How to Recover Deleted Data from Windows Partitions

Dealing with lost files can be frustrating, especially when working on Windows partitions. Fortunately, there are several methods to recover deleted data from Windows systems. This guide will walk you through the process of recovering files from backups, utilizing previous versions, and using advanced data recovery tools.

Recovering Files from Backups

One reliable method to recover lost data is by restoring files from a backup. Windows provides built-in backup tools that can aid in this process. Here's how you can restore files from a backup:

Using Windows Backup: Ensure that you are using a backup service, such as Windows Backup. To restore a file, follow these steps: Open the Backup and Restore tool. You can do this by selecting the Start button, then Control Panel, then System and Maintenance, and finally Backup and Restore. Choose the option to Restore my files. Follow the on-screen wizard to complete the restore process.

Alternatively, you can utilize third-party software like Recoverit Data Recovery, which simplifies the process and supports a wide range of file types, such as images, videos, audios, Outlook emails, and documents. This software offers a user-friendly interface and efficient recovery methods, making it a popular choice among users.

Restoring Files from Previous Versions

Windows also offers a feature called Previous Versions, which can be used to restore deleted files. Here's how:

Open the Computer or This PC view. Navigate to the folder that used to contain the file or folder, right-click it, and select Restore previous versions. A list of available previous versions will appear. Select the one you want to restore. If you are using Windows Backup, it will include files saved on a backup, as well as restore points if both are available.

For a more streamlined approach, you can use software like Recoverit Data Recovery to perform these actions in a single step. This method ensures that you have access to your data quickly without dealing with complex steps.

Using Data Recovery Software

In cases where files have been permanently deleted and not backed up, recovering data becomes more challenging. However, using professional data recovery software can help. For example, Tenorshare 4DDiG Windows Data Recovery is a highly regarded tool that offers a straightforward process for recovering data.

Here are the steps to use Tenorshare 4DDiG Windows Data Recovery:

Launch the software and select the drive or partition where the deleted data resides. Choose either Quick Scan or Deep Scan based on your needs. A quick scan is faster but might not recover all files, while a deep scan will scan the entire drive but takes longer. Preview the recovered files in the software interface and select the files you want to recover. Choose a destination folder and click on Recover.

By following these steps, you can maximize the chances of recovering your deleted files. The importance of stopping the use of your hard drive once you have lost files and attempting to recover them as soon as possible cannot be overstated.

Dealing with Soft Deleted Files

Some files are deleted but not immediately removed from the system, making them accessible through the Recycle Bin. Soft deleted files are easier to recover as long as they have not been overwritten by other files. However, if files have been permanently deleted, the data is still on the disk until another file is saved in the same location.

Technically, when a file is deleted, the file pointer is removed, but the file data is still present on the hard drive. To recover such files, both hardware health and software tools are necessary.

Conclusion

Data loss can be a common issue, but modern tools and practices can help mitigate this problem. Whether you use built-in Windows features or third-party data recovery software, the key lies in acting quickly and using the right tools for the job. Always ensure you have regular backups and consider using comprehensive data recovery solutions to safeguard your important files.