The quickest way to try and recover deleted files on Windows 10 is to check the Recycle Bin first. Sometimes, it’s easy to overlook, but if you haven’t emptied it yet, your files might still be in there. Just open the Recycle Bin, right-click the files you want, and hit “Restore.”
If they’re not in the Recycle Bin, you can try the File History feature. If you had it turned on before you deleted the files, it can save your bacon. Just go to Control Panel > System and Security > File History, and follow the instructions to restore your files from there.
Another solid method is using Windows’ built-in Previous Versions feature. Right-click the folder where your files were located, select “Restore previous versions,” and see if you can find an earlier version that still contains your files. It’s a bit hit or miss, but worth a try.
For more stubborn cases, you might need some third-party software. I’ve had good luck with Disk Drill before. It’s pretty straightforward to use and doesn’t require a tech wizard to navigate through it. You can download it here: Download Disk Drill. After installing, just follow the prompts to scan your drive and recover the lost files.
Be cautious, though, because continuing to use your computer can overwrite the deleted data, making recovery harder. Try to avoid installing new programs or saving new files until you’ve had a chance to attempt recovery.
Lastly, if all else fails, it might be worth considering a professional data recovery service, especially if the files are mission-critical. Some folks say they’re pricey, but sometimes the peace of mind and data restored are worth it.
Hope one of these methods helps you out. Good luck!