How to Recover Deleted Files — Android and Windows: A Comprehensive Guide 2026

How to Recover Deleted Files — Android & Windows Complete 2026 Guide

When a file is deleted, the data isn't actually deleted from the device's flash memory. Android and Windows just mark the space where the information is stored as "empty." That means the file won't be found, and the system treats it as missing — but the data still exists until new data overwrites that space.

Golden Rule: Don't write any new files to maximize chances of data recovery. Stop using the phone and stop taking new photos or installing new apps. Putting the phone in airplane mode is highly recommended to prevent downloading emails, WhatsApp photos, and updates.

Part 1: Recovering Deleted Files on Android

Method 1: App Trash Folders

Most apps don't delete items immediately. Retention windows: Google Photos keeps deleted photos and videos for 60 days. Files by Google holds items in Trash for 30 days. Samsung Gallery retains deleted media for 30 days. OneDrive stores deleted items for up to 30 days.

Method 2: Cloud Backup

Google Photos has a Bin that stores photos for 60 days by backing them up to Google's cloud servers. Even if a photo was completely deleted via another app, it may still be recoverable via Google Photos' copy. Check the Bin from the menu, or try visiting photos.google.com from a different device.

Method 3: Android Recovery Apps (No Root, No Computer)

UltData – Android Data Recovery App is excellent for recovering deleted files on Android without root and without a computer. It works directly on the device without needing a PC. It can recover various file types without root, and when recovering photos, it allows previewing thumbnails before recovery.

Other recommended apps: DiskDigger Photo Recovery (specialized for images), Dumpster (recovers photos and videos).

Method 4: SD Card Recovery via Computer

If deleted files were on an SD card: remove the card from the phone and insert it into a card reader on the computer → install Disk Drill for Windows or macOS → open the app and select the SD card → click "Search for Lost Data" → wait for the scan → use filters (Pictures, Video, Documents) → preview files → select desired files → click "Recover."

Part 2: Recovering Deleted Files on Windows

Method 1: Recycle Bin (If Not Emptied)

Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop → browse deleted files and find what needs to be restored → right-click the file(s) → select "Restore" → the files will return to their original locations on the computer.

Quick shortcut: The Ctrl + Z keyboard shortcut works across the entire Windows operating system to undo the last action. It can instantly restore an accidentally deleted file in File Explorer or any other file manager.

Method 2: Windows File Recovery (Free Microsoft Tool)

If a lost file can't be located from a backup, Windows File Recovery is a command line app available from the Microsoft Store. It restores files deleted from local storage devices including internal drives, external drives, and USB devices.

Important warning: To increase chances of recovering a file, minimize or avoid using the computer. The space used by a deleted file is marked as free space, meaning the file data can still exist and be recovered.

Method 3: Recuva (Free and Popular)

Recuva can recover pictures, music, documents, videos, emails, or any other file type. It works from any rewriteable media: memory cards, external hard drives, and USB sticks. For hard-to-find files, it has an advanced Deep Scan mode.

Method 4: Disk Drill (Professional GUI)

Disk Drill can recover deleted files even after emptying the Recycle Bin or wiping from an external device via formatting. It allows previewing files before recovery for confirmation. Up to 100MB can be recovered for free.

Method 5: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

Recovers deleted data in all situations including Shift+Delete, emptied Recycle Bin, formatting, system crashes, and virus infections.