Recover deleted files (Windows & Mac)
Most deleted files can be recovered if you act quickly and avoid writing new data. Work through these steps in order; the free ones come first.
Step 0: Stop writing to the drive
Close programs that save files, do not install anything onto the same drive, and do not save recovered files there. Use the recovery checklist for a plan matched to your device.
Step 1: The places people forget
- Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac).
- Windows: right-click the folder → Restore previous versions (works if File History or restore points were on).
- Mac: Time Machine, if you had a backup drive.
- OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud or Dropbox web trash, if the folder was synced.
Step 2: Free recovery tools
Windows File Recovery (Microsoft, free)
A command-line app from the Microsoft Store. Example from Microsoft's documentation – recover PDF and Word files from C: to E::
winfr C: E: /regular /n *.pdf /n *.docx
Use /extensive for formatted or corrupted drives and for older deletions. The source and destination must be different drives.
PhotoRec (free, open source, Windows/Mac/Linux)
Reads the drive read-only and finds files by their content signatures – it works even after reformatting. Downsides: no original file names, and results are sorted by type, so expect some sorting work.
Step 3: Paid tools – use the free scan first
Paid recovery programs scan the same way but show a friendly preview and usually keep names and folders. Run the free version or free scan first: if the preview does not show your files, buying will not help. EaseUS's official page says its free edition recovers up to 2 GB, which may be enough for documents.
When software cannot help
Clicking or grinding noises, a drive that is not detected, or liquid damage need a professional lab. Running software on a failing drive can destroy what is left.