How to Recover Lost Files in Windows 11?

Introduction

Hey there, Windows 11 user! Accidentally deleting important files can indeed be a stressful situation, especially if they are crucial for your work. However, there’s no need to panic just yet. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to effectively recover lost files in Windows 11. Whether you’re looking to utilize built-in tools or third-party software, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and get those files back!

Check the Recycle Bin

The first place to look for your deleted files is the Recycle Bin. When you delete a file on Windows 11, it’s not immediately removed from your system. Instead, it’s sent to the Recycle Bin, where it remains until the bin is emptied. Here’s how you can check the Recycle Bin for your lost files:

1. Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop to open it.
2. Once the Recycle Bin window opens, you can browse through the list of deleted files.
3. If you find the files you want to recover, right-click on each file and select “Restore” to return it to its original location.

If the files are not in the Recycle Bin, don’t worry; there are still other methods to try.

Utilize File History

Windows 11 includes a feature called File History, which automatically backs up files that are stored in your libraries, desktop, contacts, and favorites. If you’ve previously enabled File History, there’s a good chance that your lost files may be recoverable from a backup. Here’s how you can check for and restore files using File History:

1. Type “File History settings” in the Windows search bar and select the matching result to open the File History settings.
2. In the File History settings, click on “Restore personal files” on the left-hand side.
3. Browse through the different versions of your files and select the ones you want to restore.
4. After selecting the files, click the “Restore” button to bring them back to their original location.

If File History was enabled and had been regularly backing up your files, this method can be highly effective in recovering lost data.

Use Previous Versions

If File History wasn’t enabled or doesn’t contain the version of the files you need, you can still try to recover them using the “Previous Versions” feature. This feature allows you to access earlier versions of files and folders that were automatically saved by Windows. Here’s how you can use the “Previous Versions” feature:

1. Navigate to the folder where the deleted files were originally located.
2. Right-click on the folder and select “Restore previous versions” from the context menu.
3. A new window will open, displaying a list of previous versions of the folder. Select the version that contains the files you want to recover.
4. After selecting the desired version, click the “Restore” button to bring back the files.

It’s important to note that the “Previous Versions” feature is only available for certain Windows 11 editions, such as Windows 11 Pro and Windows 11 Enterprise.

Consider Third-Party Data Recovery Software

If the above methods didn’t yield the results you were hoping for, don’t lose hope just yet. There are several reputable third-party data recovery software options available that can help you recover lost files on Windows 11. These software solutions are designed to scan your storage devices for deleted files and offer a higher chance of recovery, even if the files have been removed from the Recycle Bin. Here are a few popular data recovery software options:

1. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
2. Recuva
3. Stellar Data Recovery
4. Disk Drill

When using third-party data recovery software, it’s crucial to install and run the software on a different drive than the one from which you are trying to recover files. This prevents the risk of overwriting the deleted files and maximizes the chances of successful recovery.

Preventative Measures and Best Practices

While the methods mentioned above can help you recover lost files in Windows 11, it’s important to implement preventative measures to minimize the risk of data loss in the future. Here are some best practices to safeguard your important files:

1. Regularly back up your data: Utilize built-in backup features like File History or consider using cloud storage services to create regular backups of your files.
2. Enable the Recycle Bin on all drives: Ensure that the Recycle Bin is enabled for all drives to provide a safety net for accidentally deleted files.
3. Be cautious when deleting files: Take extra care when deleting files, and double-check that you’re not removing something important before confirming the deletion.

By following these best practices, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering data loss situations and have peace of mind knowing that your files are protected.

Conclusion

Accidentally deleting important files on Windows 11 can be a stressful experience, but with the right approach, it’s often possible to recover them successfully. Whether you’re utilizing built-in features like the Recycle Bin, File History, and Previous Versions, or turning to third-party data recovery software, there are multiple avenues to explore for file recovery. Additionally, implementing best practices for data protection can help safeguard your files in the future. Remember, the key to successful file recovery is to act promptly and avoid writing new data to the storage device containing the lost files. Good luck with your file recovery efforts, and I hope you’re able to retrieve your crucial work files!