How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files from Google Drive [4 Ways]

Can I recover permanently deleted files from Google Drive?

"Hello everyone; about 8-9 months ago, I deleted some files that I thought weren't needed at that time. Unfortunately, I need those files now. Can anyone suggest a way to recover permanently deleted files from Google Drive? " - Quoted from the Google Drive Community

Yes, you can recover permanently deleted files from Google Drive. Here's how: 1. **Sign in to Google Drive:** Visit [drive.google.com](https://drive.google.com) and log in to your Google account. 2. **Open the Trash folder:** On the left panel, click on "Trash" or the trashcan icon to view the deleted items. 3. **Find the deleted file:** Search for the file or folder you want to recover within the Trash. 4. **Restore the file or folder:** Click on the checkbox next to the file or folder you wish to restore. If you need to select multiple items, press `Ctrl` (Windows) or `Command` (Mac) while clicking. Once selected, click on "Restore" at the top of the page. 5. **File will be back in its original location:** The restored file or folder will be placed back into its original location in Google Drive. Please note that if you've permanently deleted a file from the Trash, it may no longer be recoverable. However, Google retains deleted files for 30 days before they're permanently erased. If more than 30 days have passed, you might need to explore other data recovery options or services.

• Method 1: Recover Deleted Google Drive Files from Trash
• Method 2: Restore Deleted Google Drive Files from Backup
• Method 3: Retrieve Lost Data from Google Admin Console
• Method 4: Restore Permanently Deleted Files with Official Support
• Bonus Tip: How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files from PC/Laptop

How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files from Google Drive

Google Drive lets users store files like photos, videos, documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more, synchronize them across devices, and share them with others. It protects your files from loss through various methods, such as by keeping deleted items in a Trash folder and by backing up and syncing computer files with the dedicated Backup and Sync app. Thus, when you remove certain files or folders from "My Drive," you can attempt to restore them either from the Trash or your backups.

Method 1: Restore Deleted Google Drive Files from Trash

Most Google Drive users are familiar with the Trash function. All files that you delete from your Drive are stored in the Trash for up to 30 days. Aside from permanent deletion, you can always rely on the Trash recovery method. Permanent deletion includes: removing a file individually, emptying the entire Trash, or reaching the time limit for Google Drive to automatically empty the Trash.

Restore deleted files from the trash:

Step 1: On your computer, open Google Drive.

Step 2: Navigate to the "Trash" option.

Step 3: Right-click the file you want to restore and select "Restore."

Also read: How to recover permanently deleted files from OneDrive on Windows 10.

Method 2: Restore Deleted Google Drive Files from a Backup

Assuming you've already installed “Backup and Sync,” this program automatically syncs the contents of designated folders – like your desktop, documents, and pictures on your computer – with your Google Drive.

To restore a permanently deleted file from Google Drive, do the following.

Step 1: Launch Backup and Sync, and you'll be taken to the folder at C:\Users\Your Username\Google Drive.

Step 2: A copy of all required files appears in the pane.

Step 3: You can browse your files by looking through the thumbnail icons or by searching for the file name in the search box.

Method 3: Restore Lost Data from the Google Admin Console

If you're a G Suite user, you still have the chance to recover permanently deleted files from Google Drive. As a G Suite user, you can restore data even after the 30-day trash retention limit.

Please follow the detailed steps below to recover permanently deleted photos/videos/files from Google Drive.

Step 1: Go to the Google Admin console.

Step 2. Click the “Users” icon.

Step 3: Select the user for whom you wish to recover the files

Step 4. Tap the three dots on the right.

Step 5: From the drop-down menu, select the “Recover Data” option.

Step 6. Select the application Disk Utility, and click “Restore.”

Method 4: Restore Permanently Deleted Files from Google Drive with Official Support

To have a chance to restore deleted files yourself, you must adhere to the following conditions:

The file must have been created/uploaded to the same user's Google Drive account, or the original owner must have granted you access.

If it's a Google Account connected to a school, company, or organization, only an administrator can usually restore deleted files.

If you're a paying Google Drive user, contacting official support is a guaranteed way to recover files deleted permanently from the cloud server. It's reportedly more challenging to get a timely response if you're a free user.

To permanently restore deleted files from Google Drive, follow these steps.

1. Click the ? icon in the circle at the top-right corner of the Google Drive website or app, then click Help.

Step 2: From the drop-down menu, click Send Feedback.

Step 3: Describe your issue in the provided field, and attach a screenshot if necessary. Then, click Send.

Contact Google Drive support to recover permanently deleted files.

How to recover permanently deleted files from your PC/Laptop using software

If you've been regularly syncing or uploading files from your computer to Google Drive, you might attempt to recover the original file from your local device. It's much easier if you remember where the original file was stored. Data recovery software can trace them back from their saved location, even after they've been deleted following a sync to the cloud.

The Data Recovery Wizard tool is a reliable and practical data recovery software available for both Windows and Mac. It scans for all types of lost files in specific locations, such as computer hard drives, external HDDs, USB flash drives, or memory cards.

It's not designed to recover lost files from the Google Drive server; it will restore files from their original location before they were uploaded to Google Drive. Download a free data recovery program. The program will first prompt you to select the file location you want to scan, so make sure you don't select the wrong local drive.

To permanently recover deleted files from your laptop or PC, follow these steps.

Step 1. Select the disk and start scanning

Launch the Data Recovery Wizard, and hover over the partition where your lost data was. This can be an internal hard drive, an external disk, USB, or SD card. Then, click “Scan.”

Step 2: Preview and select the scanned files

Narrow down the scan results using the left sidebar or the file type filter in the top-right corner until you find the file you need. Preview its content by clicking the “Preview” button or double-clicking the file if needed.

Step 3: Recover the lost data to a secure location

Check the boxes next to the lost files and click “Recover” to save the recovered data to a secure location. We recommend that you do not save the recovered data to the same disk where it was lost.

How to Prevent Data Loss in Google Drive

It's easy to restore deleted files from Google Drive. But it's difficult to recover files that have been permanently removed from Google. It's always better to prevent data loss than to lose valuable information. You don't need to look for ways to restore your Google Drive data. Follow these tips ahead of time to avoid losing any files.

Hint 1: Back up your data regularly

Use Google Backup and Sync to back up your files, photos, and videos. This app can help you safely store copies of your files and images on Google Drive and Google Photos.

Tip 2: Avoid accidental deletion

Before deleting a file, make sure you no longer need it. Don't delete files that you're unsure about.

Tip 3: Run an antivirus program

Ensure that your Google Drive is secure so that you don't fall victim to hacking attempts. Avoid opening or downloading anything from third-party sources.

Conclusions

Google Drive makes data storage easy and convenient. It's a secure, fast, and excellent storage service for each one of us. Despite all these fantastic features, data loss can happen with Google Drive users too. You might have used any of the above solutions to recover deleted files from Google Drive. Remember, you can always seek help from these utilities whenever you face data loss issues or need to restore deleted files.

Frequently Asked Questions on Restoring Deleted Files from Google Drive

If you have any questions, feel free to refer to the FAQ below for more assistance.

< strong > 1. Can you recover permanently deleted photos from Google Drive after 60 days?

Yes, you can recover permanently deleted photos from Google Drive after 60 days. You can retrieve your permanently erased photos by following these methods:

• Restore from Trash
• Restore from a backup
• Restore from the G Suite Admin console
• Restore with Google Drive support

< strong > 2. Where do files go when they are permanently deleted?

When you delete any file or folder from Google Drive, it moves to the Trash. Deleted files stay in the Trash for 30 days before they're permanently deleted.

Read More: Where Do Pictures Go After Being Permanently Deleted?

3. How to recover permanently deleted files in Windows 10 without software?

How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files Without Software (Including Files Removed from the Recycling Bin):

Step 1: Open the Start menu and type cmd in the search bar.

Step 2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select "Run as administrator" to run it with admin privileges.

Step 3: Type in "attrib -h -r -s /s /d drive letter:\*.*" (replace "drive letter" with the letter of your flash drive), and press Enter.

4. How long does Google Drive keep deleted files?

Normally, Google Drive keeps deleted files for 30 days.