Guide on Recovering Deleted Pictures in Windows OS
Recovering Irretrievably Deleted Photos: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let's face it, we've all been there – accidentally wiping out precious memories with a quick shifting of keys. Don't sweat it, this guide will walk you through the process of recovering your irretrievably deleted photos on Windows.
1. Keep Your Cool and Be Prompt
Once you've hit that fateful Shift + Delete combo, the race is on. Stay calm, as panicking could hinder your chances of recovery. Permanently deleting files only makes them hidden within your operating system. Windows quickly marks the hard drive space as 'available' for new files, so act swiftly to avoid any overwriting.
2. Employ a Professional Photo Recovery Software
Trust us, you don't want to waste valuable time with DIY methods. So, it's best to use a reliable software like Stellar Photo Recovery. This software can retrieve your irretrievably deleted photos due to drive failure, malware attacks, external drive formatting, or permanent deletion.
The software also provides a Deep Scan option, enabling it to conduct a comprehensive probe based on file signature for a more thorough search. It supports various photo file formats and assures the recovery of photos even from severely corrupt storage media.
Download and Activate the Software:
- Get the Stellar Photo Recovery software from the official website.
- Install and activate it on your Windows computer.
- Make sure to install the software on a drive other than the one where the photos were deleted.
Scanning and Recovery Steps:
- Select the drive, volume, or external media from where you wish to recover the permanently deleted files and then click Scan.
- A wide list of recoverable photos will appear in the right pane.
- Preview the photos you wish to recover and click on Recover.
- Specify a location in your Windows computer or external drive to save the recovered photos.
If you prefer, you can download the software for a free trial to experience its key features.
3. Resort to Built-in Windows Methods
If you're not a fan of professional software, try using some built-in methods offered by Windows.
a. Restore from File History
Using File History can help restore deleted files from Windows PC or laptops. This built-in backup utility is available in both Windows 10 and 11 computer systems.
Follow these steps to recover permanently deleted photos using File History:
- Open the Control Panel from the Start menu.
- Click on File History and Restore personal files in the left pane.
- Select the required files or folders you wish to retrieve.
- Click on the green Restore button at the bottom to restore permanently deleted photos.
Remember: If you have not enabled File History on your computer, learn how to do so and configure the backup settings.
b. Restore from Previous Version
Another method to recover permanently deleted photos is using the Previous Versions created by File History. Here are the steps:
- Right-click on the folder from where you wish to recover permanently deleted photos.
- Click on Properties > Previous versions.
- If you see the previous versions of files or folders with dates, choose the desired Previous Version.
- Click on Restore to save the photos at the original location on your computer.
c. Recover using the Backup and Restore Utility
If you have activated the Backup and Restore utility, Windows has already maintained backup images of your files in the previous versions of Windows 7 or 8. To restore old backups, follow the lead:
- In the search box on the taskbar, type Control Panel and System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
- Click on Restore My Files option and follow the wizard to bring back your permanently deleted files.
Bonus Tips to Prevent Permanent Data Loss
Remember, shift deleted photos can be costly if not recovered. So, always pay attention to any pop-ups that appear on your laptop or PC. Windows will typically seek your approval before permanently deleting files.
So, don't hastily click the Yes button.
However, if you accidentally delete files permanently, give a reliable Photo Recovery software a try. It will surely save time and stress during this crucial moment.
Conclusion:
Though the prospect of losing invaluable photos due to accidental deletion or other errors might seem daunting, recovery is always possible. It's advisable to use professional software like Stellar Photo Recovery, which reduces the risk of data overwriting after the irretrievable loss of photos. Resorting to built-in options offered by Windows can also be effective, but employ them only when you're confident of not losing your photos permanently. Follow this guide to recover shift deleted photos on Windows.
FAQs:
1. Where are irretrievably deleted files stored?
Deleted files remain hidden in a directory on Windows' primary storage disk. However, they are not accessible until prompt action is taken to recover them to their original location.
2. Can irretrievably deleted files be recovered without software?
Yes, it's possible to recover irretrievably deleted files on Windows PC or laptops without third-party recovery software. However, the risk of data overwriting will always be present. Use this method only if you've maintained a backup of the files.
3. How can I recover photos lost due to the Windows 11 upgrade?
Stellar Photo Recovery software can help retrieve your lost photos after the upgrade to Windows 11. Alternatively, you can also try the built-in methods mentioned in this blog.
4. How to recover lost files after reinstalling Windows?
There are numerous issues that can force you to reinstall Windows, such as problematic Windows Update, system corruption, incompatible device drivers, malicious apps, or perhaps BSOD errors. Click here to recover your data after reinstalling Windows by following some built-in methods.
1. Cloud-based technology can aid in data backup and recovery In addition to professional software like Stellar Photo Recovery, cloud-based backup services can be utilized to ensure your data is safely stored. This technology can automatically backup your photos, eliminating the need for manual backup and reducing the risk of data loss during accidental deletion or system crashes.
2. Data-and-cloud-computing can help prevent permanent data loss Adopting a comprehensive data management strategy involving both local storage and cloud solutions can help safeguard your valuable photos. Cloud-storage solutions not only offer automatic backup but also allow secure access to your data from anywhere, reducing the chances of losing precious memories.
