5 Best Free Methods to Recover Data in Windows - 2023

Data loss is an all too common occurrence in the world of computing. Whether it's due to accidental deletion, hardware failure, or a system crash, losing important files can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, several free methods to recover data in Windows can help you retrieve your lost files. In this blog, we'll explore the five best options available.

Recycle Bin Recovery

The Recycle Bin in Windows acts as a safety net for deleted files. When you delete a file, it's not immediately removed from your system; instead, it's moved to the Recycle Bin. If you've accidentally deleted a file, you can simply open the Recycle Bin, locate the file, right-click it, and choose the "Restore" option to recover it.

Windows File History

Windows File History is a built-in feature that allows you to automatically back up files to an external drive or network location. If you've been using File History, you can easily restore previous versions of your files. To do this, right-click on the folder containing the lost file, select "Restore previous versions," and choose the version you want to recover.

Shadow Copies (Previous Versions)

Windows creates shadow copies of your files regularly, allowing you to revert to a previous file or folder version. To access these shadow copies, right-click on the file or folder, select "Restore previous versions," and choose the version you wish to restore.

Data Recovery Software

There are many free data recovery software options available for Windows, such as Recuva, MiniTool Power Data Recovery, and EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. These programs are designed to scan your storage devices and recover deleted or lost files. They are particularly useful when the Recycle Bin is emptied, and you don't have a backup.

Here's how to use data recovery software:

Download and install the software.

Launch the program and select the drive or location where you lost your data.
Run a scan to search for recoverable files.
Once the scan is complete, review the results and select the files you want to recover.
Follow the on-screen prompts to restore the selected files to a safe location.

Check Cloud Services and Email

If you use cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive, your lost files might be recoverable from their respective trash or recycle bins. Additionally, check your email attachments and sent items; you might find copies of the files you're looking for.

Conclusion

Data loss can be a stressful experience, but with the right tools and methods, you can often recover your files without much hassle. These five free methods to recover data in Windows can help you retrieve lost or deleted files and minimize the impact of data loss incidents. Remember to act quickly; the chances of successful data recovery are higher when you haven't overwritten the lost files with new data.