How to Recover Deleted Photos from Windows 11: A Complete Guide
Losing your precious photos can be frustrating, but Windows 11 offers multiple built-in options and third-party tools to help recover deleted photos. Whether you accidentally deleted the files or formatted your drive, this guide will show you step-by-step solutions to get your lost images back. Let’s dive into “How to Recover Deleted Photos from Windows 11” and explore different recovery methods.
Method 1: Recover Photos from the Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin in Windows 11 provides a simple way to restore recently deleted files. If your photos are in the Recycle Bin, you can recover them quickly.
Steps:
- Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
- Locate the photos you want to restore.
- Right-click the selected files and click Restore.
- Alternatively, drag the photos to your desired folder.
This method works if the files were deleted recently and haven’t been removed from the Recycle Bin.
Method 2: Use Undo Delete Feature (CTRL + Z)
If you accidentally delete a photo and want to reverse the action immediately, the Undo Delete option is helpful.
Steps:
- Ensure the folder where the photo was stored is still open.
- Press CTRL + Z on your keyboard to undo the delete.
- Alternatively, right-click inside the folder and choose Undo Delete.
This feature works only if you act right after deleting the files.
Method 3: Restore Photos Using File History
Windows 11 offers a File History feature that backs up files from specific locations. If File History is enabled, you can recover your photos even if they were permanently deleted.
Steps:
- Open the Start Menu and search for Control Panel.
- Navigate to System and Security > File History.
- Click Restore personal files on the left sidebar.
- Browse through the available backups and locate the photos.
- Select the files you want to recover and click the Recover button.
This method works only if you had enabled File History before the photos were deleted.
Method 4: Recover Photos Using Windows File Recovery Tool
The Windows File Recovery app is a free command-line tool from Microsoft designed to recover deleted files.
Steps:
- Open the Microsoft Store and search for Windows File Recovery.
- Click Get to download and install the application.
- Open Windows Terminal (Admin) by right-clicking the Windows icon on the taskbar.
- Use the following command to recover files from disk C: to D::
winfr C: D: /regular /n \Users\<username>\Downloads\ - Wait for the process to complete and check the recovery folder on drive D.
This tool supports recovering data from USB drives, memory cards, and hard drives.
Method 5: Use Third-Party Recovery Tools
Third-party software can offer more advanced recovery options if the built-in methods are insufficient. Below are two effective tools for recovering deleted photos.
1. Recuva
Recuva, developed by Piriform Software, is a popular and user-friendly tool for recovering deleted files.
Key Features:
- Quick Scan for fast recovery.
- Deep Scan for finding overwritten files.
- Preview option to see recoverable files.
- Supports a variety of formats (photos, videos, documents).
Steps to Recover Photos with Recuva:
- Download and install Recuva.
- Select the drive where the photos were stored.
- Choose between Quick Scan or Deep Scan.
- Preview the recovered files and select the photos you want to restore.
- Click Recover and save the files to a new location.
2. PhotoRec
PhotoRec is an open-source recovery tool specializing in restoring media files, even from damaged storage devices.
Key Features:
- Free and cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Data carving technique to recover files based on signatures.
- Supports over 480 file extensions, including raw photo formats.
- Works on various storage devices, such as hard drives, USBs, and SD cards.
Steps to Recover Photos with PhotoRec:
- Download TestDisk, which includes the PhotoRec tool.
- Open TestDisk and select PhotoRec.
- Choose the storage device where the photos were deleted.
- Specify the file system type (it may auto-detect).
- Choose the destination folder for recovered files.
- Start the recovery process and wait for it to complete.
- Browse the recovered files in the output directory.
Conclusion
Losing photos on Windows 11 doesn’t have to be a permanent loss. By following the steps mentioned in this guide, you can recover your deleted photos efficiently. Whether you prefer the built-in options like Recycle Bin, File History, and Windows File Recovery or use advanced third-party tools like Recuva and PhotoRec, you have multiple methods to recover your files.
If you have any further questions or need additional help, feel free to leave a comment. We’ll guide you as soon as possible.
FAQs: How to Recover Deleted Photos from Windows 11
1. Can I recover photos that were permanently deleted from Recycle Bin?
Yes, you can use File History, Windows File Recovery, or third-party tools like Recuva and PhotoRec to recover them.
2. Is the Windows File Recovery tool free?
Yes, the Windows File Recovery app is a free tool available on the Microsoft Store.
3. Does Recuva support recovering RAW image formats?
Yes, Recuva supports a variety of formats, including RAW files from digital cameras.
4. How long does a Deep Scan take in Recuva?
The time required depends on the size of the drive and the number of files to scan, but it generally takes longer than a Quick Scan.
By following the methods above, you’ll be well-equipped to recover your lost photos on Windows 11. Make sure to back up your important files regularly to avoid data loss in the future.
