Best Ways to Recover Permanently Deleted Files in Windows 11

Accidental file deletion can be a frustrating experience, especially when you realize that the file has been permanently deleted from your Windows 11 system. However, there’s still hope for file recovery, even in such situations. In this comprehensive blog, we will explore the best methods and tools available to help you recover permanently deleted files in Windows 11, ensuring that your important data can be restored safely and efficiently.

1. Check Recycle Bin: Before diving into more advanced recovery methods, it’s crucial to check the Recycle Bin. Windows 11, like its predecessors, moves deleted files to the Recycle Bin by default. To retrieve your deleted files from the Recycle Bin:
2. Locate the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and double-click to open it.
3. Search for the deleted file(s) within the Recycle Bin.
4. Right-click on the file(s) and select “Restore” to recover them to their original location.
5. Previous Versions: Windows 11 offers a feature called “Previous Versions” that can help recover earlier versions of files or folders. This feature relies on the system’s restore points or file history backups. Here’s how to access Previous Versions:
6. Locate the file or folder where the deleted file was originally stored.
7. Right-click on the file or folder and select “Restore previous versions.”
8. A list of available previous versions will be displayed. Choose the desired version and click “Restore” to recover the file.
9. File History: Windows 11 provides a built-in backup solution called “File History,” which allows you to recover files from a backup. To restore files using File History:
10. Open the “Settings” app in Windows 11 by pressing Windows + I.
11. Go to “System” and select “Storage” from the left sidebar.
12. Under “Storage,” click on “Advanced storage settings.”
13. Select “Backup Options” and set up File History if it’s not already enabled.
14. Once File History is set up, you can browse through the backed-up versions of your files and folders and restore them as needed.
15. Third-Party Data Recovery Software: If the above methods fail to recover your permanently deleted files, utilizing third-party data recovery software can be an effective solution. These software tools specialize in scanning storage devices for recoverable files. Some popular data recovery software options include EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Recuva, and MiniTool Power Data Recovery. Follow the instructions provided by the software to perform a scan and recover your deleted files. Note that it’s crucial to avoid writing any new data to the drive from which files were deleted to maximize recovery chances.
16. Professional Data Recovery Services: In cases where the deleted files are extremely important or cannot be recovered through software solutions, seeking professional data recovery services is recommended. Professional data recovery companies have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from damaged or inaccessible storage devices. They can perform advanced recovery techniques to retrieve your deleted files successfully. However, professional data recovery services can be costly, so it’s crucial to weigh the value of the data against the cost of recovery.

Conclusion: Losing files due to permanent deletion in Windows 11 can be distressing, but with the right approach and tools, you can often recover them successfully. Remember to check the Recycle Bin, explore Previous Versions and File History, and utilize reliable data recovery software. If necessary, consider professional data recovery services for critical files. By following these best practices and employing the appropriate recovery methods, you can increase the chances of recovering your permanently deleted files in Windows 11 and regain access to your valuable data.