We’ve all been there. You’re cleaning up your desktop, organizing files, and accidentally sending something important to the abyss of deletion. Whether it’s a single document, a cherished photo, or even your entire desktop folder, losing data can be a stressful experience. This blog will guide you through 5 various methods to recover deleted files, folders, and even your desktop folder, offering a lifeline when a digital disaster strikes.
Understanding Data Loss: Why Files Disappear
Before diving into recovery techniques, it’s helpful to understand the common culprits behind data loss:
- Accidental Deletion: This is the most frequent cause. A misplaced click or a forgotten keyboard shortcut (like hitting “Shift + Delete”) can send files and folders vanishing in an instant.
- Accidental Formatting: Formatting a storage device erases all data on it. While sometimes necessary, accidental formatting can lead to significant data loss.
- Hard Drive Failure: Over time, hard drives can malfunction due to physical damage, overheating, or logical errors. This can render data inaccessible.
- Software Corruption: Malicious Software, system crashes, or corrupted system files can lead to data loss or inaccessible files.
5 Ways to Recover Your Lost Desktop Data
Here are five methods, ranging from the simplest to the most advanced option, to help you retrieve your missing files and folders:
Check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash Bin (Mac):
When you delete a file or folder, it usually gets sent to the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash Bin (Mac) before permanent removal. Here, you can easily locate and restore your accidentally deleted items.
- Windows: Open the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop. Find the deleted files or folders you need and right-click. Select “Restore” to bring them back.
- Mac: Open the Trash Bin from your Dock. Locate the deleted items and drag them back to your desktop or desired location.
File History (Windows):
This built-in Windows feature automatically creates backups of your files and folders at regular intervals. If File History was enabled before your data loss, you could use it to restore previous versions of your desktop files.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
- Under “Looking for an older backup?” click on “More options“.
- Select Restore personal files and then choose the option Desktop folder.
- Browse through available versions and click “Restore” to recover the desired files.
Previous Versions (Windows):
This feature allows you to restore a folder or file to a previous state it was in.
- Right-click on the Desktop folder which you want to recover and select Properties.
- If the Previous Versions tab is available, go there.
- You’ll see a complete list of all available versions of the desktop folder with dates and times. Choose the relevant version and click “Restore” to retrieve your deleted files.
Data Recovery Software:
If the above methods fail, data recovery software can be your savior. These programs scan your storage device to get traces of deleted files and try to recover them.
While there are many data recovery software options available, some require advanced technical knowledge. It’s crucial to choose reputable Software and avoid downloading free programs from untrusted sources, as they might contain malware.
Using WinfrGUI for Advanced Recovery:
For users comfortable with slightly more technical procedures, WinfrGUI is a powerful data recovery software that can recover files even from broken, formatted, or damaged hard drives. Important note: Data recovery software success rates depend on the severity of data loss. For the best chance of recovery, avoid using the drive where the data was lost after deletion to minimize the chance of overwriting the deleted files.
Here’s a brief overview of using WinfrGUI (remember, data recovery software should be used carefully:
- Download from the Internet and install reputable data recovery software like WinfrGUI.
- Launch the program and select “Deep Scan” for a thorough search.
- Choose the drive where your desktop folder resides.
- Once the scan completes, preview recoverable files and choose the ones you need.
- Select a safe location (different drive) to recover the files.
Recovering an Accidentally Removed Folder from the Home Screen
The methods mentioned above also apply to recovering an accidentally removed folder from home screen. Whether you’re using Windows, Mac, or another operating system, the first step is to check the Recycle Bin or Trash Bin. If it’s not there, proceed with File History or Previous Versions (Windows specific). Finally, for more advanced recovery attempts, consider using data recovery software.