How to Find Recently Deleted Files on Mac
Losing important files on your Mac can be a frustrating experience. Whether it’s due to accidental deletion or a system crash, finding recently deleted files can seem like an insurmountable task. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can recover your lost data with relative ease. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of finding recently deleted files on your Mac.
1. Check the Trash
The first and most straightforward step in finding recently deleted files on your Mac is to check the Trash. When you delete a file, it is moved to the Trash instead of being permanently deleted. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open the Trash by clicking on its icon on the Dock or by navigating to the Applications folder and then to the Utilities folder, and finally to the Trash.
2. Once the Trash is open, you’ll see a list of deleted files. Scroll through the list to find the file you’re looking for.
3. To restore a file, click and drag it out of the Trash and drop it in a desired location on your Mac.
2. Use the “Recently Deleted” Folder
If you’re using macOS Catalina or later, you can take advantage of the “Recently Deleted” folder, which is a feature designed to help you recover deleted files more easily. Here’s how to access and use it:
1. Open the Finder on your Mac.
2. In the sidebar, click on “Recently Deleted” to view the files you’ve deleted in the past 30 days.
3. To restore a file, click and drag it out of the “Recently Deleted” folder and drop it in a desired location on your Mac.
3. Use Third-Party File Recovery Software
If the above methods don’t work, or if you’ve emptied the Trash and the “Recently Deleted” folder, you may need to use third-party file recovery software. These tools can scan your Mac’s storage and recover deleted files that are no longer in the Trash or “Recently Deleted” folder. Here are some popular options:
1. Recuva: A free file recovery tool that can recover deleted files from various storage devices, including Macs.
2. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac: A user-friendly tool that offers a simple interface and a high success rate in recovering deleted files.
3. Disk Drill: A comprehensive data recovery tool that also includes disk management and disk health monitoring features.
To use these tools, follow these general steps:
1. Download and install the chosen file recovery software on your Mac.
2. Run the software and select the storage device where your deleted files were located.
3. Start the scanning process and wait for the software to complete.
4. Once the scan is finished, review the list of recoverable files and select the ones you want to restore.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to recover your deleted files.
4. Backup and Prevent Future Loss
To avoid losing important files in the future, it’s crucial to have a reliable backup strategy. Consider the following options:
1. Time Machine: Use Apple’s built-in backup solution, Time Machine, to create regular backups of your Mac’s files.
2. Cloud Storage: Utilize cloud storage services like iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive to store your important files securely.
3. External Hard Drives: Keep an external hard drive connected to your Mac and manually backup your files.
By following these steps and maintaining a solid backup strategy, you can minimize the risk of losing important files on your Mac and ensure that you can recover recently deleted files when needed.
