How To Recover Deleted Files on Windows and Mac

You can often recover deleted files even after they disappear from your system or storage device.

First, check your Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac) for deleted data. If the file isn’t there, stop using the device. Saving any new data to the device can overwrite deleted files.

Fortunately, you still have options to restore lost data. Local backups, cloud storage, file recovery software, and professional data recovery services can often help.

Quick Answer: 

1. If you have irreplaceable data that’s not backed up, you can request help for a free evaluation from our experts.
2. Recycle Bin and Trash can restore deleted files in a couple of clicks.
3. Check local backups or a cloud service for the deleted files. 
4. When used correctly, data recovery software can sometimes locate deleted files that haven’t been overwritten in free space.

When Should I Call a Data Recovery Service? 

Call before trying anything else if: 

• The data contains priceless memories, intellectual property, financial statements, business records, or legal documents.
• The file isn’t in the Recycle Bin or Trash.
• There’s no backup anywhere.
• The files were stored on a NAS or RAID array.
• The device displays a strange status in Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS).
• The device was formatted.
• The device has a missing partition.
• Data recovery software didn’t work, or the recovered files didn't open properly.

Stop using the device if your data is essential. Each download, update, or scan could overwrite your deleted files. 

What we do that software cannot: Our data recovery services include free diagnostics for Canadian residents. We can establish whether the media needs repairs first. If needed, our engineers will swap weaker read/write heads with donor parts for a more complete scan. We can also create an image of the device to preserve its original data.

Contact us for a free quote with a fixed price from experts at our Toronto lab.       

How Long Do I Have To Recover Deleted Files?

The retention period for deleted data depends on the device, app, settings, and usage.

Here are some timelines for common situations: 

Check settings like Storage Sense on Windows or optimized storage space on Mac and confirm your cloud provider’s policies. 

While hard drive recovery is easier than SSD recovery, smaller capacities and heavy use can complicate it. Shut down the drive as soon as possible for best results. 

In any case, act quickly. Every new file shrinks the odds of restoring an old one.

How To Recover Deleted Files on Windows

Start with the Recycle Bin on Windows 11 or 10: 

1. Open Recycle Bin on the desktop.

2. Find the deleted file(s) and right-click on it.
3. Choose Restore. 

It should return the deleted file to its original location. 

If the data isn’t in that folder, File History may help if it was already enabled.

Also check OneDrive for deleted files. Often, Microsoft’s cloud storage and file-sharing service syncs data by default.     

How To Recover Deleted Files on Mac

Begin by checking the Trash on a Mac: 

1. Open Trash from the Dock.

2. Find the deleted file(s) and right-click on it.
3. Select Put Back.

If the file isn’t in the Trash, you can search your iCloud Drive or Time Machine backups. 

Be sure not to erase or overwrite existing user data on the Mac’s volume when restoring files.

How To Recover Files Deleted From Cloud Storage

Deleted files on memory cards and USB flash drives work like those on internal disks. The files remain in unallocated space until new data overwrites them. However, without an operating system, you can’t restore deleted files from the Recycle Bin or Trash.  

The deletion policies of the most popular cloud providers for consumers are listed below. 

If you’re looking to restore deleted files on a work account, then contact an admin for extended recovery options.  

How To Recover Deleted Files on SD Card or USB Flash Drive

Deleted files on memory cards and USB flash drives are similar to internal disks. The files remain in unallocated space until they are overwritten by new data. However, the lack of an operating system means you can’t restore deleted files from the Recycle Bin or Trash. 

Following these tips can help achieve the best data recovery outcomes: 

1. Stop using the device. Don’t transfer data to a thumb drive or take photos with an SD card.
2. Insert the device into a USB port or card reader.
3. Decline any prompts to format the device. Formatting makes it harder to restore deleted files.
4. Use data recovery software or a certified service.

Dealing with important data or want to discuss your case in detail? Get a free consultation from our flash drive and SD card recovery experts.  

Using Data Recovery Software To Restore Deleted Files

Data recovery software uses algorithms to locate deleted files in the device’s free space.

Choose reputable software to retrieve data from a hard drive, SD card, or USB device. 

Our SecureRecovery® for Windows and Mac software features advanced algorithms to locate deleted files on various devices. Before the tool scans for files, it assesses your media's condition and whether it's safe to run the software. Unlike many other programs, SecureRecovery® can even work with corrupted files or missing partitions. It also includes a free demo and previews recoverable files for peace of mind. 

If you use data recovery software, save recovered files to a separate location, not the original device.   

Need Deleted Files Recovered Right Now?

Stop using the device immediately. 

At Secure Data Recovery, we offer free diagnostics, flexible service options, and a No Data, No Recovery Fee guarantee.

Call 800-705-3701, visit one of our locations across Canada, or fill out a form online to get a free quote.