I deleted over 50gb worth of files on my downloads list by accident, and I don’t know how to get them back

Recovering Accidentally Deleted Files: Practical Steps and Tips

Losing a significant amount of data can be a stressful experience, especially when files disappear unexpectedly. If you’ve accidentally deleted over 50GB of files from your downloads folder and aren’t sure how to retrieve them, you’re not alone. This guide provides practical advice on recovering deleted files, explains common pitfalls, and suggests steps you can take—regardless of your technical expertise.

Understanding What Happened

In the scenario described, the user attempted to move files from one drive to another. After the transfer, they believed the files had simply been copied and decided to delete the originals. Unfortunately, this process resulted in the deletion of files on both drives. The files are no longer in the recycle bin, indicating they were permanently deleted or bypassed the recycling process.

Key Lessons:
– Moving files through drag-and-drop can sometimes lead to unintended deletions if not carefully managed.
– Confirm whether files are copied or moved before deleting originals.
– Always double-check the source and destination folders during such operations.

Steps to Recover Deleted Files

1. Stop Using the Affected Drives Immediately
   Continued use of the drives can overwrite the space previously occupied by your deleted files, making recovery more difficult or impossible. Avoid saving new files or installing software on these drives until recovery attempts are complete.

2. Check Backup Systems
   If you have backup solutions like Windows Backup, OneDrive, Google Drive, or any other cloud or external backup, verify whether your files can be restored from these sources.

3. Utilize Data Recovery Software
   Several reputable data recovery programs can scan your drives for recoverable files, even after permanent deletion. Some options include:

4. Recuva (free and user-friendly for Windows)
5. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
6. MiniTool Power Data Recovery

Many of these tools offer free versions that allow you to see recoverable files before purchase. Be cautious when selecting software—prefer well-reviewed options to avoid malware or ineffective tools.

1. Perform a Deep Scan
   After installing data recovery software on a different drive (not the affected one, if possible), run a deep scan of your drive. Follow the software instructions carefully, and preview recovered files before restoring them to ensure they are intact.

2. Seek Professional Assistance if Needed
   If the files are particularly valuable or if the recovery software does not work, consider consulting a professional data recovery service. These experts