How to Recover Deleted Data from Laptop Windows 10 [With or Without Backup]

Oops! Deleted Important Files?

We’ve all been there — a misplaced click, and suddenly your important documents or precious photos vanish. Or even worse, when we attempt to find the deleted data in the computer backup files, we realize that the data had never been backed up in the first place. For many people, figuring out how to recover deleted data from a laptop in windows 10 has become a frustrating and pressing problem.

Before you panic, know this: Over 90% of deleted data can be recovered if you act fast. Here are 7 completely free methods to rescue your data, even if you’re not a tech expert. Whether you're seeking a use-friendly option, a more technical command-line tool, or other highly effective approaches, there's guaranteed to be a method here that meets your needs.

How to Recover Deleted Data from Laptop Windows 10

Generally speaking, files are accidentally deleted in two main ways: temporary deletion and permanent deletion. It can be much more complicated to recover permanently deleted files. Regardless of whether the data is temporarily or permanently deleted, and whether it has been backed up or not, the data recovery methods in the next section can help you retrieve the data you need.

Part 1. Recover Deleted Data Without Backup（3 Methods)

If you haven't gotten around to backing up your data before deleting it, don't lose all hope. These three methods can help you recover that data without backup.

• Recycle Bin

It's common knowledge that the easiest way to get back a deleted file is to head to the Recycle Bin and restore it.

Step 1. Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop by clicking its icon.

Step 2. Overview the deleted files and find out which one is you want to recover.

Step 3. Select the file you want to recover, right-click and choose “Restore”

This method works well when you select the file and press the Delete key or right - click to delete it. But if you manually empty the Recycle Bin, this method won't work because the Recycle Bin will then be devoid of any files.

• Windows File Recovery

Windows File Recovery is a free data - recovery tool for Windows released by Microsoft. It’s a command - line tool designed for one purpose: helping you try to get back lost files. The files are deleted from various local storage devices, like internal and external drives and USBs, and they’re beyond recovery from the Recycle Bin.

Step 1. Download windows file recovery from official channel and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process.

Step 2. Locate Windows File History in the start menu, right click and select “Run as administrator”.

Step 3. In the opened command prompt window, type the following command: Winfr C: D: /extensive (Replace the letter “C” and "D" with the exact letter of your drive.)

Step 4. Press the “Enter” to start the recover process.

★Tips:

C: is the source drive where the deleted data were located.

D: is the destination drive where you want to save the recovered data (must be different from the source drive).

Extensive: is a type of search mode that offers a thorough scan (The other mode, "Regular", is designed to recover files that were deleted not long ago).

• MyRecover

MyRecover is a third-party data recovery software. Compared with Windows File Recovery, MyRecover is simpler and more efficient. It works without the need for complex command lines. Catering to a diverse array of data loss scenarios, it can effortlessly recover files, even when there's no backup available or the existing backup has been lost.

Step 1. Download and install MyRecover on your computer. Avoid install it on the same from drive which you deleted data.

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Step 2. Select a disk where you want to recover deleted data and click “Scan”. Then the program will display files available for recovery.

Step 3. Select the files you want to recover and click “Recover”.

Step 4. Choose a different drive to save the recovered files.

Step 5. Wait a few minutes until the message “Files have been recovered Successfully" appears on the screen.

In contrast to Windows File Recovery, MyRecover features a simple graphical user interface. This intuitive design enables computer novices to recover their data simply by clicking on icons and buttons. It operates without the requirement for complex command lines, making the data - recovery process much more accessible for users.

Moreover, during its operation, MyRecover only reads data and does not write any. This means that even if MyRecover fails to locate the files you wish to recover, it will not overwrite them, thereby preventing the files from being permanently lost. As a result, there is no risk to the lost data.

Part 2. Recover Deleted Data from Existing Backup (4 Methods)

Regularly backing up your data can greatly simplify the process in the event of data loss. The four methods outlined in this section utilize Windows built-in tools.

• Backup and Restore Feature

The Windows backup and restore feature is an important feature that helps users safeguard against data loss and corruption and allows them to create data backups and restore data from backups.

Step 1. Type “backup settings” in the start menu and open it in the results.

Step 2. Click “go to backup and restore (windows 7)”, and then choose “Select another backup to restore files from”. You can also choose “Restore all user's files" according to your needs.

Step 3. Select your backup and click “Next” to complete the recover process following the instruction on the screen.

When the message “Your file has been restored” appears on the screen, you'll be able to locate the restored file in the destination drive..

• Windows File History

Windows File History is a tool for backing up Windows files to a specific location. It will automatically back up files and folders and create a history of your files. This way, it can effectively prevent users from data loss caused by accidental file deletion.

Step 1. Type “restore your files with file history” in the start menu and open it.

Step 2. Choose the version of file you want to recover from the list.

Step 3. Click the green restore button to restore files to their original location.

Before using this feature, ensure it's already enabled. If it isn't, go ahead and enable the Windows File History on your computer.

• Restore Previous Versions

File Explorer is a built-in file management application for Windows that enables users to efficiently manage and access files and folders. Additionally, with File Explorer, you can quickly restore files to a previous version.

Step 1. Type “file explorer” in the start menu and open it.

Step 2. Open the folder containing the deleted data, right click and choose “Restore previous versions”.

Step 3. Choose the version you want and click “Restore”.

Before using this method, ensure that you have created a system restore point or enabled File History. Otherwise, you will encounter issues where the previous restore version fails to display.

• Cloud Backup

Cloud Backup is a process of storing copies of your data on cloud-based servers, which can be a lifesaver for file recovery. Services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox automatically sync your files to the cloud, providing a backup. If you accidentally delete a file, check the cloud storage recycle bin or version history. The regular backup of important data can safeguard it effectively and significantly mitigate the risk of data loss.

Important: Actions to Avoid for Successful Data Recovery

In the event of accidentally deleting an important file, improper actions may render the data unrecoverable due to permanent overwriting. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid the following operations once data loss occurs.

Continuing to Use the Drive with Lost Data: Using the lost-data drive after data loss, or storing new files on it, can cause the lost data to be permanently overwritten. Therefore, when downloading a data recovery tool, do not install it on the same drive where the data was lost.

Repeated Switching on and off or Forced Reboots: Computers often automatically create temporary files during startup. These files can take up the free space on the drive where data has been lost, resulting in data being overwritten. This, in turn, reduces the chances of successful data recovery.

Unprofessional Remove Hard Disk Try to Repair: A mechanical hard disk features a highly precise internal structure, demanding a high level of professional expertise from the operator. Therefore, non - professionals' forced removal of the hard disk may severely damage its physical components, rendering it permanently unreadable. As a result, recovering the data on the hard disk then becomes extremely challenging.

Use Unreliable Recovery Tool: Data recovery tools obtained from untrusted sources may be infected with viruses that can not only overwrite the lost data but also attack your computer, potentially leading to a system crash. Consequently, under such circumstances, the lost data becomes irretrievable.

Summing up

How to recover deleted data from laptop Windows 10, whether or not you have a backup? You can try all of the above methods. Moreover, when data loss occurs, don't panic excessively. By avoiding improper operations, the chances of recovering the lost data will increase significantly.

With a professional data recovery tool such as MyRecover, you don't have to worry about data loss, even if you don't have a backup. For those with more advanced or specific requirements, I highly recommend the Professional version of MyRecover. This version allows you to preview files in advance, ensuring that you retrieve exactly the data you need.