Where did my file go? Finding and recovering deleted files
Losing a file is stressful, but there are several places to look, and often it can be brought back. The most important rule is to stop saving new things to the drive, because this can overwrite what you are trying to recover.
Find a file that is not where you left it
- Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
- Click the search box at the top right and type part of the name. Searching from This PC looks at all drives.
- Try Recent or Quick access on the left, for files you opened lately.
- In Word or Excel, choose File, then Open, then Recent.
Check the Recycle Bin
- Double-click Recycle Bin on the desktop.
- Find the file, right-click it and choose Restore.
It goes back to where it was. Files deleted from a USB drive, a network drive or by holding Shift while deleting do not go to the Recycle Bin.
Restore an earlier version
If you saved over a file, or a folder has lost items:
- Right-click the file or folder and choose Properties.
- Open the Previous Versions tab.
- If versions are listed, select one and click Open to check it, or Restore.
Versions appear only if File History or System Restore was switched on. Restore replaces the current file, so use Copy instead if you are unsure.
Look online
- OneDrive: sign in at onedrive.live.com and open Recycle bin. Deleted files are held for a limited time.
- Email attachments, downloads and messages may still be in your email or browser.
What not to do
Do not install "recovery" programmes from search results and adverts. Many are scams or malware, and some demand payment for what you already own.
When to get more help
If the file was on a drive that has stopped working, was lost after a crash, or is important and not in any of the places above, stop using the PC and get in touch. The sooner a professional looks, the better the chance. Tell us the file name, type and when you last saw it.