How to Recover Deleted Word Documents on Windows 10
Accidentally deleted a Word document on Windows 10? Don’t sweat it. You can recover it by checking the Recycle Bin, using File History, or trying recovery software. Follow these steps, and you’ll get your lost document back in no time.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Recover Deleted Word Documents on Windows 10
Recovering your deleted Word documents might seem daunting, but these steps will guide you through the process and help you retrieve your files.
Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin
Start by looking in the Recycle Bin for your deleted document.
Deleted files often end up in the Recycle Bin. Just double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop, and you’ll see a list of deleted files. Look for your Word document, right-click on it, and select "Restore." It will go back to its original location.
Step 2: Use File History
If the document is not in the Recycle Bin, use File History to restore a previous version.
File History is a built-in feature in Windows 10 that automatically backs up your files. To use it, type "File History" in the search bar and select "Restore your files with File History." Navigate through the list of backed-up files to find the version of the document you need, and click the "Restore" button.
Step 3: Use OneDrive
If you save documents to OneDrive, you can restore them from there.
OneDrive keeps a version history of your files. Go to the OneDrive website, sign in with your account, and navigate to the document’s location. Right-click the document, and select "Version history" to restore a previous version.
Step 4: Try Data Recovery Software
If the above methods fail, use data recovery software.
Several reliable programs, like Recuva or Disk Drill, can help recover deleted documents. Download and install the software, follow the instructions to scan your hard drive, and recover the file. These programs can retrieve files even after they’ve been removed from the Recycle Bin.
Step 5: Check Temporary Files
Sometimes Word creates temporary backup files.
Open File Explorer, and navigate to the folder where your document was last saved. Look for files with the extension .tmp or files that start with a tilde (~). Rename the relevant file extension to .docx and open it in Word to see if it’s your lost document.
After completing these steps, you should have successfully recovered your deleted Word document.
Tips for Recovering Deleted Word Documents on Windows 10
- Regularly backup your documents to avoid future loss.
- Enable File History or another backup solution.
- Maintain a clean Recycle Bin, but check it before emptying.
- Save frequently while working on important documents.
- Use cloud services like OneDrive for automatic version history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t find my file in the Recycle Bin?
If your file isn’t in the Recycle Bin, it might be too large for it or permanently deleted. In that case, use File History or recovery software.
How do I enable File History?
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup, then add a drive and choose an external or network location to start backing up.
Is there any free recovery software?
Yes, Recuva is a popular free option that can help recover deleted files.
Can I recover files from a formatted drive?
Yes, but it’s more challenging. Use specialized recovery software like Disk Drill, which can scan and retrieve files from formatted drives.
Do temporary files always save my work?
Not always. Temporary files are not reliable for long-term storage. They can help in a pinch, but regular backups are essential.
Summary
- Check the Recycle Bin.
- Use File History.
- Use OneDrive.
- Try data recovery software.
- Check temporary files.
Conclusion
Recovering deleted Word documents on Windows 10 doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you check the Recycle Bin, use built-in features like File History, or turn to data recovery software, there are multiple ways to retrieve your lost files.
It’s crucial to regularly back up important documents. This not only saves time but also reduces panic when something goes missing.
For further reading, consider exploring more about Windows 10’s built-in backup features or investing in a reliable external hard drive for backups. By staying informed and prepared, you can tackle file recovery challenges with ease. So the next time you accidentally delete a file, you’ll be ready to recover it like a pro!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.