Step-by-Step Guide: Recovering Deleted Files in Windows 10/11 Without Backup

Recover Permanently Deleted Files Without Backup via Data Recovery Software

We've all been there — a misclick or an oversight and a vital file is gone. If you're a Windows 10 or 11 user and don't have a backup, there's no need to panic. DiskInternals Partition Recovery is a potent tool designed to help you recover deleted or corrupted files, even from formatted drives. In this guide, we will delve into how to utilize this software to its fullest, ensuring that you can retrieve your valuable data in the most efficient way possible. From installing the software to navigating its interface, we've got you covered!

NOTE: Before proceeding with any recovery operation, always make sure to stop using the affected drive to prevent overwriting the deleted files, which can make them unrecoverable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using DiskInternals Partition Recovery:

1. Download and Install:

• Download the Partition Recovery software.
• Follow the installation prompts to install the software on your system.

2. Launch the Application:

• Once installed, open DiskInternals Partition Recovery. You'll be greeted with a user-friendly interface.

3. Select the Target Drive:

• From the list of available drives, choose the one where your deleted files were located.

4. Choose a Recovery Mode:

DiskInternals offers several recovery modes such as:

• Reader Mode: To view files from the partition.
• Uneraser Mode: Suitable for recently deleted files.
• Full Recovery Mode: For deep scanning and retrieving files from formatted or damaged partitions.

For the best results, it's recommended to start with the "Full Recovery" mode.

5. Scan the Drive:

• After selecting the recovery mode, click the "Next" button. The software will start scanning the selected drive. Depending on the drive's size and the mode selected, this process might take some time.

6. Preview the Recoverable Files:

• Once the scan completes, you'll see a list of recoverable files. You can preview these files to ensure they're intact and are the ones you wish to retrieve.

7. Save the Recovered Files:

• Select the files you want to recover, right-click, and choose "Recover."
• Choose a destination folder (preferably on a different drive) where you want to save the recovered files.
• Follow the prompts to recover and save the files to the selected destination.

8. Purchase a License:

• Note that the free version of DiskInternals Partition Recovery allows you to scan and preview lost files, but you'll need to purchase a license to save the recovered data.

9. Safety Tip:
Once you've successfully recovered your files, consider creating regular backups of your essential data to avoid such incidents in the future.

Retrieve Deleted Files Without Backup Using Ctrl + Z

Using the "Ctrl + Z" shortcut is one of the quickest methods to undo a recent action in Windows, including the accidental deletion of files or folders. Here's how you can retrieve deleted files without backup using "Ctrl + Z":

1. Navigate to the Original Location:

• First, ensure you're in the location (e.g., a specific folder or the desktop) where the file or folder was deleted.

2. Use the Undo Shortcut:

• Simply press "Ctrl + Z" on your keyboard. This command will undo the last action taken.

3. Verify the Retrieval:

• Check to see if the deleted file or folder has been restored to its original location.

Important Points to Consider:

• Immediate Action: The "Ctrl + Z" shortcut is effective for undoing the most recent action. If you've performed other tasks after deleting the file, such as creating new files, moving other files around, etc., "Ctrl + Z" might undo those subsequent actions first. Therefore, it's essential to use this shortcut immediately after realizing you've mistakenly deleted something.
• Limitation: The undo stack (the list of recent actions that can be undone) has a limit. It's not infinite. If you've done many operations after the deletion, the chance to undo the delete operation might be lost.
• Not a Recovery Solution: Keep in mind that "Ctrl + Z" is not a file recovery solution. It's an undo command that works within the context of recent actions. If you shut down your computer, or a significant amount of time has passed, or too many operations have been done post-deletion, this method might not be effective.

For scenarios where "Ctrl + Z" doesn't work, you might have to look into other methods like checking the Recycle Bin or using file recovery software.

Conclusion

Recovering deleted files in Windows 10/11 has become more accessible than ever with a variety of built-in and third-party tools available to users. From the simple "Ctrl + Z" undo command to the handy Recycle Bin and advanced utilities like Windows File Recovery and DiskInternals Partition Recovery, there are multiple layers of defense against accidental data loss. However, while these tools offer hope in desperate moments, they do not guarantee absolute data recovery. Thus, the importance of regular backups cannot be understated. By maintaining consistent backups, you create the most reliable safety net for your essential data. In essence, while recovery tools are invaluable in emergencies, a proactive approach to data management and backup remains the best strategy for digital peace of mind.