How to Recover Deleted Files Using Recuva

Recovering deleted files can be a lifesaver, especially if you’ve lost important data accidentally. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to effectively use the popular tool Recuva to recover deleted files. Recuva is a free, user-friendly program designed to help retrieve deleted data from your computer or other storage devices.

Step 1: Download and Install Recuva

First, download Recuva from the official website and install it on your computer. Make sure not to install it on the drive where the deleted files were stored, as this could overwrite the data you’re trying to recover.

Step 2: Launch the Recovery Wizard

Once installed, open Recuva. The program will prompt you to launch the Recovery Wizard, which will guide you step-by-step through the process of locating your deleted files. You can select the type of files you want to recover, such as images, documents, videos, audio files, or simply all file types.

Step 3: Specify the Location of Deleted Files

Next, specify where the deleted files were located. This could be a specific folder, a removable drive, the Recycle Bin, or the entire computer. If you’re not sure, choose the option “I’m not sure,” and Recuva will perform a broader scan.

Step 4: Choose the Scanning Mode

Recuva offers two scanning modes: regular and deep. The regular mode is faster but may miss some files. Deep scan takes longer but can find more data, especially if the file was deleted a while ago or during formatting.

Step 5: Review and Select Files to Recover

After the scan, Recuva will display the results with each found file marked by color to indicate its condition: green means easily recoverable, yellow suggests partial recovery, and red indicates the file may be damaged. Review the list and select the files you want to restore.

Step 6: Recover Selected Files

Once you’ve chosen your files, click the “Recover” button. You’ll be prompted to choose a location to save the recovered data. It’s recommended to save them to a different drive to avoid overwriting. Specify the folder and complete the recovery process.

Tips for Using Recuva Effectively

  • Recover files as soon as possible after deletion – the sooner you start, the higher the chances of success.
  • Avoid installing or writing new data on the drive where you need to recover files to prevent overwriting the deleted data.
  • If the regular scan doesn’t yield results, use the deep scan option, but note it may take more time.