How to recover a deleted folder in Windows

The simplest way to recover a deleted folder from Windows or a specific file is by using your backup. But you probably do not have one and that’s why you’re here. If you can not find the file or have accidentally modified or deleted it, you can try restoring it from the previous version (shadow copies).

Earlier versions are copies of files and folders that Windows automatically saves as part of a restore point. Sometimes these versions are called shadow copies and can be useful in cases of ransomware.

This is the Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) that has been present since XP, making it possible to go back to the previous point or restore the system.

Copies generated by VSS, however, are hidden in the operating system’s file system and are usually made when a change to the computer occurs, such as an OS update or some installed program. It’s worth noting that this does not replace the backup, but it makes it easier if you’re “in despair” for something.

How to recover a deleted folder in Windows

You can..

Restore deleted files and folders;
or restore a file or folder to an earlier state.

Click the Start button and click Computer;
Navigate to the folder that contained the file or folder;
Click on it with the right mouse button and click on “Restore previous versions”;
Double-click an earlier version of the folder that contains the file you want to restore. (If you deleted it today, choose a version of yesterday’s folder);
Drag the file or folder you want to restore to another location, such as your desktop or another folder. The recovered version is saved in the location you selected.

NOTE: If the folder was at the top level of a drive, for example C:\, right-click the drive and click “Restore Previous Versions” on it.

If all goes well, you will see a list of the previous versions of the file or folder available. The list will include the files saved in a backup (if you are using Windows Backup), and the restore points, if both are available.

Did not work?

The feature may not be enabled on your computer. Activate for the future. In the case of ransomware, the story does not always have a happy ending, as some of them seek out these hidden copies and exclude them. Test recovery programs.