Hard drives are the most used tech devices for preserving memories, providing easy access whenever you want. However, things may sometimes go downhill, and your files may get erased. In such stressful scenarios, you may seek your ideal recovery solution, which is why we're here to help.
Today, we'll present all the ways to easily recover erased files from a hard drive. Without further ado, let's jump into the guide on deleted hard drive recovery.
In this article
Can I Recover Files Deleted From a Hard Drive?
Yes! Erased files from a hard drive can be recovered if you use the appropriate method corresponding to your data loss scenario. We'll present the common scenarios, recovery rates, and solutions in the table below to help you navigate the journey better.
| Data loss scenario | Recovery rate | Recovery method |
| Accidental deletion | 99% | Restore from the Recycle Bin |
| Unsaved files | 80% | Recover using File History |
| Viruses/malware | 70%-98% | Use professional recovery software |
| Hardware issues | 70% | Recover using CMD |
| Formatted drive | 98% | Use professional recovery software |
| File system errors | 60%-98% | CMD, professional recovery software |
| Physical damage | 60% | Professional recovery services |
As you can see, the recovery's success will depend on the loss scenario and your chosen recovery method. Let's check out step-by-step guides for each to help you navigate the experience and increase your recovery chances.
Methods for Recovering Files Deleted From a Hard Drive
Here are all the best recovery methods for files deleted from a hard drive.
Restore Erased Hard Drive Files From the Recycle Bin
If you've accidentally deleted your valuable files, don't worry. The easiest way to get them back is through the Recycle Bin. If you don't empty the bin, this app will hold onto your files. Check out these steps to successfully restore accidentally erased data:
- Open the Recycle Bin app from your desktop.
- Right-click on the file you wish to get back.
- Click on the Restore option from the drop-down menu.
After completing these steps, the file will appear in its original location.
Recover Deleted Hard Drive Files Using File History
File History is a program that automatically backs up your data if enabled. If you're using the program, you can quickly restore your important unsaved files and changes by following the steps below:
- Open Settings on your device.
- Next, head to Update & Security>Backup.
- Click the More Options button.
- At the bottom of the page, select Restore Files from a Current Backup.
- In the next window, select the files you wish to restore and click the green Recover icon.
After completing these steps, the items will appear in their primary locations.
Recover Data From an Erased Hard Drive Using Backup and Restore
Backup and Restore are options that all Windows devices have. If this option is enabled, you can create a working backup of your device and preserve all your files, apps, and credentials. If you have this backup, follow the steps below to learn how to restore your device.
- Open the Control Panel on your device.
- Click on Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
- In the next window, select Restore My Files.
Once you complete the steps, the files will appear on your desktop.
Recover Erased Files From a Hard Drive Using CMD
Although the Command Prompt may be overwhelming, it can retrieve your data if you know what to do. This method is valuable when it comes to firmware issues, so you can follow this guide to learn how to recover erased data from a hard drive using CMD:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the winfr source-drive: destination-folder: [/mode] [/switches] command and press Enter. Replace the source drive and the destination folder according to your hard drive. Choose between regular (recovery from non-corrupted drives) or extensive (recovery from all file systems) modes. Choose the desired switches as well, such as /n, to filter specific conditions or /! To show advanced functions.
The process may take a few minutes, so you should be patient and ensure your device has enough power during the task. Upon completion, your lost files will be returned to your chosen destination folder.
Restore a Wiped Hard Drive With Recovery Software
A professional data recovery software solution like Wondershare Recoverit is the most universal and successful solution. This solution has the most advanced mechanisms and patented technologies on the market, contributing to the highest success rate you can find.
Wondershare Recoverit has a modern interface that will make the experience much less overwhelming. Moreover, the tool is suitable for all data loss scenarios and file types, so you won't have to worry about returning your erased hard drive data.
One of the most important things we must mention is that Wondershare Recoverit uses advanced security mechanisms to protect your data in the crazy digital world. By selecting this option, you won't have to worry about exposing sensitive files.
- Retrieves all data types from wiped hard drive, regardless of how they went missing.
- The user-friendly interface allows you to recover data in just a few clicks.
All you have to do is head to the official website, download the tool to your desktop device, and follow these steps for a successful recovery experience:
- Open the app and click the Hard Drives and Locations option from the main menu.
- Select the problematic hard drive from the available options.
- As soon as you select the drive, the program will start scanning. You can enable the deep scan, pause the process, and view the progress in the next window.
- Filter your files by their type and size for easier access.
- You can also search for specific files by their names.
- Once the scan is complete, preview the files and select the ones you wish to save. Click the Recover button.
- Choose where to save the files.
As you can see, Wondershare Recoverit provides numerous customization options, and it's among the easiest recovery solutions you can try to get your erased hard drive data back.
Recover an Erased Hard Drive With Professional Data Recovery Services
If none of the solutions work, or you think your hard drive is physically damaged, you can contact professional data recovery services. These professionals are trained to deal with the worst data loss scenarios and can efficiently discover the issue and act accordingly.
Some of the best companies on the market are Drive Savers, Ontrack Data Recovery, and Secure Data Recovery. You can contact them, explain your issue, and wait for them to provide a custom quote. Then, ship the hard drive to their location and wait for the professionals to work their magic.
Conclusion
Losing valuable data from your hard drive can be stressful and overwhelming, so we're here to help. We've presented some of the most common data loss scenarios you may encounter on your journey and provided corresponding solutions to help you find erased files on the hard drive.
The solutions include using the recycle bin, CMD, File History, Backup and Restore, professional recovery software solutions, and professional data recovery services.
If you want the most universal experience and don't know what caused the data loss, we advise using the most potent method: Wondershare Recoverit. It has a 98% success rate, meaning it can extract your data from any loss scenario.
FAQ
Is it possible to recover permanently deleted files from one drive?
It depends on the loss scenario. For instance, if you've performed a full format, the recovery rate significantly decreases, and the chances of getting your files back are slim. In other cases, the recovery is possible using a powerful software solution like Wondershare Recoverit.What happens to deleted files on a hard drive?
A row of 0s and 1s determines the data stored on the hard drive. Once you delete the data, these parameters will be wiped away, meaning that the location of the data will be deleted, but the file won't be. You just won't be able to see the file in the said location.Is it possible to recover deleted files from an external hard drive?
Absolutely! First, troubleshoot the external hard drive and see what went wrong. If it's not physical damage, you can use robust recovery solutions like Wondershare Recoverit to meet your goals. Here's how to do it:
1. Open the app and head to Hard Drives and Locations.
2. Choose the external hard drive from the available options.
3. The program will scan the drive for missing files.
4. After scanning, preview the recovered files and select the ones to save. Click the Recover button.
5. Choose where to save the files.Can you recover data from a physically damaged hard drive?
The best thing you can do in these scenarios is contact professional data recovery services. The professionals will examine your issue and tell you how the recovery process will go. They'll also provide a custom quote so you'll know what to expect from your journey.
Then, you can ship the drive to their location and wait for them to finish extracting your valuable files.
