Recover Deleted Files Hard Drive Free – 5 Easy Methods

Q: Can I use Windows File Recovery to restore data on Windows 7?

No, Windows File Recovery is not available for Windows 7. It was introduced by Microsoft for Windows 10 version 2004. So, you can only use it to perform data recovery on Windows 10 and 11 computers. If you have enabled Backup and Restore in Windows 7, try restoring data from a suitable backup. Go to Control Panel, choose System and Security, access Backup and Restore, and then follow the steps to retrieve your lost files.

November 25, 2025Nicole Jones

Recover Windows Data & Recover Mac Data

Because of accidental deletion, reformatting your hard disk, a system crash, and other reasons, you may lose some precious data. But you can still recover deleted files, and many of those services are free. In this article, we’ll tell you how to recover deleted files hard drive free. You can pick a recovery solution to recover your data without paying for it.

Part 1. Recover Deleted Files Free from the Recycle Bin
Part 2. Recover Deleted Files for Free Using File History
Part 3. Recover Deleted Files from Hard Drive Free Using Time Machine
Part 4. Recover Files Crashed Computer with Aiseesoft Free Data Recovery
Part 5. Retrieve Deleted Files from Hard Drive Using Recuva
Part 6. FAQs on Recovering Deleted Files from a Hard Drive Free

Part 1. Recover Deleted Files Free from the Recycle Bin

When you accidentally delete a file from your hard drive, it isn’t permanently gone right away. You can often retrieve it from the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac) before it’s overwritten.

Step 1.

Open the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac) on your computer.

Step 2.

Utilize the search bar or browse the list of deleted files to locate the specific file you're looking for.

Step 3.

Right-click on the file you want to restore. Select “Restore” (Windows) or “Put Back” (Mac) to return the file to its original location.

Part 2. Recover Deleted Files for Free Using File History

If your file has been removed from the Recycle Bin or Trash, Windows’ File History can help you recover it, provided this feature was enabled. File History keeps backups of your documents, pictures, videos, and other important folders.

Step 1.

Go to the Start menu and search for “File History”.

Step 2.

Click on “File History” to open it and ensure the feature is turned on.

Step 3.

To locate the version that contains your deleted file, navigate to the folder where it was originally stored and review the available versions.

Step 4.

Click “Restore” to recover the file and return it to its original location.

Part 3. Recover Deleted Files from Hard Drive Free Using Time Machine

If you’re using a Mac, you can rely on Time Machine to recover deleted files easily. This built-in backup tool saves your entire system, including documents, apps, and system settings, making it one of the best free software to recover deleted files from external hard drive as well.

Step 1.

Open Time Machine on your Mac. Use the timeline on the right side to browse through your available backups.

Step 2.

Locate the deleted file you want to restore.

Step 3.

Select the file, then click “Restore” to recover it to its original location.

Part 4. Recover Files from Crashed Computer with Aiseesoft Free Data Recovery

You shouldn't worry if your computer crashes unexpectedly or if your hard drive becomes corrupted; you may still be able to recover your files. A great solution is Aiseesoft Free Data Recovery, a professional yet easy-to-use tool that helps retrieve lost or deleted files caused by formatting, system crashes, or accidental deletion. It’s one of the most reliable free software to recover deleted files from hard drive safely and effectively.

Downloads

Free Data Recovery

Supports recovering photos, videos, audio, documents, and emails.
Works with internal/external hard drives, USB flash drives, SD cards, and more.
Helps you locate lost files quickly or perform a thorough scan for deeper recovery.
Simple design that’s easy for beginners to navigate.
Ensures you get the right data by allowing you to view files before restoring them.

Free DownloadFor Windows

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How to Retrieve Data from a Corrupted Hard Drive

Step 1.

Download and install our tool Aiseesoft Free Data Recovery on your computer. Launch the program and, choose “crashed PC Recovery” where the corrupted file is located.

Step 2.

Hit “Start Scan” and wait for the scan to complete. If you are still unable to recover it, the tool will automatically initiate deep scanning mode.

Step 3.

You can then try again to find your lost files using the filter, with the “only show deleted” option, and the types of data.

Step 4.

Preview the found files, check the boxes next to those you want to restore, and click “Recover” to save them in a secure location on your PC.

Part 5. Retrieve Deleted Files from Hard Drive Using Recuva

Another great program for recovering lost files is Recuva, a lightweight and free data recovery tool developed by Piriform. It is a great tool for recovering files that you may have accidentally deleted from your hard drive, USB stick, or memory card. You can use Recuva to help you recover lost files, whether they were deleted, formatted, or caused by system errors.

Steps to Retrieve Deleted Files Using Recuva

Step 1.

Download and install Recuva on your Windows computer. Launch the program, and when the wizard opens, click “Next” to begin.

Step 2.

Select the file type you want to recover and hit the “Next” button

Step 3.

Choose the location where your files were last stored and click “Start” to let Recuva scan the selected location. You can also enable Deep Scan for a more thorough search.

Step 4.

After scanning, browse the list of recoverable files, check the items you need, and click “Recover” to save them to a safe folder on your computer.

Part 6. FAQs on Recovering Deleted Files from a Hard Drive Free

Is it free to recover permanently erased files from a hard drive?

If you have made a backup or utilized File History, you should be able to recover those files that have been removed permanently from there. If not, recovering them can be more complicated particularly if the data has been written over or if the hard drive was formatted. There are some free ways and tools that you can try to recover your files. However, it is important to keep in mind that it will not guarantee final success. For all these methods start, try the free versions of the programs Aiseesoft Free Data Recovery, Disk Drill, TestDisk, or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to try and recover your deleted files. If the files are important documents or meaningful photographs, it may be worth pursuing professional help, although these services can be costly.

Is Wondershare Recoverit really free?

Wondershare Recoverit is not completely free. It offers a free version with limitations. The free version of Recoverit only allows you to scan and preview recoverable files. The amount of data that can actually be recovered is limited. Furthermore, it lacks advanced features. For truly free alternatives, consider other recovery tools, such as Recuva or PhotoRec.

Can I use Windows File Recovery to restore data on Windows 7?

Windows File Recovery is not a valid program for Windows 7. It was created by Microsoft for Windows 10 version 2004, and, thus, it can only be used to attempt data recovery on Windows 10 and 11 PCs. If Backup and Restore is enabled in Windows 7, you can attempt to restore data from a backup if it is available. To do so, navigate to Control Panel -> System and Security -> Backup and Restore, then follow the on-screen instructions to restore your files.

Conclusion

You can find three useful ways to recover deleted files from your hard drive for free. Indeed, there are additional free data recovery tools available for you to recover lost files. For instance, you can use reputable programs like Recuva and PhotoRec to restore files from hard drives. Don't delay because overwriting data may occur. Plus, always remember to back up your important files to mitigate future loss of data.

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