How to Recover Deleted Files in Windows 11 Without Using Any Software | 4 Effective Methods

If you've accidentally deleted a file in Windows 11, don't worry – there are several methods to retrieve your data. Contrary to common belief, it's often feasible to recover deleted files in Windows 11 without using any software. This article will explore the top four strategies for restoring deleted files in Windows 11, enabling you to swiftly and effortlessly regain access to your crucial documents and data.

Why Do You Experience Data Loss in Windows 11?

Windows 11 is a robust Windows operating system, yet it can be susceptible to data loss under certain circumstances. Typical causes include software crashes, intricate hard drive issues, unforeseen power outages, virus infections, and insufficient backup practices.

System crash: When Windows 11 experiences a sudden shock or power outage, files being written at that moment sustain the most damage since they don't have time to finish processing, resulting in incomplete files.

Hardware failure: Similarly, hardware failures can lead to Windows data loss due to mechanical malfunction of the disk or some form of physical damage, which corrupts the internal data pathways on the drive and makes it inaccessible.

Virus attack: Viruses can also severely affect Windows 11 files; malicious code crafted by hackers can overwrite essential system files required for Windows' operation or outright delete personal files if no backups were previously made.

Accidental deletion: This is the most common reason. You press the Shift + Delete or Delete option, and subsequently, you permanently remove files from Windows 11.

Windows 11 Update: An improper Windows update can also lead to data loss in Windows 11, resulting in files becoming corrupted or inaccessible.

4 Methods to Recover Deleted Files in Windows 11 Without Using Software

One of the most frustrating and time-consuming experiences with computers is accidentally deleting vital files. Fortunately, there are several methods to recover deleted files in Windows 11 without resorting to specialized software. Continue reading to learn more.

Method 1: Recover Deleted Files from Recycle Bin in Windows 11

Where do deleted files go? Typically, deleted files go to the Recycle Bin. Hence, the first approach to recover deleted files from Windows 11 without using software is to check the Recycle Bin. Follow the steps below to restore erased files: 1. **Open the Recycle Bin**: Click on the Recycle Bin icon located on your desktop. 2. **Search for the deleted file**: Look for the file you want to recover by browsing through the contents or using the search bar within the Recycle Bin. 3. **Preview the file (optional)**: If necessary, double-click on the file to preview its contents to ensure it's the correct one. 4. **Restore the file**: Once you've found the file, right-click on it and select "Restore" from the context menu. This will put the file back in its original location before deletion. 5. **Verify the recovery**: After restoration, check the original folder where the file was stored to confirm that it has been successfully recovered. Remember, if the file is not found in the Recycle Bin, it might have been permanently deleted or overwritten. In such cases, you may need to use data recovery software for assistance.

Step 1. Locate the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.

Step 2. Right-click on the Recycle Bin and choose "Open".

Step 3. Locate the lost file that you want to restore.

Step 4. Right-click on the files and select "Restore" to recover the deleted file back to its original location in Windows 11.

If you wish to restore multiple files, you can click on 'Manage' in the top toolbar and select "Restore the selected items" or "Restore all items."

Method 2: Recover Deleted Files in Windows 11 Without Software Using File History

Another method to retrieve lost files in Windows 11 is through the use of Windows 11 File History. Restoring deleted files in Windows 11 with File History is quite straightforward. First and foremost, ensure that File History was enabled prior to the loss of your files.

Next, follow the steps below to recover deleted files in Windows 11.

Step 1. Search for "File History" and select "Restore your files with File History."

Step 2. All the backup files and folders will appear in the File History window.

If there are multiple backup versions, you can switch to a different one by clicking the left and right arrows at the bottom of the window.

Step 3. Select the version that contains the missing files.

Step 4. Preview the selected file if needed. Then click the green arrow to restore the files.

Method 3: Recover Deleted Files in Windows 11 Using the Previous Version Feature

This method works effectively only if you have a backup of Windows 11. Follow the steps outlined below to recover deleted files without using any software.

Step 1. Go to the folder or location where the deleted files were saved before.

Step 2. Right-click on the empty space within the folder and select "Properties."

Step 3. Switch to the "Previous Versions" tab. Here, you can view the date when you created this backup, which can assist you in determining if it's a valuable source for data restoration.

Step 4. You can click "Restore To" to recover the file to a different location. Alternatively, select "Restore" to send the files back to their original location.

Method 4: Recover Deleted Files in Windows 11 Using Command Prompt

This method is used to display hidden files on your hard drive. To recover files in Windows 11, please follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1. Go to the Start menu, type "cmd" in the search bar, and press Enter.

Step 2. Open Command Prompt and enter the commands below.

This is a command in Command Prompt (Windows) to change the attributes of all files and subdirectories within a specified drive letter. Here's the translation: attrib -h -r -s drive letter:\*.* /s /d Translation: < strong > attrib -h -r -s [drive letter]:\[.\]* /s /d < /strong > Explanation of the command: - **attrib**: The command used to change file attributes. - **-h**: Hides the files. - **-r**: Removes the read-only attribute from the files. - **-s**: Removes the system attribute from the files. - **drive letter:**: Replace 'drive letter' with the actual drive letter you want to target, like C:, D:, etc. - **\*.***: This is a wildcard that matches all files of any extension. - **/s**: Applies the changes to all subdirectories. - **/d**: Applies the changes to directories as well. So, this command hides, removes the read-only attribute, and removes the system attribute from all files and subdirectories within the specified drive.

Replace "G" with the drive letter of your hard drive or external storage device where you lost the files.

How to Recover Deleted Files with Software (Recommended) Step 1: Choose a Reliable Data Recovery Tool Select a reputable data recovery software, such as Recuva, tools Data Recovery Wizard, or Disk Drill. Ensure the software is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Step 2: Download and Install the Software Visit the official website of the chosen software and download the latest version. Install it on your computer following the on-screen instructions. Step 3: Connect the Storage Device If the deleted files were from an external storage device (USB drive, memory card, or camera), connect it to your computer. If the files were on your computer's internal hard drive, skip this step. Step 4: Launch the Data Recovery Software Open the installed application, and you'll typically see a wizard guiding you through the process. Step 5: Select the Location In the software, choose the location where the deleted files were stored. If it was an external device, select that device from the list. Step 6: Start the Scan Initiate the scanning process. The software will scan the selected location for deleted files. This may take some time, depending on the size of the storage area. Step 7: Preview and Recover Files Once the scan is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files. You can preview some file types before recovery. Select the files you want to recover and click on the "Recover" or similar button to save them to a different location on your computer or another storage device. Step 8: Avoid Overwriting Data Until the recovery is complete, do not save any new files to the original location where the deleted files were stored. This helps prevent potential data overwriting, which could make recovery more difficult or impossible. Step 9: Verify the Recovery After the recovery, check the recovered files to ensure they are complete and functional. If some files are still inaccessible or corrupted, consider using alternative recovery methods or consulting professional help. Remember, while data recovery software can be effective, it's always best to regularly back up important files to prevent loss in the first place.

The optimal solution in the absence of a backup is to use data recovery software. The Data Recovery Wizard tool efficiently retrieves lost data from any storage device. Be it dealing with problematic drive errors, unintended deletion, or any other data loss situation, this data recovery software offers an intuitive and potent method for recovering lost data.

• It enables users to scan their devices and promptly preview recoverable files.
• This tool facilitates the recovery of deleted documents, photos, videos, and other files.
• It provides a straightforward yet comprehensive solution for restoring files from any computer or storage device.

Download this data recovery software to restore deleted files in Windows 11.

Tip: To ensure a higher chance of data recovery, install the data recovery tool on a different disk from the one where you lost your files.

Step 1. Launch the Data Recovery Wizard on your Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7 computer. Select the disk partition or storage location where you lost data and click "Scan".

Step 2. The recovery tool will begin scanning the disk to find all lost and deleted files. Once the scan is finished, click "Filter" > "Type" to specify the lost file types.

Step 3. Preview and restore lost Windows files. You can double-click to preview the scanned files. Then, select the targeted data and click the "Recover" button to save them to another safe location on your PC or an external storage device.

Conclusion

That's everything you need to know about recovering deleted files in Windows 11 without software. The methods mentioned above effectively work for retrieving lost files on Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7. If you don't have a backup, consider using hard drive recovery software. It enables you to restore files from your drive with just a few simple clicks.

"FAQs: How to Recover Deleted Files in Windows 11 Without Using Software"

If you still have issues, review the frequently asked questions and answers below.

1. Can I restore permanently deleted files in Windows 11?

Yes, you can recover permanently deleted files in Windows 11.

1. Download and run the tool Data Recovery Wizard. 2. Select the partition and click the Scan button. 3. Preview the files after the scan in Windows 11. 4. Recover permanently deleted files in Windows 11.

< strong >2. How do I undo a delete in Windows 11?< /strong > To undo a deletion in Windows 11, follow these steps: 1. **Open the Recycle Bin**: Click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop or search for it in the Start menu. 2. **Locate the deleted file**: Scroll through the contents of the Recycle Bin to find the file you accidentally deleted. 3. **Restore the file**: Right-click on the file and select "Restore" or simply double-click the file to restore it to its original location. 4. **If the file isn't in the Recycle Bin**: If you can't find the file, it might have been permanently deleted or bypassed the Recycle Bin. In this case, you may need to use a data recovery tool (like tools Data Recovery Wizard or Recuva) to attempt to recover the file. Remember that restoring files from the Recycle Bin only works if the file hasn't been overwritten by new data. It's always a good idea to regularly back up important files to prevent data loss.

You can reverse a deletion using the Recycle Bin. As long as you haven't permanently deleted the file or emptied the bin, the file should be accessible for recovery.

3. Does Windows 11 have File History?

Yes, Windows 11 includes a feature called File History. It automatically creates backups of your files from designated folders on your computer to an external location like a USB drive or a network spot.