Are you a Windows 11 user who has accidentally deleted an important file or folder? If so, you may be wondering if it is possible to recover deleted files. The good news is that, in most cases, it is possible to recover permanently deleted files in Windows 11. In this article, we will look at the different methods you can use to recover deleted files in Windows 11. So, if you are looking for a way to recover your permanently deleted files in Windows 11, read on to learn the different techniques you can use.

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How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files in Windows 11

Using the Previous Version Tool

The Previous Version tool is a Windows 11 feature that allows users to restore deleted files from previous versions. To use this feature, go to the folder where the deleted file was located, and then right-click on the folder. A menu will appear with the option to choose “Properties”. Once you select Properties, a new window will open. Select the “Previous Versions” tab in the window.

The Previous Versions tab will display a list of available previous versions of the folder. Select the version of the folder that contains the deleted file. Then, click the Restore button. Once the restore process is complete, the deleted file will be restored to its original location.

Using the Previous Version tool is a simple way to recover deleted files in Windows 11. It is important to note that this tool only works if the files were not permanently deleted.

Using the Recycle Bin

The Recycle Bin is the default recovery option for files that are deleted in Windows 11. If the file was not permanently deleted, it can be recovered from the Recycle Bin. To do this, open the Recycle Bin, and then locate the deleted file. Once you find the file, select it and then click the Restore button. The file will be restored to its original location.

It is important to note that the file must still be in the Recycle Bin in order to be recovered. If the Recycle Bin was emptied, the file will not be able to be recovered from this location.

Using a Data Recovery Software

If the file was permanently deleted, a data recovery software may be able to help. There are a variety of free and paid data recovery software programs available. These programs are designed to scan the hard drive for deleted files and recover them.

To use a data recovery software, download and install the software on your computer. Once the software is installed, open it and follow the instructions to scan your hard drive for deleted files. Once the scan is complete, the software will display a list of deleted files that can be recovered. Select the files that you would like to recover, and then click the Recover button. The files will be recovered to their original locations.

Using System Restore

System Restore is another feature of Windows 11 that can be used to recover deleted files. To use System Restore, open the Start menu and type “System Restore” into the search bar. Select the option to “Create a restore point”.

On the System Restore window, check the box next to “Show more restore points”. This will display a list of available restore points. Choose the restore point that was created before the file was deleted. Then, click the Next button. On the next window, click the Restore button.

Once the restore process is complete, the deleted file will be restored to its original location. It is important to note that this method may not work if the file was permanently deleted.

Using a File Recovery Program

A file recovery program is another option for recovering deleted files in Windows 11. There are a variety of free and paid file recovery programs available. These programs are designed to scan the hard drive for deleted files and recover them.

To use a file recovery program, download and install the software on your computer. Once the software is installed, open it and follow the instructions to scan your hard drive for deleted files. Once the scan is complete, the software will display a list of deleted files that can be recovered. Select the files that you would like to recover, and then click the Recover button. The files will be recovered to their original locations.

Using Command Prompt

Command Prompt is a command line interface for Windows 11. It can be used to recover deleted files, though it is not as user-friendly as other methods. To use Command Prompt to recover deleted files, open the Start menu and type “cmd” into the search bar. Select the option to open Command Prompt.

Once Command Prompt is open, type the command “chkdsk /f” and press Enter. This command will scan the hard drive for any deleted files. Once the scan is complete, type the command “dir /a” and press Enter. This command will display a list of all the files that were found by the scan.

To recover a file, type the command “copy ” and press Enter. Replace “” with the name of the file that you want to recover, and replace “” with the location where you want to save the file. The file will then be recovered to the specified location.

Using a Data Recovery Service

If none of the above methods are successful, it may be necessary to use a data recovery service. Data recovery services are companies that specialize in recovering data from damaged or corrupted hard drives. They can often recover data that other methods cannot.

To use a data recovery service, search online for a reputable company that provides this service. Once you have found a company, contact them to discuss the details of your situation. They will be able to provide you with an estimate of the cost and a timeline for the recovery process. Once the recovery process is complete, the files will be recovered to their original locations.

Few Frequently Asked Questions

How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files in Windows 11?

Answers:

1. Is it possible to recover permanently deleted files in Windows 11?

Yes, it is possible to recover permanently deleted files in Windows 11. As long as the data hasn’t been overwritten, Windows 11 includes a built-in tool called File History that can be used to recover deleted files. File History can be accessed from the Control Panel, and it will scan the system for deleted files that can be restored.

2. How do I access File History?

File History can be accessed in Windows 11 by navigating to the Control Panel, clicking on “Backup and Restore”, and then selecting “Restore files from a current backup”. This will open the File History window and allow you to select the files that you would like to recover.

3. How long will it take to recover deleted files?

The amount of time it takes to recover deleted files will depend on the amount of data that needs to be recovered. Generally, the process should take a few minutes, but if you are recovering a large amount of data, it may take longer.

4. What happens if the data has been overwritten?

If the data has been overwritten, it is not possible to recover the deleted files using File History. However, there are other third-party tools available that may be able to recover data that has been overwritten.

5. Does File History require any additional software?

No, File History does not require any additional software. It is a built-in tool that is included in Windows 11 and can be accessed from the Control Panel.

6. Is File History safe to use?

Yes, File History is safe to use as long as you use it correctly. It is important to remember to create a backup of your data before attempting to recover deleted files. This will ensure that you have a copy of your data in case something goes wrong during the recovery process.

In conclusion, recovering permanently deleted files in Windows 11 is a fairly straightforward process that requires you to make use of the Recycle Bin or third-party software. If you have recently deleted an important file from your Windows 11 computer, don’t panic, just follow the steps outlined in this guide and you should be able to quickly and easily recover your lost data.