How do you quickly recover damaged files and folders?

1 Check the Recycle Bin

The first and easiest step to recover deleted files and folders is to check the Recycle Bin on your Windows desktop. The Recycle Bin is a special folder that stores files and folders that you have deleted, until you empty it or it reaches its maximum capacity. To restore a file or folder from the Recycle Bin, simply open it, right-click on the item you want to recover, and select Restore. This will move the item back to its original location. However, this method only works if you have not emptied the Recycle Bin or overwritten the deleted data with new data.

2 Use File History

Another way to recover damaged files and folders is to use File History, a built-in feature of Windows 10 that automatically backs up your files and folders to an external drive or a network location. File History lets you restore previous versions of your files and folders, in case they are modified, corrupted, or deleted. To use File History, you need to enable it and select a backup drive or location first. Then, you can access File History by right-clicking on the file or folder you want to recover, selecting Properties, and clicking on the Previous Versions tab. There, you can see a list of available versions, along with the date and time they were saved. You can preview, copy, or restore any version you want.

3 Run System Restore

If your files and folders are damaged by a system error, a malware infection, or a faulty software installation, you can try to run System Restore, another built-in feature of Windows that creates restore points at regular intervals or before major changes. Restore points are snapshots of your system settings, programs, and files, that you can use to revert your system to a previous state. To run System Restore, you need to open the Control Panel, search for Recovery, and click on Open System Restore. Then, you can choose a restore point from a list or select a different restore point, and follow the instructions. System Restore will not affect your personal files, but it may uninstall or restore some programs and drivers.

4 Use a Data Recovery Software

If none of the above methods work, or if your files and folders are damaged by a physical damage to your hard drive, you may need to use a data recovery software. A data recovery software is a program that scans your drive for lost or deleted data, and tries to recover it. There are many data recovery software available online, some of them are free and some of them are paid. You need to download and install one of them on your computer, and then run it. You will be asked to select the drive or partition you want to scan, and then the software will display a list of recoverable files and folders. You can preview, select, and save the files and folders you want to recover. However, data recovery software is not always reliable, and it may not be able to recover all your data, especially if it is overwritten or severely damaged.

5 Prevent Data Loss

Preventing data loss is the best way to avoid the hassle of recovering damaged files and folders. To do this, you should backup your files and folders regularly to an external drive, a cloud service, or a network location. Additionally, use antivirus software and firewall to protect your system from malware and hackers, keep your system and programs updated and patched, avoid opening suspicious attachments or links from unknown sources, and use a surge protector or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to prevent power fluctuations or outages. Moreover, handle your hard drive with care and avoid shocks, drops, or extreme temperatures. By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of losing your files and folders while saving yourself time and trouble.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?