How to Recover a Deleted File from MacOS?

Introduction

Losing data on a Mac computer is a very frustrating occurrence, especially if it is done accidentally, but there are several ways on how one can retrieve the files. This guide contains information on different ways through which one can try to retrieve his/her lost files basic and advanced approaches. This article will be of benefit for all those who lost files on their Macs, both first-time users and veterans; it will provide useful tips and clear instructions on how the issue can be solved.

How to Restore a Deleted File on macOS: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding File Deletion on MacOS

For instance in MacOS, when a file is being deleted the file is transferred to the Trash. It is very easy to perform a restoration on Files placed in the Trash Bin. However if the Trash is emptied, the file is not deleted rather it is erased and the space is available for any data to occupy. This guide will lead throughout the different recovery options depending on the status of the file.

Immediate Actions to Take

1. Stop Using the Drive

When a file is deleted, its space on the drive is marked as available for new data. Continuing to use the drive may overwrite the space, reducing the chances of recovery. Therefore, avoid adding or modifying files on the drive where the deletion occurred.

2. Check the Trash

The Trash is the first place to look for deleted files. If the file is found here, you can restore it with minimal effort.

Recovering from the Trash

1. Open the Trash

• • Click the Trash icon in the Dock to open it.

2. Locate the Deleted File

• • Browse through the items or use the search bar at the top-right corner of the Trash window to find the deleted file.

3. Restore the File

• • Right-click (or Control-click) on the file.
  • Select “Put Back” from the context menu. This action will return the file to its original location before deletion.

Using Time Machine for Recovery

Time Machine is MacOS’s built-in backup feature. If you have been using Time Machine to back up your data, you can recover files from these backups.

1. Connect Time Machine Drive

• • Ensure your Time Machine backup drive is connected to your Mac.

2. Open Time Machine

• • Click on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar or navigate to System Preferences and select Time Machine.

3. Navigate Backups

• • Use the timeline on the right side of the screen to browse through backups. Find a date before the file was deleted.

4. Restore the File

• • Locate the file within the backup.
  • Select it and click “Restore” to return the file to its original location.

Utilizing Spotlight Search for Recovery

Spotlight Search can help locate files that might not be in the Trash but are still accessible.

1. Open Spotlight Search

• • Press Command + Space to open Spotlight Search.

2. Search for the File

• • Type the name of the file or relevant keywords into the search bar.

3. Open or Relocate the File

• • If Spotlight finds the file, you can open it directly or drag it to a different location to recover it.

Employing Third-Party Recovery Software

If the file is not found in the Trash or Time Machine backups, you may need to use third-party recovery software.

1. Choose Recovery Software

• • Download a reputable recovery tool such as Disk Drill, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Stellar Data Recovery. Ensure you choose software from a trusted source.

2. Install the Software

• • Follow the installation prompts to set up the recovery software on your Mac.

3. Run the Software

• • Open the recovery application and select the drive where the file was deleted.

4. Scan for Deleted Files

• • Initiate a scan to search for deleted files on the selected drive. The scan might take some time depending on the drive’s size and the amount of data.

5. Recover the File

• • Review the scan results to locate the deleted file.
  • Select the file(s) you wish to recover and click “Recover.” Save the recovered files to a different location to avoid overwriting.

Advanced Recovery Techniques

1. Terminal Commands

• • Use Terminal commands to attempt recovery from deleted files. This method is more complex and is recommended for advanced users.

2. Professional Data Recovery Services

• • If all else fails, consider using professional data recovery services. These services are equipped to handle more complex recovery scenarios but may come with a cost.

Preventing Future Data Loss

1. Regular Backups

• • Use Time Machine or other backup solutions to create regular backups of your data. Schedule automatic backups to ensure all your important files are saved.

2. Cloud Storage

• • Utilize cloud storage services like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox for additional protection. Cloud storage can serve as a secondary backup to safeguard your files.

3. File Management Practices

• • Implement good file management practices, such as organizing files into folders and naming them descriptively, to minimize the risk of accidental deletions.

Conclusion

Recovering deleted files on MacOS is achievable with the right methods and tools. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively retrieve lost data and minimize the impact of accidental deletions. For advanced recovery needs or professional assistance, Ours Global IT Support Services is here to provide expert support and solutions to help you recover and protect your important files.

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