Exactly like Windows, MacOS sends almost all deleted files to the trash can. The only way these files can move from the Trash is if you delete them manually or if the apps place files there when you delete them from within the app. Emptying the trash can also be done manually or if you have set the Finder preferences for it to be emptied after a certain number of days.
 |
| How to Recover Deleted Files on Windows 10/11 |
File recovery on a Windows computer is time-dependent. This means that you are on the clock once you notice your deletion action. This is to make sure your chances of getting these files back do not shrink to zero before they get overwritten.It is advisable that you close all applications and processes that are not relevant for files recovery.
The recovery techniques below are some of the top methods that guarantee file recovery on your Windows machine.
How to restore files from your trash:
- Open the Trash.
- Locate the file you wish to restore and click.
- You can also drag and drop the file to a new location if this is what you would prefer.
Recover Deleted Files in Windows 10 Without Third-Party Software
It’s possible that your data still physically resides on the drive but one thing or another is preventing it from showing up. The first option we’re going to start with involves using CMD to (1) fix any file system issues that have caused the files to become temporarily lost, and (2) unhide any data that may have been hidden by a bug or virus.
- You can download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard from the official website.
- Open the program and select the type of file you want to recover (e.g., Documents, Photos, Videos).
- Select the drive or location where the files were originally stored.
- Once the scan is complete, preview the files and recover the ones you need.
- As long as you can preview the lost file, then you can definitely recover it. You can try scanning first and then decide whether to recover it.
Some Advice
- Act quickly: The sooner you try to recover your files, the better your chances of getting them back before they’re overwritten.
- Save recovered files on a different drive: This reduces the risk of overwriting the very data you’re trying to retrieve.
- Consider regular backups: If you’ve been putting off setting up a backup system, let this be your wake-up call!
Recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin
If you simply deleted files by moving them to the Recycle Bin and didn't execute the "Empty Recycle Bin" operation, you can restore deleted files with ease.
- Step 1: Open the Recycle bin.
- Step 2: Locate the file you want to recover.
- Step 3: Right-click on the file and select "Restore" from the context menu.
- Recover-Deleted-Files-from-a-Recycle-Bin
- Step 4: The file will be restored to its original location.
- Restore files in Windows Recycle Bin
If you have emptied the Recycle Bin, please go to solution 2 and recover deleted files.
How to recover files on Windows 11 after an upgrade?
This section focuses specifically on five methods for recovering files after upgrading to Windows 11. These include:
- Dealing with account issues (you were signed in with a temporary profile or the admin account was disabled)
- Troubleshooting Windows Search to find files that were hidden or relocated
- Restoring files from native backup utilities
- Rolling back to the previous Windows version
To restore lost files with Recycle Bin on Windows 11 and 10:
- Find the waste bin on your desktop or type Recycle Bin in the Windows search box.
- Double-click the icon or option to open the system folder.
- Click the Restore all items or Restore the selected items button in the menu at the top of the screen.A screenshot of the Recycle Bin in Windows 11.A screenshot of the Recycle Bin in Windows 10.
- The feature will restore the data and return files to their original location.
Note: Since Windows 10, the Recycle Bin retains deleted files until they occupy a certain percentage of the partition. By default, the number is between 5% and 10% of total space, but you can change it in your settings. Users can also enable Storage Sense within Windows’ Settings to empty the Recycle Bin after a given period.
Find deleted files through the File History feature
This Windows built-in feature will automatically back up data from your PC’s Libraries, Favorites, and Desktop.
- Step 1. Hit the Start button and type Control Panel to launch this program.
- Step 2. Go to System and Security > File History, and choose the Restore personal files option.
- Step 3. When you find the target file, click the green button at the bottom to restore it.
This method only works when you already have a backup copy in a specific location.