How to Recover Deleted Files from Computer, Laptop and PC?
Losing important files, photos, videos, or documents, can be a significant loss, especially if there is no way to retrieve the data. However, before you panic, there are several methods available to Recover Deleted Files from Computer, Laptop and PC even if you emptied the Recycle Bin, or used Shift + Delete.
Also, knowing the ways on how to retrieve permanently deleted data or files from a computer” could save time, hassle, and even money. Most times, the deletion happens because of accidental deletion, due to formatting, system errors, or malware. But fortunately, you have a small chance to restore your files.
Major Reasons that Cause Permanent Deletion
Apart from manually deleting the data files temporarily. Let’s check out some other factors as well, which lead to the permanent deletion of files. Some of the common reasons are listed below:
- Clearing or emptying the Recycle bin.
- Malicious Software or Virus Intrusion.
- Deleting files via the Command Prompt.
- Eliminating files from the External Storage drive.
- Deleting a User Account from the Drive leads to file deletion.
- When the “Don’t move deleted files to the Recycle Bin” option is enabled.
Methods to Recover Deleted Files from Computer, Laptop, Desktop, and PC
Method 1- Safest Recovery Using Software
Safe and easy way to recover for beginners – If your files are not showing in Recycle Bin it simply means permanently deleted from the computer. Sometimes manual tricks fail and need professional recovery tools. The fastest and safest way to Recover deleted files from computer, laptop and PC is by using SysTools Hard Disk Recovery tool safest and trusted.
Using this tool you will recovers:
- photos, videos, documents, and, folders
- It works well on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7
- Restores data from PC, laptop, HDD, SSD, pen drive, and external drive
- Works even after Shift + Delete, formatting, or corruption
From the above section, you must be sure that you can recover deleted folders from the computer. Now, just perform the steps listed below
- Download the software and Install on your Laptop or system.
- Select the partition from which files deleted and click on Scan.

- Preview all recovered files and folders easily.

- Now you can easily Save recovered files and folders on your computer.

Method 2- Check the Recycle Bin to Recover Deleted Files from Compute
If you deleted something except Shift + Delete it is still recoverable from recycle bin as it may still in Bin, just perform the suggested steps below:
Steps:
- Open Recycle Bin
- Look for the file name
- Right-click → Restore
- File goes back to original folder
Method 3 – Use Undo Delete (Ctrl + Z)
It is simple and quick way to Recover Deleted Files from Computer, Laptop and PC follow the given steps if you deleted a file just a few seconds ago:
- Press Ctrl + Z
- The file comes back instantly
Method 4 – Restore Deleted Files Using Previous Versions
In most Windows, a built-in feature named “Previous Versions” can be used to recover files from earlier stored backups or restore locations.
Steps:
- First, go to the folder where the file was stored before deletion.
- Right-click on that particular folder and select the Restore previous versions section.
- Browse through the given versions and pick the version that contains your deleted file.
- Then, tap on the Restore button to recover deleted files.
Remember: This method will work only if you had enabled the File History or System Protection before the deletion process.
Method 5 – Recover Deleted Files from Backup
If you are using Windows Backup or a cloud service to back up your computer regularly, restoring data is quite easy.
Here are the Steps:
- Begin by going to the Control Panel → System and Security → Backup and Restore.
- Choose Restore my files.
- Look through this backup and also restore the information you require.
Similarly, cloud services such as OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox will also store file versions for a specified time frame. These are one of the easiest ways when you need to find out how to get back deleted data from a computer.
Method 6 – How to Restore Deleted Data Using Command Prompt (CMD)
If you know how to use the command-line tools, it will be easy for you to recover the deleted files from CMD. Follow the steps given below:
- To open the command prompt just press Windows + R, and type cmd to open.
- In Command Prompt, type:
chkdsk X: /f
- X: (Replace X with the appropriate drive letter)
- Then type:
attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:\
- This searches for hidden files and tries to recover them.
Note: This approach may not always work, but you can try this free method before diving into the advanced tools.
Method 7 – Recover Shift + Deleted Data from PC Using File History
- Open the folder from which the files were deleted.
- Once the File History is launched, it will display all the recent backups of that folder.
- Now, click Previous to locate the files and select the files to be restored.
- After that, click the Green Restore button to recover the deleted files from the PC.

- If the computer prompts that the files with the same names already exist, then choose to Replace the file in the destination option.

When Manual Methods Fail to Recover Deleted Files from Computer and PC?
If the manual methods fail you must use an expert approach with reliable tools like SysTools Data Recovery Software, works best. You need professional recovery when:
- Recycle Bin is empty
- Files deleted with Shift + Delete
- Drive is formatted
- Folder becomes RAW, corrupted, or inaccessible
- You need to restore thousands of files together
How to Prevent Future Data Loss?
Here are few tips to keep your data safe:
- Set up Automatic Backups: Enable cloud backup or file history in Windows will automate the process ensuring your files are backed up on regular and timely.
- Using External Storage: Must backup your important data regularly to an external hard disk or USB flash drive to provide an extra layer of protection.
- Enable cloud storage: Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive provide added security with backup and versioning features, and make it easy to store and access files online.
- Using Regular Data Recovery Software: Recovery applications offer automatic scanning features that run applications periodically to help you catch potential problems before they become serious.
Let’s Wrap Up
Deleting files by mistake can be common in this age, but it is not something irreversible. Fortunately, there are a few different ways to recover deleted or lost files from Computer, Laptop and PC Windows features to cloud backups.
But remember, where the manual approaches become unsuccessful, professional recovery software is the best option. The above-mentioned hard drive recovery tool guarantees the best possible success while putting in minimum efforts, making it the best alternative for anyone looking how to recover deleted data from computer.