First actions: what to do immediately

When you realise files are missing, stop and follow these quick steps. Acting fast gives the best chance to recover deleted files.

• Don’t write to the drive. Avoid creating, downloading, or installing anything to the affected disk—new data can overwrite deleted files.
• Check the Recycle Bin. Open the Recycle Bin and look for your files. Right-click and choose Restore to return them to their original location.
• Search your PC. Use Windows Search to check alternate folders, OneDrive, or temporary locations.
• Disconnect external drives. If the deleted files were on a USB or external HDD, safely remove the drive and work from another system where possible.

Built-in Windows recovery options

Windows includes several features that can recover deleted files without third-party tools:

1. Recycle Bin

Files deleted normally go to the Recycle Bin. Open it, locate your files, and choose Restore. If the Bin was emptied, jump to the recovery tools section below.

2. File History (previous versions)

If you enabled File History or System Protection, you can restore previous versions:

1. Open the folder where the file was stored.
2. Right-click an empty area and choose Properties > Previous Versions.
3. Select a version and click Restore.

Microsoft documentation on File History and restoring files is useful for details: Microsoft Support.

3. OneDrive or other sync services

If you use OneDrive, your files may be in the cloud recycle bin or version history. Sign in to your OneDrive account and check Recycle bin or file version history.

When to use data recovery software

If built-in options don’t work (for example, the Recycle Bin was emptied), use reputable data recovery software. These tools scan the disk for recoverable file fragments and can often restore files if they haven’t been overwritten.

Before you start, create a disk image of the drive if the data is critical—this avoids further changes to the original drive during recovery.

Recommended recovery tools

• Recuva (Piriform) — free & user-friendly for simple recoveries: ccleaner.com/recuva.
• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard — good UI and deep scan options (commercial).
• Disk Drill — supports many file systems and includes disk imaging (commercial).

How to run recovery software safely

1. Install the recovery tool on a different drive (not the one with deleted files).
2. Run a quick scan first. If nothing appears, run a full/deep scan.
3. Select recoverable files and save them to a different drive or external media.

Tip: save recovered files to a separate external drive to avoid overwriting remaining recoverable data.

Advanced situations: SSDs, formatted drives, and ransomware

SSDs and TRIM: SSDs perform TRIM operations that may permanently erase deleted data quickly. If the drive is an SSD and TRIM ran, recovery likelihood is lower.

Formatted drives: If you formatted a drive, recovery may still be possible with a deep scan, but avoid reinstalling OS or writing data to the disk.

Ransomware or malicious deletion: If files were encrypted or deleted by malware, disconnect the device from networks and consult a professional. Recovering from a clean backup is often the safest option.

Prevent future losses (backup best practices)

Recovering deleted files can be time-consuming or impossible. The best defense is a reliable backup strategy:

• Use automated, offsite backups for important data.
• Keep at least two copies: local (external drive) and cloud.
• Test restores periodically to ensure backups work.

For more on choosing backup tools, see our pillar on Backup Software & Tools. AgooCloud also offers tailored backup solutions for individuals and small businesses: Backup for Individuals and Backup for Small Business.

Summary and final checklist

In short: act quickly, avoid writing to the affected disk, check built-in options like the Recycle Bin and File History, and use reputable data recovery software if needed. And then set up automated backups so you never have to ask how to recover windows deleted files again.

• Stop using the drive.
• Check Recycle Bin and backups (File History, OneDrive).
• Use recovery software if needed (save recovered files to another drive).
• Set up an automated backup solution.

FAQ