How to Recover Deleted Photos on Windows

Accidentally deleting important photos can be frustrating, but if you're using Windows, there are several ways to recover lost images. In this guide, we’ll walk you through various methods to retrieve deleted photos on Windows, helping you choose the one that best suits your needs.

1. Check the Recycle Bin

When a file is deleted, Windows typically moves it to the Recycle Bin, where it stays until it’s manually removed or until the bin is emptied. To recover photos from the Recycle Bin:

  • Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop.
  • Locate the deleted photos you wish to recover.
  • Right-click on the photo and select "Restore".

The file will return to its original location on your computer.

2. Restore from a Backup

If you’ve set up automatic backups using File History or another method, you can restore photos from these copies. Here’s how:

  1. Go to Control Panel > File History.
  2. Select the folder where the photos were stored, and view the available backup versions.
  3. Select the desired files and click "Restore".

3. Use Previous Versions

Windows includes a feature for restoring previous versions of folders and files. To use it:

  • Navigate to the folder where the deleted photos were originally stored.
  • Right-click on the folder and select "Properties".
  • Go to the "Previous Versions" tab and select a date when the photos were still present.
  • Click "Restore" to recover the files.

4. Use Data Recovery Software

There are many applications designed to recover deleted files on Windows. Some of these offer free versions with limited functionality. Popular options include:

  • Recuva – a simple and free tool ideal for recovering photos.
  • Disk Drill – offers powerful scanning and recovery features.
  • EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard – has an intuitive interface and supports a wide range of file types.

Download and install one of these programs, then follow the instructions to scan your disk and choose the files to recover.

5. Recover from Cloud Services

If you sync photos with cloud services like OneDrive or Google Photos, you may be able to recover deleted images from the cloud. In most cases, they are temporarily saved in the cloud’s recycle bin:

  • Log in to your cloud account and go to the "Recycle Bin" or "Recently Deleted" section.
  • Select the photos you want to recover and restore them.

6. Seek Professional Data Recovery Services

If the photos are irreplaceable and none of the methods above work, consider contacting a professional data recovery service. Experienced technicians use advanced tools and techniques to try to retrieve deleted files. Keep in mind that such services can be costly, but they often provide the most reliable solution.