How to recover deleted files on Windows, macOS, and Android (complete step-by-step guide)

Global workspace for file recovery

Accidental deletion of important files is a painful & stressful experience. I also experience the same feeling. So, I write this article to share my experience about how I recovered my deleted files, and steps to avoid these mistakes in the future. Here in this article, I also tell about "How to recover deleted files on Windows,macOS & Android with a complete step-by-step guide" in an understandable & friendly manner. So make use of it. It is an Ultimate file recovery method for users worldwide.

Recovering deleted files on Windows,macOS & Android is not as hard as you think. This article will make it easier. Whether you live in Europe, Asia, America, or any part of the world, these methods work globally. This article also covers "Best free & paid data recovery software" to recover the lost files.

Why Files Got Deleted:

    

File deletion can happen due to many reasons, not always by accident. The most common cause is Human error, like deleting the wrong folder (or) files, emptying the recycle bin too quickly without cross-check. Sometimes also happens due to software crashes, formatting errors, or malware effects, or due to the system update not being completed.

First, you need to know why files get deleted. If you find the answer to this, then recovery right method and restoring will be done easily, but keep in mind you need to act fast before new data overwrites your deleted file. For that, stop using the device immediately after deletion to avoid overwriting recoverable files.

When a file is deleted:

• System marks the space as available for new data.
• Deleted files are not automatically permanently erased.
• But the success of recovery depends on how quickly you act & what kind of storage type you used, HDD or SSD. 

How to recover deleted files on Windows (Step-by-step)

Windows offers multiple recovery methods. Recover deleted files on Windows easily compared to other OS. Do not install recovery software on the same drive where lost files were stored. If you delete a file on Windows, follow these steps in order to start the quick recovery process.

Windows recycle bin 

(i) Restore using the recycle bin:

1. First, and most importantly, check the recycle bin icon on the desktop.
2. Double-click the recycle bin icon on it.
3. If you find a lost file in it, then right-click & restore it.
4. The file has been moved to the original location.
5. If you find many files in it, then sort by date for quicker access.

(ii) Restore using File History (Windows 10/11)

Windows file history backup

If you are using Windows 10/11. Do the following steps.

1. Open settings. Then click update & security.
2. Click the backup and select the More option (or the control panel and click File History)
3. If you enable file history before deletion, then click restore.

(iii) Restore using the Previous version:

If you are using a previous version of Windows, follow the steps below.

1. Go to the folder where the file is saved.
2. Right-click on properties, then select the previous version tab.
3. Then select the date & time, then click restore. This method is useful when working with a shared network drive.

(iv) Restore using Data software:

If you have not done a backup & recycle bin is also empty, then use a recovery tool. But keep in mind to install the recovery program on a different drive or USB to avoid overwriting lost data. Use said software below for recovering files.

1. Recuva: Lightweight& free.Mainly for Windows.
2. Disk Drill: Free version with scan & preview option.
3. Photo rec/Test Disk: Powerful & works for drives and also for different file types.
4. EasUS Data Recovery Wizard: Paid, but use the trial & make use of it.

After recovery, open the files & verify recovered files, then move to a safe location (or) cloud storage. Keep in mind, always have a backup. This is the best way to recover files.

Steps to install recovery software:

• Install on a different drive.
• Run a scan on the affected drive.
• Preview file.
• Restore the file to a safe location.

How to recover a deleted file on macOS (Step-by-Step Guide)

If a file is deleted on macOS, then start with the trash & time Machine. To recover, follow these steps from safe to more advanced. This is the best macOS file recovery guide.

macOS trash and Time Machine

(i) Restore from trash

1. Check the trash in the dock.
2. Browse (or) search deleted item.
3. If you find then, right-click the file & put it back in the original folder.

(ii) Restore using Time Machine:

It works only if Time Machine backups were running before deletion. Time Machine restores deleted files easily.

1. Open the folder where the lost file is located.
2. Click the Time Machine icon in the Menu bar.
3. Use the timeline on the right to move to a snapshot from before the deletion.
4. Select the lost file & click restore.

(iii) Restore using iCloud Drive:

1. Go to iCloud.com
2. Then click iCloud Drive.
3. Then check the recently deleted.
4. Restore it to the original folder.

(iv) Recover using Recovery Software:

These are third-party software, but they can help you recover your lost files. This is the last option if no backups or snapshots exist, so you can go for it. But install it on a different drive.

1. Disk Drill: Free is user-friendly and available
2. Stellar Data Recovery: Powerful & supports many filetypes.
3. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is user-friendly.
4. PhotoRec/Test Disk is Open source, powerful, but less user-friendly.

If a drive is physically failing (or not mounting, then go for professionals' help, they can do hardware repairs & deep forensics, but keep in mind it is more expensive.

After  Recovery - Verify & Secure:

1. Open recovered files to verify.
2. Move to a safe external drive (or) cloud storage.
3. Enable Time Machine (or) iCloud Drive to prevent future loss & easy file recovery.

How to recover deleted files on Android (Step-by-Step Guide)

Compared to Windows & macOS, Android devices handle deleted file recovery differently, as files are stored on an SD Card, Internal storage, via the File Manager, or on Google Drive. Follow the steps below for easy Android file recovery methods in an easy manner.

Google Drive for file recovery

(i) Recover files from cloud backups:

1. Open your cloud storage app (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox) available on your Android mobile from any part of the world.
2. Check trash (or) recently deleted.
3. Then right-click on the necessary file and select restore.

Android phone with DiskDigger app

(ii) Recover files using Recovery apps:

1. Install the recovery app from the Play Store (or) official website, which is free to use.
2. Then allow the necessary permission.
3. Choose which recovery you need, whether photo or file.
4. Then start the scan.
5. Select the lost file in the list & click recovery to restore lost documents & media.

Android Recovery Apps:

1. Disk Digger: Best for photos & can do in root & non-root mobiles.
2. Dr.Fone: For data recovery & multiple file types, & can be used on root & non-root mobiles.
3. Recuva: Completely free & best for deep recovery.

How to prevent future data loss:

Tips to recover deleted files

1. Enable automatic data backups for cloud backup.
2. Store important files (or) photos in SD Card (or) external drives.
3. Do auto-backup regularly for device data.

Tips: Keep in mind, to recover data, step using your phone first of all, immediately avoid overwriting deleted files.

Conclusion:

Recovering deleted files is possible for Windows,macOS, & Android if you follow the said step & this is a safe file recovery tips worldwide & for global users. Using built-in tools, recovery software & cloud backups, which ensure your data is safe. Act fast & follow these steps & keep your files safe for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Can permanently deleted files be restored?
    Yes, if not overwritten. Advanced tools improve recovery chances.

2) Are free recovery programs safe?
    Yes, if downloaded from official sources.

3) How long does recovery take?
    Small files - minutes, large drives - hours.

4) SSD vs HDD recovery: any difference?
    Yes. SSDs use TRIM, which may permanently erase data faster. Quick action is crucial.