Deleted a file by accident? How to get it back

Check these first

1. Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac): right-click → Restore.
2. OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox or iCloud Drive: each has a Recycle bin or Recently deleted area on its website, usually keeping files for 30 days or more.
3. Earlier versions: on Windows, right-click the folder → Restore previous versions (if File History is on). On a Mac, use Time Machine.
4. Email: search your email for the file name. You may have sent it to someone.
5. Phone photos: check Recently Deleted (iPhone) or Bin in Google Photos.

Still missing?

Recovery software can sometimes find deleted files. The most important rule:

Stop using the drive. Every new file you save can overwrite the one you deleted.

Failing drive?

If the drive clicks, isn't detected, or files vanished on their own, don't run recovery software yourself. It can make things worse. Get professional help, especially for irreplaceable files.