8 Free Ways | How to Get Your Lost Data Back on Windows 10

"How Do I Restore Data on Windows 10?"

We've all been there – that sinking feeling when an important file disappears from our Windows 10 system. Losing data on Windows 10 can happen due to various reasons including accidental deletion, system updates, malware attacks, or even hardware malfunctions.

The good news is that in the vast digital landscape, lost data doesn't have to be a permanent casualty. How to get my lost data back on Windows 10? In this comprehensive guide, we'll unravel the mysteries of data recovery on Windows 10, exploring 8 recovery methods to get your lost data back on Windows 10. 

How to Get My Lost Data Back on Windows 10 (8 Ways)

Losing data on a Windows 10 computer can feel catastrophic, but with the right tools and approaches, you can often restore much of what seems lost. Here are several detailed methods to help you recover deleted files in Windows 10.

#1: Recover Permanently Deleted Files Using Data Recovery Software

While the Recycle Bin is a familiar refuge for deleted files, many users overlook its potential. Understanding how to navigate and leverage the Recycle Bin is the first step in recovering seemingly lost data.

However, what if your files are permanently deleted or the Recycle Bin is emptied? One of the most reliable methods to recover permanently deleted data is to use data recovery software like MyRecover. This tool is designed to delve deep into your disk's structure to recover permanently deleted files without backup.

MyRecover

Powerful Data Recovery Software

• Easy to use: It will automatically start a quick scan and then a deep scan automatically to get lost or deleted files in just 3 clicks.

  It has a high success rate and fast speed. Deleted files will retain their original file names, formats and paths after recovery.

  Recover more than 200 types, including recover deleted photos, documents, audios, videos, and more.

  Suitable for Windows 7/8/10/11/Server deletion, disk formatting, system crash and other data loss scenarios.

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Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7& Windows Server

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Steps to get your lost data back on Windows 10/11 effectively using MyRecover:

Step 1. Download and install MyRecover on your PC. Hover the mouse over the drive or partition where you have deleted files and click Scan.

Step 2. The program immediately runs to detect deleted or lost files. You can use the filter feature to quickly locate your lost files. For example, select the “Video” filter to find and recover deleted videos easily.

Step 3. Select the files you want to recover, click on Recover X Files, and then select a new path to save the recovered data.

#2: Recover Files on Windows 10 Using Undo Delete

If you just deleted your files and haven't written new data to your disk, you can quickly undo this action using a simple keyboard shortcut.

Steps to Undo Delete:

1. Immediately After Deletion: Press Ctrl + Z in the folder where the files were deleted to undo the action.
2. Check the Files: Ensure that your files are back in their original location.

#3: Recover Deleted Files from Recycle Bin on Windows 10

Often, deleted files are not permanently removed but are moved to the Recycle Bin. Here’s how to perform Recycle Bin recovery:

1. Open the Recycle Bin: Locate the Recycle Bin on your desktop and open it.
2. Find Your Files: Search for your deleted files. If they’re there, right-click on them and select 'Restore'.
3. Check the Original Location: The files will be moved back to their original locations.

#4: Recover Permanently Deleted Files Using Windows File Recovery

Windows 10 includes a powerful tool known as Windows File Recovery that can recover photos, documents, videos, and more. If you're running at least the Windows 10 May 2020 Update (version 2004), you have access to Microsoft's Windows File Recovery.

Unlike user-friendly graphical interfaces such as the MyRecover, Windows File Recovery operates through a command-line interface.

Preparations Before Using Windows File Recovery:

1. Secondary Storage is Required: Ensure you have a secondary storage medium ready, like an external USB drive or another hard drive, where you can safely recover your files.
2. Know Your File Locations: Be aware of the exact original locations of your deleted files.

Steps to Use Windows File Recovery for Restoring Deleted Files in Windows 10:

Step 1: Launch the Microsoft Store app, search for Windows File Recovery, and install it by clicking the "Get" button.

Step 2: Press the Windows key and type "Windows File Recovery" in the search box. Click to open the application.

Step 3: Initiate the file recovery process by entering the appropriate command line syntax:

winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/switches].

For instance, to recover a Word document named 'test.docx' that was previously stored on the C: drive and save it to the D: drive, you would use:

winfr C: D: /n \Users\Documents\test.docx

Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the recovery of your deleted files.

#5: Restore Deleted Files on Windows 10 from Previous Versions

Previous Versions is a feature that works if system protection is enabled, creating snapshots of your files as you modify them. Also known as Shadow Copies, this feature allows you to restore previous versions of files from automatic system restore points or backups.

Steps to Restore Files from Previous Versions:

1. Navigate to the Folder: Right-click the folder that contained the deleted files and selectProperties>Previous Version.
2. Choose a Version: Select a version before the files were deleted.
3. Restore: Click 'Restore' to get your files back.

#6: Recover Deleted Files on Windows 10 with Command Prompt

For those comfortable with command-line interfaces, the Command Prompt offers a way to recover files.

Steps to Use Command Prompt for File Recovery:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for cmd, right-click, and select 'Run as administrator'.
2. Use the chkdsk Command: Type chkdsk X: /f and replace 'X' with your drive letter.
3. Recover Files Using attrib Command: Type attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:*.*.

#7: Retrieve Permanently Deleted Files from File History Backup

File History is a built-in feature that automatically backs up files located in your libraries, desktop, contacts, and favorites. If you have File History set up prior to your data loss, you can easily restore files.

Steps to Retrieve Files from File History Backup:

1. Access File History: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
2. Select 'More options' and then 'Restore files from a current backup'.
3. Choose Files and Restore: Browse the files, select what you need, and click the restore button to get them back.

#8: Recover Permanently Deleted Files from Google Drive

Another way to recover file deleted from Recycle Bin is to use Google Drive. If your files were backed up to Google Drive, you could recover files from Google Drive even after deletion.

Steps to Recover Files from Google Drive:

1. Log in to Google Drive: Access your Google account and navigate to Drive.
2. Check the Trash: Click on 'Trash' or 'Bin' and look for your files.
3. Restore: Right-click the desired files and choose 'Restore' to retrieve them.

Navigating the Data Recovery Landscape:

A Walkthrough of MyRecover

MyRecover's user-friendly interface ensures that even those less familiar with data recovery tools can navigate its features with ease. The application provides clear options and prompts, guiding users through the recovery process.

Common Challenges and Solutions

While MyRecover is a powerful tool, users might encounter challenges during the recovery process. Understanding these challenges and having troubleshooting tips at your disposal ensures a smoother recovery journey.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving digital realm, data loss is a challenge, but with the right tools and strategies, it's a challenge that can be overcome. How to get my lost data back on Windows 10? We've explored the landscape of data recovery on Windows 10, from built-in tools like the Recycle Bin to advanced solutions like MyRecover.

As a parting thought, remember that proactive data management, including immediate action and regular backups, can be your shield against future data woes. You can also use AOMEI Backupper Standard, an easy to use and free backup software for Windows.

FAQs on Data Recovery

1. Can I recover data deleted a long time ago?

Data recovery's success is often time-sensitive. While recent deletions offer higher recovery chances, advanced tools like MyRecover can sometimes retrieve files deleted a while back. However, immediate action is always recommended.

2. How often should I back up my data to prevent loss?

It's wise to back up your data at least weekly, or more often if you frequently update your files.

3. Can data recovery software retrieve corrupted files as well?

Yes, many data recovery programs can restore corrupted files, depending on the extent of the damage.

4. What should I do immediately after realizing I have lost data?

Stop using the disk to avoid overwriting the data and start the recovery process as soon as possible.

5. Is it possible to recover data from a formatted SD card?

Yes, you could recover data from formatted SD cards using specialized formatted SD card data recovery software like MyRecover. Formatting a SD card erases all existing files and other data stored on the disk, but does not completely overwrite or delete this information.

6. Can I recover files deleted from a USB flash drive?

Yes, files deleted from USB drives can often be recovered using the same methods described for internal drives.