How to Recover Deleted Files on Windows & Mac (Free Tools)

Losing important files can feel like a disaster — but in most cases, they can still be recovered. Whether you accidentally deleted a photo, document, or an entire folder, recovery tools in 2025 have become smarter, faster, and often free. This guide walks you through proven methods to recover deleted files on both Windows and macOS using free tools and built-in features.

How File Recovery Works

When you delete a file, it’s not immediately erased from your drive. The system simply marks its space as “available” for new data. As long as that space hasn’t been overwritten, you can recover the file. That’s why acting quickly is critical — stop writing new files to that drive or partition immediately.

Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac)

Before downloading any tool, check the obvious places first.
Windows:

1. Open the Recycle Bin from your desktop.
2. Locate your deleted files and right-click → Restore.
3. They’ll return to their original folder.
   Mac:
4. Open the Trash from the Dock.
5. Right-click the deleted file → Put Back.
6. The file is restored to its original location.
   If the files aren’t there, move to recovery software.

Step 2: Use Built-in Recovery Tools

On Windows

File History – If you enabled it:

1. Open the folder where your file was.
2. Click History in the toolbar.
3. Browse previous versions and click Restore.
   Previous Versions / System Restore – Restores earlier snapshots.
4. Right-click the folder → Restore previous versions.
5. Pick a version before deletion and restore it.

On macOS

Time Machine – Apple’s built-in backup tool.

1. Open the folder where the file was.
2. Launch Time Machine from the menu bar.
3. Scroll back in time and restore the deleted file.
   If you never set up Time Machine, use third-party tools next.

Step 3: Use Free Recovery Software

If the file is gone from your recycle bin and no backups exist, specialized recovery tools can scan the drive’s raw data for recoverable content.

Free Tools for Windows

1. Windows File Recovery (Microsoft)
A free command-line tool from Microsoft.

• Download from the Microsoft Store.
• Run in Command Prompt: winfr C: D: /n *.docx /n *.jpg Replace drive letters and file types as needed.

2. Recuva (by Piriform)
One of the most popular free GUI recovery tools.

• Deep scan for formatted drives or deleted files.
• Simple wizard for beginners.
• Supports photos, documents, videos, and more.

3. PhotoRec (cross-platform)
Despite the name, it recovers much more than photos.

• Works on FAT, NTFS, exFAT, and HFS+.
• Command-line interface but highly powerful.
• Also works on macOS and Linux.

Free Tools for macOS

1. Disk Drill (Free tier)

• Scans for deleted files on internal and external drives.
• Preview files before restoring.
• The free version allows limited recovery.

2. PhotoRec (macOS build)

• Free and open-source; powerful but not visually polished.
• Can restore documents, images, and archives from formatted drives.

3. TestDisk (Advanced users)

• Companion tool to PhotoRec, repairs damaged partitions.
• Ideal if you’ve lost an entire drive or partition table.

Step 4: External Drives and SD Cards

For USBs, SD cards, or external SSDs:

1. Stop using the drive immediately.
2. Connect it to your computer.
3. Use tools like Recuva or PhotoRec to scan it.
4. Save recovered files to a different drive to avoid overwriting.

Step 5: Cloud and Backup Recovery

If you use cloud sync services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, deleted files are often recoverable directly online.

• Google Drive: Go to Trash → Restore.
• Dropbox: Log in → Deleted files → Restore.
• OneDrive: Go to Recycle Bin → Restore all.
  Most services keep deleted files for 30 days or longer.

Step 6: Professional Data Recovery

If all software fails and the data is critical (business records, legal files, etc.), consider a professional recovery service. Companies like Ontrack or DriveSavers can physically recover data from damaged drives. These are expensive but often succeed when DIY tools can’t.

Prevent Future Data Loss

• Enable File History (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac).
• Use cloud backups for real-time protection.
• Avoid storing irreplaceable data only on one drive.
• Run SMART health checks to monitor disk status.

FAQ

Can permanently deleted files be recovered?
Yes, if the data blocks haven’t been overwritten. The sooner you start recovery, the higher your success rate.

Is free recovery software safe?
Most reputable tools like Recuva, PhotoRec, and Microsoft’s File Recovery are safe. Always download from the official site to avoid malware.

What if my drive is physically damaged?
Do not attempt software recovery. Turn off the device and consult a professional recovery service.

Can I recover files from formatted drives?
Yes. Deep scan modes in tools like PhotoRec or Recuva can often recover files from formatted or corrupted drives.

How do I prevent this in the future?
Use automatic backups, cloud sync, and maintain at least two copies of important files — one local and one offsite.

Recovering deleted files in 2025 is easier than ever thanks to advanced free tools and cloud integration. Whether you’re on Windows or macOS, the key is to act fast, use trusted software, and set up backups right after recovery so it never happens again.