I am very worried as my precious photos have been lost permanently from my Windows PC.  Now, I am looking for methods to recover those photos without much technical expertise or unnecessary delays.

Losing important photos from a Windows PC can be a devastating experience, especially when they are lost permanently.  Luckily, several effective recovery methods are available so that you can try to recover permanently deleted photos.  This guide will walk you through various recovery workarounds, including third-party photo recovery tools or Windows built-in features, which you can use to try to recover permanently deleted photos.

In this article, we will explore some quick methods on how to recover permanently deleted photos from a Windows PC.  Just go with these methods one-by-one to restore your precious memories easily!

Can I Recover Permanently Deleted Photos?

Yes, but before you proceed with deleted photo recovery methods, it is important to understand what permanent deletion means.  When you delete any file on Windows PC, it usually moves to the Recycle Bin folder and remains there until it is permanently removed.  However, if you empty the Recycle Bin or use the Shift + Delete key shortcut, the files are marked as permanently deleted.

Contrary to popular belief, permanently deleted files aren’t removed immediately.  Instead, the device OS removes the file reference from the file system, making the storage space available for new data.  Until this space is overwritten, recovery is possible.  It is important to avoid saving new files on the storage drive where the deleted photos were stored to avoid data overwriting.

How do I Recover Permanently Deleted Photos on Windows?

Here are some quick and simple approaches that you can try to recover your permanently deleted photos on Windows PC:

Method 01: Use Windows Built-in Previously Created Backups

If you regularly back up the important files and folders on your Windows device, you can use these backup solutions to recover lost files.  Some common backup options that you can try:

1. Windows File History

File History is a Windows built-in backup utility that when enabled on your device, automatically backs up files in designated folders.  Follow the below steps for deleted photo recovery using File History backup:

  • Firstly, right-click on the folder where your deleted photos were originally saved.
  • Select the Restore previous versions option from the context menu.

1. Windows File History

  • Now, go through the list of available backups that appear on your screen and choose the photo(s) you need to restore.
  • Click the Restore option to save the selected photos to their original location.

2. Check Backup & Restore Option

Another built-in backup alternative that you can try to restore your deleted media files, including photos, is via the Backup & Restore option.  If you have enabled the Backup & Restore option, follow the below steps to know how to recover photos after emptying the Recycle bin folder:

  • Press the Windows + S keys and type the Backup and Restore option in the search box.
  • Select Backup and Restore (Windows 7) from the search results.
  • Now, click the Restore my files button in the Backup and Restore window.

2. Check Backup & Restore Option

  • Use the Browse for Files or Browse for Folders options to locate your deleted photos in the backup.

Recover Permanently Deleted Photos

  • Choose the photos you need to recover and click the Restore option to save the selected photos to the chosen location.

Recover Permanently Deleted Photos

Method 02: Check Cloud Backups

You can also use cloud backup services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, to back up your important photos.  All you have to do is:

  • Launch any web browser or a cloud app (where your photos are backed up) on your device.
  • Sign in with the account associated with your cloud storage.
  • Go to the Trash or Recycle Bin folder where your deleted photos were stored for a specific period (e.g. 30 days).

Method 02: Check Cloud Backups

  • Select the photos you want and click Restore or Recover button to move them back to their original location in the cloud.

Method 02: Check Cloud Backups

Method 03: Use Third-Party Photo Recovery Tool

When the above backup options get failed to recover permanently deleted photos, then third-party photo recovery tool like Stellar Photo Recovery can help you.  This all-in-one photo recovery software allows you to restore photos lost or deleted due to several reasons, including accidental deletion, formatting, virus attacks, etc.

Key Features of Stellar Photo Recovery:

  • Along with photos, you can use this versatile software to recover deleted audio and video files of several formats.
  • Recover lost photos of various file formats, including jpg, jpeg, png and many more.
  • Supports recovery of photos from multiple storage devices, such as HDD, SSD, USB, SD card, etc.
  • 100% safe and secure photo recovery tool and offers the highest recovery rate.
  • Allows you to preview the recoverable photos before saving them on your device.
  • Compatible with both Windows and Mac devices.
  • The software is available in multiple versions, varying in features and prices.

3 Steps to Recover Permanently Deleted Photos from Windows PC:

Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Photo Recovery software on your Windows device.  Launch the software and from the homepage, select the storage drive where your deleted photos were earlier stored.  Click Scan to continue.

3 Steps to Recover Permanently Deleted Photos from Windows PC:

Step 2:  After completion of the scanning process, preview the recoverable photos and choose the files you need to recover.

Step 2: 

Step 3: Click the Recover button to save selected photos at the desired location on your device.

Step 3:

Wait until the recovery process ends.  Once done, check the specified folder to ensure that the recovered photos are successfully saved.

Method 04: Contact Professional Data Recovery Services

If all the above deleted photo recovery solutions fail or the storage device is physically damaged, it’s time to consider professional data recovery services.  These services employ advanced techniques and equipment to recover data from damaged or overwritten drives.  Companies like DriveSavers, Ontrack and Secure Data Recovery offer reliable solutions, albeit at a higher cost.

Conclusion

When you find any important photo is permanently deleted on your Windows PC, don’t lose hope.  All the above-mentioned methods will help you recover permanently deleted photos in a few simple clicks.  By acting quickly, exploring built-in backup options, leveraging third-party photo recovery tools, or consulting professionals, you can maximize your chances of success.  More importantly, you can adopt preventive measures like maintaining regular backups, using reliable antivirus software, etc. to keep your precious memories safe in the future.