. Every time when you delete a file, it is moved to the Recycle Bin folder and remains there until new data overwrites that file space. In the meantime, you can consider the following measures to make the recovery process quite easy and simple:
Stop Using the Drive: Avoid saving new files on that drive where the deleted data was earlier stored. Writing data can make the recovery process complex as it overwrites the space occupied by the deleted files, making recovery impossible.
Check the Recycle Bin: As mentioned above, every deleted file goes to the Recycle Bin folder. So it is important to check the folder before diving into other recovery workarounds. For this:
- Launch the Recycle Bin folder by double-clicking its icon on the desktop.
- Now, search for the lost file that you need to restore.
- Right-click on it and select Restore to recover it to its original location.
If the file is not present in the Recycle Bin folder, you can use a professional data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery Professional to recover it.
How do I Recover Lost Files Using Stellar Data Recovery Software?
Third-party data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery Professional is one of the most effective methods to restore lost files. You can use this professional data recovery software to recover files lost due to accidental deletion, formatting, system errors, or any other reasons. This tool performs a comprehensive scan of your storage drive and recovers files in a few simple steps.
Here’s how to recover lost files in Windows using the Stellar Data Recovery software:
Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Data Recovery Professional software on your Windows device. Launch the software and from the homepage, select the type of data you need to restore and click Next.
Step 2: Choose the storage drive where your deleted file was earlier stored and click Scan to initiate the scanning process.
Step 3: Once the scan is complete, preview the recoverable files to ensure they are intact. Click the Recover button to save them at the desired storage location.
What if Data Recovery Software Fails?
Though it is quite impossible for professional data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery Professional to fail to restore your deleted files, if such instances occur, consider consulting a professional data recovery service. These services have specialized tools and expertise to recover files from severely damaged or corrupted drives.
Tips to Prevent Future Data Loss
Prevention is always better than cure. Along with the above steps to recover lost files on Windows PC using a professional data recovery software, you can consider the below tips to safeguard your data:
- Regular Backups: Use external drives, cloud storage services (like Google Drive, iCloud, etc.), or backup software to create regular backups.
- Antivirus Protection: Install reliable antivirus software to prevent malware-induced data loss.
- Avoid Overwriting: When you encounter data loss on your drive, immediately stop using it to perform any task.
- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Protect your computer from power surges and outages by connecting it to a continuous power supply source.
Conclusion
Hope the above steps help you to recover files lost from Windows devices in a few simple clicks. It is very important to check and compare many Windows data recovery software available online and then choose the one that best fits your requirements. Tools like Stellar Data Recovery Professional offer several amazing features which make it best for your hassle-free data recovery. Remember to adopt preventive measures to minimize the risk of future data loss and ensure your valuable files remain safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover files that were permanently deleted using “Shift + Delete”?
Yes, you can use a third-party Windows data recovery software to restore permanently deleted files. These tools scan the storage drive for file remnants and allow you to restore them unless the space has been overwritten by new data.
Is data recovery software safe to use?
Most reputable data recovery software is safe to use, provided it is downloaded from trusted sources. Be cautious of free tools from unknown developers, as they may contain malware or harm your files further.
How long does it take to recover lost files?
The exact time required to restore lost files depends on the size of the drive, the number of files, and the type of scan performed. Quick scans may take a few minutes, while deep scans can take several hours for larger drives.
Are there any free data recovery tools available?
Yes, there are free tools like Stellar Data Recovery Free, Recuva, etc. that can recover lost files. However, they may have limitations compared to paid options in terms of features or the number of files recoverable.
