Recover Deleted Files

Accidental deletion on a computer or smartphone can happen quickly. Fortunately, several solutions still allow you to recover your files, whether through automatic backups, built-in Windows/Mac features, or specialized software.

1. Restore a Windows or Mac backup: the easiest method

On Windows

Windows offers Windows Backup, a built-in tool that automatically creates restore points.
You can:

1. Go to Start > Control Panel > System and Maintenance > Backup and Restore
2. Click Restore my files
3. Choose a previous version containing the desired files.

If no backup exists yet, you can set one up in just a few clicks via Set up backup.

On macOS

Mac uses Time Machine, which allows you to easily restore a deleted file if backups are enabled:

1. System Preferences > Time Machine
2. Enable Time Machine in the menu bar
3. Enter Time Machine, select an older file, then click Restore.

Without a prior backup, you will need to use data recovery software.

2. Use data recovery software

If no backup was enabled, various software tools can scan your disk and attempt to recover deleted files.

On Windows and Mac

Most common tools:

• Stellar Data Recovery

• Disk Drill

• Wondershare Recoverit

• MiniTool

• EaseUs Data Recovery Wizard

For smartphones (iPhone / Android)

iPhone : CopyTrans, Tenorshare, PhoneRescue, Dr.Fone
Android : DroidKit, Recuva Android, Dr.Fone, RecoverIt, FonePaw

These applications can recover: SMS, photos, videos, documents, etc.

3. Recover deleted files from an external hard drive

Each external drive has its own recycle bin.
If recovery from it is no longer possible, you will need to use recovery software like those mentioned above.

4. Cloud: the best protection against data loss

Storing your files in the cloud (OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud…) ensures they remain accessible even in case of failure, accidental deletion, or device loss.

Data is hosted on secure servers and accessible from anywhere — much more reliable than a USB drive.

5. Last resort: the recovery expert

If none of these methods work, a specialist technician can analyse the disk and attempt a professional extraction of the lost files.

Conclusion

Data recovery mainly depends on your preparation:

• With an active backup, restoration is simple and fast.

• Without backup, recovery software can save the situation.

• With the cloud, you significantly reduce risks.

Protecting your data means protecting your business. Discover our Microsoft 365 solution to automatically back up your data.