How to recover a deleted folder in file explorer
In today’s digital age, losing important files or folders can be a distressing experience. Whether it’s due to accidental deletion, system errors, or malware attacks, the loss of valuable data can be a significant setback. One common scenario is when a folder is deleted from the file explorer, and you find yourself in need of recovering it. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to recover a deleted folder in file explorer.
Understanding the File Explorer
Before diving into the recovery process, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of the file explorer. The file explorer is a built-in feature in most operating systems that allows users to navigate through their computer’s file system. It provides a graphical interface for managing files, folders, and other storage devices. When a folder is deleted, it is initially moved to the Recycle Bin or Trash, depending on the operating system.
1. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash
The first step in recovering a deleted folder is to check the Recycle Bin or Trash. These are temporary storage locations where deleted files and folders are kept until they are permanently deleted. To recover a folder from the Recycle Bin or Trash, follow these steps:
1. Open the Recycle Bin or Trash by clicking on its icon in the taskbar or desktop.
2. Look for the deleted folder among the list of items.
3. Right-click on the folder and select “Restore” to recover it to its original location.
2. Use File History
If you have enabled File History on your Windows computer, you can recover deleted folders from previous versions. File History automatically backs up your files to an external drive or network location. Here’s how to recover a deleted folder using File History:
1. Open the File Explorer and navigate to the location where the folder was originally located.
2. Click on the “History” button in the top-right corner of the window.
3. In the “History” pane, select the date when the folder was still present.
4. Double-click on the folder to open it, and then copy the files to a new location.
3. Utilize a File Recovery Tool
If the above methods don’t work, you can try using a file recovery tool. These tools scan your computer’s storage devices for deleted files and folders, allowing you to recover them. Here’s how to use a file recovery tool:
1. Download and install a reputable file recovery tool from a trusted source.
2. Launch the tool and select the drive where the deleted folder was located.
3. Start the scanning process, which may take some time depending on the size of the drive.
4. Once the scan is complete, navigate through the results and locate the deleted folder.
5. Select the folder and choose the “Recover” option to restore it to a new location.
4. Seek Professional Help
If all else fails, it may be necessary to seek professional help. Data recovery specialists have advanced tools and techniques to recover deleted folders from damaged or corrupted storage devices. However, this option can be costly, so it’s best to try the aforementioned methods first.
In conclusion, recovering a deleted folder in file explorer can be achieved through various methods, including checking the Recycle Bin or Trash, using File History, utilizing a file recovery tool, or seeking professional help. By following these steps, you can minimize the impact of losing important data and restore your deleted folder with ease.
