How to Recover Deleted Files from PC or USB

First Things First: Stop Using the Drive

The most important thing you can do right now is stop using the device where your files were deleted. Whether it’s your PC’s hard drive, an external drive, or a USB stick — stop saving, copying, or installing anything new on it.

Why? Because when you delete something, your computer doesn’t immediately erase it. It just marks the space as “available” for new data. If you keep using that drive, new files might overwrite the deleted ones — and that’s when recovery becomes nearly impossible.

Check the Obvious First

Before diving into recovery tools, let’s start with the easy checks. You’d be surprised how many times the “lost” file is just hiding in plain sight.

1. Check the Recycle Bin (Windows)

1. Go to your desktop and double-click the Recycle Bin.
2. Look through the deleted files or use the search bar to find your file name.
3. If you see it, right-click and select Restore.

That’ll send the file back to its original location instantly.

2. Check the Trash (Mac)

1. Click the Trash icon in your Dock.
2. Find your deleted file.
3. Right-click and choose Put Back.

Simple, right? If it’s not there, don’t panic — you still have a few solid recovery options.

How to Recover Deleted Files from PC

Option 1: Restore Previous Versions (Windows Only)

If you’re using Windows 10 or 11, there’s a built-in feature called File History or Restore Previous Versions. It lets you roll back folders to an earlier state.

1. Open File Explorer and go to the folder where the file was located.
2. Right-click the folder and select Restore previous versions.
3. Pick the version of the folder that might contain your file and click Restore.

It’s like a mini time machine — if you had File History or System Protection turned on before deleting the file.

Option 2: Use Data Recovery Software

If it’s not in the Recycle Bin or File History, you’ll need a reliable recovery tool. These programs scan your drive deeply for recoverable data. Here are some trusted ones:

• Recuva — free and easy to use for basic recovery on Windows.
• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard — powerful tool for PC and USB recovery (free trial available).
• Stellar Data Recovery — great for both Windows and Mac, though the full version is paid.

Steps to Use Recovery Software (Example: Recuva)

1. Download and install Recuva on a different drive (not the one where you lost files).
2. Open the app and choose the file type you’re trying to recover (pictures, documents, etc.).
3. Select the drive or USB you want to scan.
4. Click Start to begin scanning.
5. Once done, preview the files and select the ones you want to restore.
6. Save them to a new location — never the same drive you’re recovering from.

Most tools work similarly. The key is patience — let the scan finish completely before restoring anything.

How to Recover Deleted Files from a USB Drive

USB drives are a bit trickier because they don’t have a Recycle Bin. When you delete a file there, it’s usually marked for removal right away — but still recoverable.

Option 1: Use the Same Recovery Tools

You can use Recuva, EaseUS, or Stellar for USB drives too. Just plug in your USB stick and select it as the target drive when scanning.

After scanning, choose the files you want back and save them to your computer — not the USB stick itself.

Option 2: Check for Backup Sync (If Enabled)

If your files were backed up to OneDrive, Google Drive, or another cloud service, check your online storage. Sometimes, those platforms automatically sync or save copies.

Even if you deleted them locally, you might still find them safely in the cloud.

How to Increase Your Chances of File Recovery

• Act fast — the sooner you try recovery, the higher the chance of success.
• Don’t install recovery tools on the same drive — it can overwrite the deleted data.
• Use trusted software — don’t risk shady tools that might cause further damage.
• Always back up your files — seriously, don’t skip this one.

Preventing File Loss in the Future

Once you’ve recovered your files, make sure this never happens again. Here’s what I personally do now after learning my lesson:

• Use automatic backups with Google Drive or OneDrive.
• Keep a copy of important stuff on an external drive.
• Empty the Recycle Bin only after double-checking what’s inside.
• Set up File History on Windows or Time Machine on Mac.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, losing files can feel like a punch in the gut — especially if it’s something personal or work-related. But don’t panic. Most of the time, your data is still sitting there, waiting to be brought back. You just need to know how to reach it.

So next time you hit delete a little too fast, remember — breathe, stop using the drive, and follow the steps above. You’ll probably get your files back before you know it.