Introduction
Losing important data on your Windows computer can be a nightmare, whether it’s due to accidental deletion, a system crash, or a hardware failure. However, there are several reliable and free methods you can use for the recovery of your lost files. In this article, we’ll explore the 4 best free methods to recover data in Windows.
Here are the 4 best free methods to recover data:
1. Free Data Recovery Software
Stellar Data Recovery Free is a robust and user-friendly free data recovery software designed to help you retrieve lost or deleted files. It supports a wide range of file types, including documents, photos, videos, and more. The software’s intuitive interface makes it accessible to users of all levels of technical expertise.
Stellar Data Recovery Free offers two scanning options: a quick scan and a deep scan. The quick scan swiftly identifies recently deleted files, while the deep scan meticulously searches through the storage device to locate files lost due to formatting, corruption, or other reasons. The software also enables you to preview recoverable files before restoration, ensuring you only retrieve the necessary data.
2. Windows File History
Exclusive to Windows 10 and 11 users, the built-in Windows File History feature serves as a reliable method for data recovery. It not only creates backups of your files but also allows you to recover lost or deleted files.
To retrieve a lost file using Windows File History, right-click the folder where the file was stored, select “Restore previous versions,” and browse through the available versions to find and restore the desired file. This method is particularly effective for recovering previous file versions that may have been accidentally modified or overwritten.
3. Shadow Copies (Previous Versions)
Windows offers an additional feature known as “Shadow Copies” or “Previous Versions,” which automatically generates snapshots of your files at regular intervals. These snapshots essentially represent historical versions of your files that can be used for recovery purposes.
To recover a file using Shadow Copies, right-click on the folder containing the lost file, select “Restore previous versions,” and choose the version you want to restore. This method is particularly useful for retrieving files that may have been accidentally deleted or lost due to unforeseen issues.
4. CMD (Command Prompt) Recovery
For users comfortable with command-line operations, the Command Prompt can be a potent tool for manual data recovery. This method can be particularly effective for restoring hidden files or folders that may have been inadvertently concealed.
By navigating to the Command Prompt and utilizing commands like “attrib,” you can recover hidden files and folders. Additionally, the “chkdsk” command can be used to identify and fix disk errors, potentially granting access to data that was previously inaccessible.
Conclusion
Experiencing data loss on a Windows computer is a distressing situation, but it’s important to remember that there are reliable and free methods available for data recovery. Whether you opt for the intuitive interface of a free data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery Free or the built-in features like Windows File History and Shadow Copies, or the command-line prowess of the Command Prompt, you have a range of tools at your disposal.
Time is of the essence when it comes to data recovery. Act swiftly when data loss occurs to maximize the chances of successful recovery. Additionally, avoid using the affected drive as much as possible to prevent overwriting the lost data. By selecting the method that aligns with your expertise and following the instructions diligently, you can significantly increase the likelihood of retrieving your valuable data and minimizing the impact of data loss.
We hope we were able to provide you with information regarding the 4 best free methods to recover data in Windows.
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