How to recover deleted Word document on Windows PC?

[EvanBaker]

Hi everyone,

I accidentally deleted two important Word document (.docs) from my Windows PC. I've checked the Recycle Bin, but it's not there. I'm in urgent need of recovering this document, as it contains critical information for an ongoing project. Can anyone guide me on how to recover deleted Word document on a Windows PC?

I've heard about various data recovery tools, but I'm not sure which one is the best or the safest to use. I'm looking for recommendations on reliable software that can help me restore my deleted file.

Additionally, if there are any built-in Windows features or methods that could assist in this situation, I would greatly appreciate your insights.

[#2]

Login the web version of Office 365 and check if there are backups for Word documents. Also go to the OneDrive account. Many Windows users have enabled this backup option by default. As far as I know, this is the easiest way to recover deleted word document on any PC or Mac.

[#3]

@EvanBaker  Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop. Look through the files to find your deleted Word document. You can use the search bar if you remember the document's name. Right-click on the document and select "Restore." This will return the document to its original location. This is the standard procedure to recover deleted Word file on a Windows PC. Don't miss this valuable option!

[#4]

@EvanBaker  The "Previous Versions" feature in Windows is a built-in tool that allows you to recover older versions of files and folders that have been backed up or saved as part of a system restore point. It can be particularly useful for recovering files that have been accidentally deleted, modified, or corrupted.

How to recover deleted Word document from previous version:

Step 1: Go to the folder where the Word document was originally saved. If you’re unsure of the location, check common directories like "Documents" or "Desktop."

Step 2: Right-click on the folder and select "Properties." Go to the "Previous Versions" tab in the Properties window. You’ll see a list of available previous versions of the folder, sorted by date.

Step 3: Choose a version of the folder from a date when the Word document was still present. Click the "Restore" button to recover the entire folder to that state.

Using the "Previous Versions" feature is a convenient and effective way to recover lost or deleted Word documents on Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.

[#5]

To recovrt delete Word document on Windows PC. If you have Windows File History enabled, you might be able to recover previous versions of your document.

1. Open the folder where the deleted Word document was saved.
2. Right-click on an empty space in the folder.
3. Select "Properties," then go to the "Previous Versions" tab.
4. If there are older versions available, select one and click "Restore" to get back your file.

[#6]

I had a mini freak-out once when I accidentally deleted a bunch of important notes for a research project. I was lucky that I had OneDrive syncing my work. I logged in, found the files in the Recycle Bin, and just recover deleted Word document. But, I also got really cozy with Recuva for a separate incident when my external drive went on the fritz. It helped me pull back a few critical documents I'd assumed were gone for good.

[#7]

@EvanBaker  

The "Previous Versions" feature in Windows is super handy, For this feature to work, you need to have System Restore turned on or have File History enabled. If you haven't set up these backups beforehand, you won't have any previous versions to restore from.

The list of previous versions is generally only stored for a limited time or number of backups. If your document was deleted a while ago and you didn't happen to have the folder in question open right around that time, chances are you won't find the version you need.

If the above methods don't work, it's time to consider some data recovery software to recover deleted Word document. Here are a couple of reliable options you could look into:

Recuva: It's user-friendly and offers a free version. It can scan your drive and look for deleted files, including those Word documents.
Disk Drill: Another solid choice with a free version and good user reviews. It can help recover various file types with ease.