Lost an important file? Don't panic — even permanently deleted files can sometimes be recovered without any third-party software. In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to use built-in Windows features like File History and Previous Versions to restore deleted files easily.
Can You Really Recover Deleted Files Without Software?
Yes! Windows 10 and 11 include recovery features that may restore files even after permanent deletion. However, you need to act quickly before the file data is overwritten.
Method 1: Use File History (If Enabled)
- Go to the folder where your file was located.
- Right-click inside the folder and choose "Properties".
- Open the "Previous Versions" tab.
- Choose a backup version and click "Restore".
Note: This works only if File History was previously enabled in Settings.
Method 2: Restore from Previous Versions (System Protection)
- Right-click on the folder that contained the file.
- Click "Restore previous versions".
- Select a version and click "Open" to preview it.
- Click "Restore".
Method 3: Recover Using Command Prompt (CMD)
Try this method only if you're confident using command-line tools.
chkdsk D: /f attrib -h -r -s /s /d D:\*.*
🔁 Replace D: with the drive where the file was stored.
Bonus: Check Cloud Recycle Bin
If your files were synced with cloud services like OneDrive or Google Drive:
- Visit OneDrive
- Login and check the Recycle Bin
- Restore any deleted file you find
Limitations of Manual Recovery
| ❌ Limitation | Description |
|---|---|
| Time-sensitive | Recovery must be attempted quickly |
| Partial recovery | Not all files are backed up |
| No guarantee | Only works in specific conditions |
When to Use Third-Party Software?
If these methods don’t work, consider tools like:
- Recuva
- EaseUS Data Recovery
- Disk Drill
See also: Recuva Full Review & Download
Conclusion
With the right steps and a bit of luck, you can recover deleted files without needing extra tools. Always enable backup features like File History and consider using cloud sync for added safety.
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