Data and files are an essential component in your PC. Most files, whether temporary or critical, are stored on the hard drive. However, the data may sometimes get lost, or files will get deleted. Accidental deletions are very common and can be stressful.
While earlier, there were very few chances of recovering permanently deleted data, you can now do it quickly. You may use a third-party recovery software or an in-built tool to recover the data. Let's explore what is an ICO file and some easy methods to recover ICO files from Mac and Windows.
Try Wondershare Recoverit to Perform ICO File Recovery
Security Verified. Over 7,302,189 people have downloaded it.
In this article
What is the ICO File Type?
ICO file format is an image format used for website development or Windows operating systems. These are usually available in .bmp or .pngformat. The ICO files contain one or more small images of different colors, sizes and depths that can be used for icons. These icons are further used for file directories or representing applications.
What Should You Do Before Performing ICO File Recovery?
When opting for ICO file recovery, you need to be mindful of certain things. Some of the tips that can help you in an easy recovery process are as follows:
- Never store the newly recovered data in the same source from where you lost it.
- Begin the data recovery process as soon as possible to prevent the risk of data being overwritten.
- Always use a good-quality data recovery tool to get the data.
How to Recover Deleted ICO Files?
Once the ICO files are deleted, you will have to keep an eye on it. You must identify the different methods through which you can recover ICO files.
Some of the prominent ways to recover after you delete ICO files are as follows:
Method 1: Use Wondershare Recoverit
Wondershare Recoverit is indeed one of the best tools for recovering deleted ICO files. It is available for Windows OS and Mac OS. Therefore, you can download the software in your system and start the data recovery process.
Follow the steps given below to recover ICO files using Wondershare Recoverit:
Step 1: Launch Wondershare Recoverit
Download and install Wondershare Recoverit in your system. Once it is installed in your system, launch the software and choose Hard Drives and Location. Select the drive from where you want to recover the permanently deleted ICO files.
Step 2: Scan the Files
Select the files and click the Scan option to begin the scanning process.
Step 3: Preview and Recover the files
Once the scan is over, the deleted files will become visible on the screen. Select every file and preview it. Once you find the files you want to recover, click the Recover button. The files will be retrieved from their original source.
Wondershare Recoverit is available for free download. You can download the software and get started to recover ICO files.
Method 2: Check the Recycle Bin
If you're using a Windows system, recovering ICO file images becomes easier because they will be stored in the Recycle bin. All the files and folders you delete from your system are sent to the Recycle Bin. These files are there in the Recycle Bin unless you completely delete them. You may use the Recycle Bin to recover ICO files.
Follow the steps given below to recover ICO files:
Step 1: Open Recycle Bin by double-clicking on the icon on your desktop.
Step 2: The Recycle Bin window will open. Navigate for the ICO files that you want to recover and select them.
Step 3: Visit the Recycle Bin Tools tab. Now, click on Restore the selected items.
Step 4: Wait for some time; the files will be restored to their original location. Visit the section to confirm.
Method 3: Use File History
Windows File History can be a reliable source for recovering deleted ICO files. This built-in backup solution creates a backup of the files. However, for the Windows File History system to work, you must enable this feature on your PC. You can learn how to open ICO files and then use File History to recover.
Once you enable the Windows File History feature on the system, all the files, including the ICO image files, will be backed up automatically in your system. Now, you can follow the steps given below to recover the data from the Windows File History system:
Step 1: Type Control Panel on the Windows Search Panel. Visit the option and click on it to open the Search Panel.
Step 2: The Control Panel window will open. Go to the View By option and set it to Large icons. Now, select the File History option.
Step 3: On the left panel, you will come across the Restore personal files option. Click on it.
Step 4: Open the Windows 10 ICO files directory and go through it. If you want the previous backup point option, click the Previous version option. All the deleted ICO files will be included in the backup points.
Step 5: Choose the ICO images that are to be recovered. The Restore icon will be available in the middle of the screen. Click on it. The files will be saved in their original directory.
Method 4: Check Your Backups
Whether there have been automatic or manual backups, you must consider checking it thoroughly. The backups of these files are available on different drives and cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and One Drive. You can check these sources for the presence of the Window 10 ICO files and then recover them.
The following steps can help you check your backups and then recover ICO file images from Google Drive:
Step 1: Visit the official Google Drive website on your system.
Step 2: Sign in using your email ID and password if you are not signed in. The email ID should be where the Window 10 ICO files were backed up.
Step 3: Navigate the folder in which you had taken the ICO images backup. Once you find the Backup, download and restore them. The files will be saved in the original source.
Method 5: Use System Restore
You can use the Windows System Restore feature if none of the above-mentioned methods work out. However, for this to work, the System Restore feature must be enabled in your system.
You may follow the steps given below to restore the files using the Windows System Restore feature:
Step 1: Open the Control Panel from the search box on your PC.
Step 2: In the search panel of the Control Panel window, type Recovery and open it. In this section, choose the Open System Restore section.
Step 3: Click on the most appropriate restore point. Press the next button.
Step 4: Go through all the details and confirm the process. Click on the Finish option. The files will be restored to the original source.
How to Recover Deleted ICO Files from Mac?
Once the ICO file has been deleted from Mac, you will still have the option to recover it. Mac provides the option to recover deleted ICO files from Mac. You can use a data recovery tool like Wondershare Recoverit to recover the deleted ICO images. You can adopt a wide range of steps to recover deleted ICO files from a Mac. These include the following:
Way 1. Recover From Mac Trash
Once you hit the delete button, the file will be transferred to the Mac Trash folder. The deleted file will be on Mac Trash until you permanently delete it from that space. Since your file is already in the Mac Trash folder, you can recover the files and get the data.
Follow the steps given below to recover the deleted ICO files from Mac:
Step 1: Open the macOS Trash Folder. All the deleted files will be present in the Trash folder.
Step 2: Look for the file that you want to recover. Right-click on the file and select the Put Back option. This will allow you to recover ICO files. Once done, the files will be returned to the source.
You must visit the source and check if the files have been restored to their source.
Way 2. From Mac Time Machine
Time Machine is an application that will help you create backups for Apple. It will provide an easy way to back up and restore files on a Mac. With Time Machine's help, you can automatically back up documents, system files, photos, audio files, and even network-attached storage devices.
You need to set up and enable Time Machine on your Mac system so that you can opt for the backup feature. You can recover files after you delete ICO from your Mac system with Time Machine using the following features:
Step 1: Connect the last created backup media to your Mac device. The backup can also be present in an external storage.
Step 2: Open Time Machine in your Mac system from the menu bar. You can also search for Time Machine using Spotlight to launch this application.
Step 3: Navigate through the files to look for the file you want to recover. You must use the up and down arrows on the screen to get the information. Press the Space Bar to get a preview of the files.
Step 4: Click on the Restore button. The selected files will be restored to their original location.
Bonus Tips: How to Prevent ICO Image Loss in the Future?
If you want to maintain the integrity of your files, it is important to prevent ICO images loss. Therefore, to avoid the risk of accidental deletion, you need to adopt the right methods through which you can prevent ICO image loss in the future:
- Install a reliable antivirus
Malware and viruses can often lead to data loss. Therefore, you must install reliable antivirus software to protect your ICO file.
The antivirus program will help avoid the risk of deletion, corruption, and rendering issues. You must regularly scan the files and schedule updates to foster a secure environment for the files.
- Keep a stable Internet connection
Internet connection and ICO file are not related. However, having a stable internet connection can ensure the file transfer process is smooth. As a result, incomplete files will be saved, or downloads will be corrupted.
A stable internet connection becomes essential when you sync ICO images to cloud storage. An unstable internet connection can cause errors when uploading or downloading files, thereby leading to loss.
- Avoid using pirated software
You may never use pirated software because it may contain hidden malware. These pirated software will also disrupt the safe operation, putting the files at risk. Instead, consider using legitimate and updated software to prevent the risk of security patches.
This also helps in increasing functionality. You can choose licensed software to prevent the loss of ICO images owing to software instability.
- Enable the autosave feature on your PC
There are graphic and editing applications with an autosave function integrated into this. While using the software, you may enable the autosave feature to prevent the ICO image file loss.
So, the files will be autosaved even in case of system crashes or power outages. Therefore, you will be able to recover the files and start working on them accordingly.
- Manually backup your data regularly
You must back up the data regularly to prevent ICO image file loss. Manually backing up the data will ensure that you have an extra version of the file in case of accidental corruption and deletion.
When you create additional copies of the external hard drive or USB, you can always recover the files. Thus, you won't have to depend on the primary device for the recovery method.
- Create multiple backups
While you may want to have a single backup, it is advisable to get multiple backups. You can save the ICO files and back them up across different sections like physical media, external drives, and cloud storage.
When you have multiple backup locations, recovering the files from different sources becomes easier.
- Separate different kinds of data
You can organize and save the ICO images file in different dedicated folders. You can categorize them as per projects to prevent the risk of overwriting and accidental deletion.
When you separate the data and make backups, retrieval becomes easier. As a result, you will not be able to lose data from different directories.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to recover ICO files, you should adopt the measures properly. You may secure the files and prevent the risk of damage to it. However, if you accidentally delete the data, you can secure the files using a data recovery tool or the in-built system of your device. It is advisable that you follow these methods properly and prevent any future losses.
FAQ
1. Is an ICO a PNG?
Yes, the ICO files are usually in .pngformat. In some cases, they may also be available in .bmp format.2. How can I recover permanently deleted files from the Recycle Bin without third-party software?
You can recover permanently deleted files from the Recycle Bin without third-party software. For Windows, you can use the Recycle Bin and System Restore feature. In the case of Mac, you may use Trash Folder.3. Can files be recovered once deleted?
Yes, once the files are deleted, you will have the option to recover them. You can use third-party recovery software to recover permanently deleted files.