Introduction
Photos are irreplaceable memories that we cherish for a lifetime. Losing them can be heartbreaking, but it happens to the best of us. Accidental deletion, formatting, or a computer malfunction can all result in permanent photo loss.
Fortunately, there are ways to recover deleted photos. This article will explore step-by-step instructions for using built-in software to retrieve lost photos on different operating systems, as well as third-party photo recovery software. We’ll also cover tips on how to prevent permanent photo loss and expert advice on data recovery services.
How to Recover Deleted Photos using Built-in Software on Different Operating Systems
Recovering deleted photos using built-in software on different operating systems can be easy, as long as you act quickly and follow the instructions carefully.
Windows
Windows operating system has a built-in photo recovery tool called File History. Here’s how to use it:
- Connect the external storage device where the deleted photos were stored.
- Click on the Start menu and type “File History” in the search bar.
- Select “Restore your files with File History.”
- Locate the folder that contained the deleted photos, and click on the “previous” button until you find the version of the folder that contained the photos.
- Click on the “restore” button to recover the deleted photos to the original folder or a new location.
macOS
macOS has a built-in feature called Time Machine, which automatically backs up your files. Here’s how to use it to recover deleted photos:
- Connect the external storage device where the deleted photos were stored.
- Click on the Time Machine icon, which can be found in the menu bar.
- Use the timeline on the right to locate the date when the photos were deleted, and then find the folder that contained the photos.
- Select the photos you want to recover, and then click on the “restore” button to recover them to the original folder or a new location.
iOS
Photos deleted from an iOS device are first moved to the “Recently Deleted” folder, where they stay for up to 30 days. Here’s how to recover photos from the “Recently Deleted” folder:
- Open the Photos app on your iOS device.
- Select the “Albums” tab.
- Scroll down and select the “Recently Deleted” folder.
- Tap “Select” in the upper right corner and select the photos you want to recover.
- Tap “Recover” to restore the photos to the original folder.
Android
Android devices work in a similar way to iOS devices. Deleted photos are moved to the “Trash” folder, where they stay for up to 60 days. Here’s how to recover photos from the “Trash” folder:
- Open the Google Photos app on your Android device.
- Select the “Trash” folder from the menu.
- Select the photos you want to recover.
- Tap “Restore” to recover the photos to the original folder.
Third-party Photo Recovery Software
If you have already emptied the recycle bin or trash folder, or if the built-in recovery tools were not able to retrieve your deleted photos, then third-party photo recovery software may be the solution.
Third-party photo recovery software is designed to scan your device’s storage for deleted photos and other files and then recover them. Here are the steps to use third-party photo recovery software:
- Search for and download a reliable photo recovery software.
- Install the software on your computer or device.
- Run the software and select the drive where the deleted photos were stored.
- Scan the selected drive to search for deleted files.
- Select the photos you want to recover and then click on the “recover” button to restore them to the original folder or a new location.
There are various types of photo recovery software available, including free and paid versions. Some recommended and reliable options include:
- Stellar Photo Recovery
- Recuva
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
- Wondershare Recoverit
Tips to Prevent Permanent Photo Loss
The best way to prevent permanent photo loss is to back up your photos regularly. Here are some tips on how to choose a backup method and reliable backup software:
Backup Method
The backup method you choose depends on your needs and preferences. Some options include:
- Cloud storage
- External hard drive
- USB flash drive
- CD/DVD
- Online backup service
Reliable Backup Software
When choosing backup software, look for features such as:
- Automatic backup scheduling
- Encryption for file security
- Easy file restoration
- Flexible backup options
- Excellent technical support
Some recommended backup software includes:
- Google Photos (for Android and iOS)
- iCloud (for iOS devices)
- Acronis True Image
- Carbonite Safe Backup
In addition to backing up your photos, there are other steps you can take to prevent permanent photo loss:
- Keep your antivirus software up-to-date to protect against virus attacks.
- Be careful when deleting photos and double-check before confirming the action.
- Use file recovery software as soon as possible after you discover the photos are missing.
Common Reasons Why Photos Get Deleted
It’s important to understand the common reasons why photos get deleted so that you can take steps to avoid those situations in the future. Some of the most common reasons are:
- Accidental deletion
- Formatting
- Virus attacks
- Hardware malfunction
- Storage media failure
To avoid these situations, we recommend taking the following precautions:
- Use an anti-virus program and keep it updated to avoid virus attacks.
- Back up your important files regularly to avoid data loss due to hardware or storage media failure.
- Be careful when deleting files, especially if you’re not sure what they are.
How to Recover Photos from Damaged or Corrupted Storage Devices
If your storage device is damaged or corrupted, there are still ways to recover your photos. Here are the steps:
Option 1: Use Data Recovery Software
Data recovery software is designed to scan the damaged or corrupted storage device for recoverable files. Here are the steps:
- Search for and download a reliable data recovery software.
- Install the software on your computer or device.
- Connect the damaged or corrupted storage device to your computer or device.
- Run the software and select the damaged or corrupted storage device as the target drive for the recovery.
- Scan the selected drive to search for recoverable files.
- Select the photos you want to recover and then click on the “recover” button to restore them to the original folder or a new location.
Option 2: Use a Data Recovery Service
If data recovery software doesn’t work, you can try using a data recovery service. These services can recover data from damaged or corrupted storage devices using specialized tools and techniques. However, they can be expensive and time-consuming. Here’s how to choose a reliable data recovery service:
- Look for a company with a good reputation and many positive reviews.
- Avoid services that charge exorbitant fees upfront or quote a price that seems too low.
- Ask about the recovery process and the expected timeframe for the recovery.
- Ensure that the company provides a guarantee to recover your data or offers a “no data, no charge” policy.
Expert Recommendations for Data Recovery Services
In some cases, recovering deleted photos on your own can be difficult or impossible. When that happens, it’s best to turn to a data recovery service. Here are some expert recommendations for data recovery services:
- DriveSavers
- Ontrack
- Secure Data Recovery Services
- SalvageData Recovery
These companies have a proven track record and use the latest tools and techniques to recover deleted photos. They offer a free evaluation and quote so that you can decide whether to proceed with the recovery.
Conclusion
Recovering deleted photos is possible using built-in software on different operating systems, third-party photo recovery software, or data recovery services. To prevent permanent photo loss, back up your photos regularly, use anti-virus software, and be careful when deleting files. If all else fails, consider using a data recovery service. By following these tips, you can retrieve and protect your precious memories.
