Accidentally deleting important files can feel stressful — whether it’s a work document, family photos, or critical project data. The good news? In most cases, deleted files can be recovered on both Windows and Mac — if you act quickly and use the right methods.
This guide walks you through practical, step-by-step solutions to recover deleted files safely and efficiently.
🚨 First Things First: Stop Using the Drive
When a file is deleted, it’s not immediately erased from your system. Instead, the space is marked as available for new data. If you continue using the device, new files may overwrite the deleted data — making recovery harder or even impossible.
What to do immediately:
- Stop installing new software
- Avoid downloading large files
- Don’t restart repeatedly
- Disconnect external drives if needed
How to Recover Deleted Files on Windows
1️⃣ Check the Recycle Bin
The first and easiest method:
- Open Recycle Bin
- Locate your deleted file
- Right-click and select Restore
The file will return to its original location.
2️⃣ Use File History Backup
If you have File History enabled:
- Go to the folder where the file was stored
- Right-click → Select Restore previous versions
- Choose a version before deletion
- Click Restore
3️⃣ Recover Permanently Deleted Files (Shift + Delete)
If you permanently deleted files or emptied the Recycle Bin, you’ll need professional data recovery software.
Look for software that:
- Supports NTFS, FAT32, exFAT file systems
- Recovers documents, photos, videos, emails
- Works with HDD, SSD, USB, SD cards
- Offers deep scan functionality
Steps typically include:
- Install recovery software on a different drive
- Scan the affected drive
- Preview recoverable files
- Restore files to a safe location
How to Recover Deleted Files on Mac
1️⃣ Check the Trash
- Open Trash
- Find the deleted file
- Right-click → Choose Put Back
2️⃣ Restore Using Time Machine
If you use Time Machine:
- Open the folder where the file was located
- Click the Time Machine icon
- Browse through backup dates
- Select the file
- Click Restore
3️⃣ Recover Permanently Deleted Files on Mac
If the Trash is emptied and no backup exists, you’ll need a Mac-compatible recovery tool.
Choose software that:
- Supports APFS and HFS+
- Recovers from internal & external drives
- Allows file preview before recovery
- Supports macOS latest versions
Can You Recover Files After Formatting?
Yes — in many cases, formatted drives can still be recovered if data hasn’t been overwritten. Use advanced recovery software with deep scanning features for better results.
Common Causes of Data Loss
- Accidental deletion
- Emptied Recycle Bin/Trash
- System crashes
- Virus or malware attacks
- Drive formatting
- Partition loss
- OS update failures
Pro Tips to Avoid Data Loss
✅ Enable automatic backups
✅ Use cloud storage for important files
✅ Keep antivirus updated
✅ Avoid unsafe software installations
✅ Regularly clone your system drive
Best Way to Recover Deleted Files Easily
If manual methods don’t work, using a trusted data recovery solution is your safest option.
One reliable option is EaseUS, which offers professional tools for:
- Windows and Mac data recovery
- Formatted drive recovery
- Partition recovery
- SSD and HDD recovery
- System crash restoration
- Backup and disk cloning solutions
Their software is beginner-friendly, supports deep scanning, and allows file preview before recovery — making the process simple even for non-technical users.
You can explore their full range of data recovery and backup tools here:
👉 https://www.easeus.com/
