How to Easily Recover Permanently Deleted Files from Your Windows PC for Free (2025)

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of recovering permanently deleted files on your Windows PC for free. Whether you’re using Windows 10, 11, 8, or 7, this tutorial is applicable for desktops, laptops, and tablets from various manufacturers such as Dell, HP, Acer, and Lenovo. By following these steps, you’ll learn efficient methods to retrieve your lost data without needing expensive software.

Step 1: Stop Using the Affected Drive

As soon as you realize that a file has been permanently deleted, immediately stop using the drive where the file was stored. This prevents new data from overwriting the space where your deleted file may still exist, increasing the chances of successful recovery.

Step 2: Check the Recycle Bin

First, check the Recycle Bin. Sometimes files that you think are permanently deleted may still be in there. To do this:

Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
Look for the deleted files within the directory. If you find them, right-click the file and select Restore. This will return the file to its original location.

Step 3: Use Windows Backup (if enabled)

If you have previously enabled File History or have a backup created, you can restore your files using this method:

Go to Settings by clicking on the Start Menu and selecting Settings.
Select Update & Security and then Backup.
Click on Restore files from a current backup.
Search for the files you want to restore and follow the prompts to recover them.

Step 4: Use Data Recovery Software

If the previous steps did not yield results, you can try using free data recovery software. Some recommended options include:

Recuva: A user-friendly tool that can recover files from disks, memory cards, and more.
TestDisk: A powerful open-source tool that can recover lost partitions and make non-booting disks bootable again.

To use these tools, simply download the software, install it, and follow the on-screen commands to scan for recoverable files. Be sure to save recovered files to a different drive to avoid further data loss.

Step 5: Contact a Professional Recovery Service (if necessary)

If you’ve exhausted all options or if the data is highly valuable, consider contacting a professional data recovery service. They have specialized tools and techniques to recover data from damaged or corrupted drives.

Extra Tips & Common Issues

Here are some additional tips to enhance your recovery process:

Always keep regular backups of important files to avoid data loss.
Be mindful of using data recovery software, as continued use of the affected drive may further diminish the chances of recovery.
If you’re unsure about any steps, consult with a tech expert before proceeding.

Common issues include:

File not showing up: Ensure you’re looking in the correct directories.
Incomplete recovery: This may indicate that the data has already been overwritten.

By following these steps, you can significantly increase the chances of recovering your permanently deleted files.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I restore deleted files?

You can attempt to recover deleted files until the space they occupied is overwritten by new data, which can vary based on how much you use the drive.

Is it safe to use data recovery software?

Yes, using reputable data recovery software is generally safe. However, be careful with unknown software as it might carry risks.

Can I recover files from a formatted drive?

Yes, formatting a drive doesn’t completely erase the data. File recovery tools may help in recovering files from formatted drives as long as further data modification has not occurred.