File Recovery

File recovery tools restore lost data. Recover deleted, corrupted, or formatted files quickly with reliable recovery software.

File recovery

File recovery helps you bring back documents, photos, and homework that were deleted by mistake or lost after a crash. It matters because files hold memories and important work, and losing them can feel scary. With the right steps, you can often restore what is missing. Simple habits like saving copies and not writing new files after a loss make success more likely. A calm plan and clear tools turn a bad moment into a fixable problem.

What should I do right after I delete a file?

Stop using the folder or drive so new data does not overwrite the old file. Check the recycle bin or trash first and restore if it is there. If not, look for built‑in backups like file history or cloud versions. For cameras or USB sticks, remove the card and scan it with a recovery app on another computer. Acting quickly and writing nothing new gives you the best chance to get the file back.

Where can I look for a missing file?

Check the recycle bin or trash.
Search your cloud drive versions.
Open system backups or file history.
Scan the device with a recovery app.

How do recovery apps work?

Recovery apps scan the storage for entries that were marked as deleted but not yet overwritten. They list found items by name, type, and date, and let you preview photos or documents. You choose a safe place on another drive to save the restored files. Good apps can rebuild folders and keep file names when possible. The key is to recover to a different disk so the lost data is not replaced during the process.

Should I use free tools or paid ones?

Free tools are fine for small jobs like a few photos or text files, and they help you test if recovery is possible. Paid tools may scan deeper, read broken partitions, and offer support. If the data is very important, paid tools or a professional service are safer. For everyday mistakes, start free, and upgrade only if the preview shows your files but the app limits the restore size.

How can I avoid losing files in the future?

Keep three copies of important files: one on your device, one in the cloud, and one on an external drive. Save work often and use automatic backup daily. Turn on file history so you can go back to earlier versions. Before big changes, make a manual copy. Small, steady habits protect your photos and homework from accidents and crashes.

When should I call a professional?

Call a pro when the drive makes clicking sounds, was dropped in water, or is not detected by any computer. Do not open the device at home. A clean‑room service can move parts, read bad chips, and copy data safely. It can be costly, so decide based on how valuable the files are. For normal deletes and simple errors, home tools are usually enough.

File Recovery FAQ

What is file recovery?

File recovery is the process of getting back deleted or lost files. The tool scans your drive, memory card, or USB for traces of photos, docs, and videos. It then lets you preview and restore them to a safe place. Acting quickly helps, because new data can overwrite the old spots where files lived.

How do I recover deleted photos?

Stop using the device to avoid overwriting. Install the recovery tool on another drive. Run a scan on the problem disk and filter by type “photo.” Preview found items, select the ones you want, and restore to a different drive or folder. Save results and back up.

Which files can recovery tools find?

Recovery tools can find many types: photos (JPG, PNG), videos (MP4, MOV), documents (DOCX, PDF), and archives (ZIP). They also search for raw camera files. Results depend on damage and how soon you scan. If a file is partly overwritten, you may get only part back.

Where should I save recovered files?

Always save to a different drive or an external USB, not the drive you scanned. Create a new folder with the date, and sort by type so you can check each group. After you confirm the files open, copy them into your normal folders and make a backup.

How often should I back up to avoid loss?

Make a weekly backup for home use and a daily backup for important work. Keep one copy in the cloud or on a second drive. Turn on auto backup so it runs even when you forget. Test restores each month by opening a few files. Regular backups are the best way to prevent recovery emergencies.

Which is better: quick or deep scan?

A quick scan is fast and good for recent deletes on healthy drives. A deep scan takes longer and reads every sector to find older or damaged files. Start with quick to see results. If that fails, run deep overnight. Using both modes gives speed when you can and thorough search when you must.