Restoring Deleted Files

The Complete Guide to Restoring Deleted Files

Accidentally deleted a file? Don’t panic. Whether you're using Windows, macOS, or Linux, this guide will walk you through multiple ways to restore deleted files quickly and safely.

🖥 Windows File Recovery Methods

1. Recycle Bin:

   • Open Recycle Bin on Desktop

   • Right-click deleted file → "Restore"

2. File History:

   • Settings → Update & Security → Backup

   • Use "Restore files with File History"

3. Windows File Recovery Tool (CMD):

   • Install from Microsoft Store → Open via CMD

# Example: Restore from C: to E:
winfr C: E: /regular /n \Users\YourName\Documents\Important.docx
  

🍎 macOS File Recovery Methods

1. Trash Recovery:

   • Click Trash icon in Dock

   • Right-click file → "Put Back"

2. Time Machine:

   • Connect your Time Machine drive

   • Open folder where file was → Click Time Machine icon → Browse backups

# Move file from Trash back to Desktop
mv ~/.Trash/filename.txt ~/Desktop/
  

🐧 Linux File Recovery Methods

1. Trash Folder (GUI):

   • Open Trash via file manager

   • Right-click file → "Restore"

2. Command Line with trash-cli:

   • Recover deleted file with trash-list and trash-restore

3. extundelete for ext4 recovery:

   • Used on unmounted partitions only

# List all deleted files
trash-list

# Restore file
trash-restore
  

Don’t wait too long — the sooner you act, the higher your chances of recovery. Always back up important files and think twice before emptying the Trash!