Ultimate Guide: Recover Deleted Files on Windows & Phones (2026)

Lost important photos, documents, or videos? Don't panic—most deleted files on Windows PCs or Android/iPhone can be recovered fast with these proven steps. This step-by-step guide shares how to recover lost or deleted files in 2026, boosting your success rate before data is overwritten.

Why Files Disappear & Quick Recovery

Accidental deletes, crashes, or formatting wipe files instantly—act within hours for 90% recovery odds. Imagine restoring family vacation pics from your phone's trash in under 5 minutes!

Windows File Recovery: Step-by-Step (Windows 11/10)

Stop using the drive immediately to prevent overwriting. Start simple, escalate to advanced tools.

• Recycle Bin Check (Fastest Win): Double-click Recycle Bin on desktop, search files, right-click > Restore. Works for non-Shift+Delete items—recovers to original folders instantly.

• File History Restore: If enabled, search "File History" in Start menu, click "Restore personal files," browse dates, select, and recover.

• Previous Versions: Right-click folder/drive in File Explorer > Properties > Previous Versions tab > Open or Restore.

Pro Tool: Windows File Recovery (Free from Microsoft)

Download from Microsoft Store. Run as admin in Command Prompt: winfr C: E:\Recovered /regular /n \Users\YourName\Documents\*.* (C: source, E: destination). Preview and save—ideal for deep scans.

Recovery Method	Time to Recover	Success Rate	Best For
Recycle Bin	<1 min	95%	Recent deletes​
File History	2-5 min	80%	Backed-up data​
WinFR Tool	10-60 min	70-90%	Permanent deletes
Disk Drill	5-30 min	85%	All file types

Recover Deleted Files on Phones: Android & iPhone Hacks

Phones auto-purge less—many hold "trash" folders for weeks. Connect to PC for power recovery.

Android: Trash to Triumph

• Open Gallery/Files > Trash/Recently Deleted (holds 30-60 days) > Select > Restore.

• Google Photos/Drive: Sign in at photos.google.com > Trash > Restore (cloud magic!).

• PC Boost: USB connect + Recoverit/Dr.Fone—scan storage, preview, export to computer.

iPhone: iOS Recovery Secrets

• Photos app > Albums > Recently Deleted > Select > Recover (30 days free).

• iCloud.com > Photos > Recently Deleted > Download.

• Full Backup Restore: Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC)—but backs up everything first!

Phone Type	Easiest Method	Pro Tool	Free Limit
Android	Google Trash	Recoverit	60 days​
iPhone	Recently Deleted	Dr.Fone	30 days

Prevent Future File Loss: Must-Do Tips

• Auto-backup daily: OneDrive (Windows), Google Drive (Android), iCloud (iPhone).

• Use external SSDs—Kingston recommends for speed.

• Enable "Previous Versions" and run CHKDSK weekly.

Master these how-to-recover-deleted-files techniques now—share this guide and save someone's data today!

Speed Up Your Browser: Essential Cleanup Tips For Firefox, Chrome and Edge

Cleaning up your browser by clearing cache, managing extensions, and optimizing settings can significantly boost speed across Firefox, Chrome, and Edge. These steps reduce resource usage and eliminate performance bottlenecks for smoother browsing.

Common Speed Boosters

Clear browsing data regularly to free up space from accumulated cache, cookies, and history, which often slow page loads. Update your browser to the latest version for performance enhancements and security patches. Enable hardware acceleration in settings to leverage your GPU for faster rendering of graphics and videos.

Firefox Optimization

Disable unnecessary extensions via Add-ons and Themes to cut memory drain. Manage tabs by closing extras or using private browsing to avoid history buildup. Adjust about:config tweaks like disabling telemetry for extra responsiveness, and refresh Firefox if issues persist.

Chrome Tweaks

Use the Memory Saver feature under Performance settings to suspend inactive tabs automatically. Remove or disable extensions from the Extensions menu, keeping only essentials like ad blockers. Reset to default theme and limit auto-playing media for quicker navigation.

Edge Enhancements

Leverage built-in tab sleeping, which pauses inactive tabs to save RAM. Clear data through Privacy, search, and services settings, and scan for malware using the Cleanup Tool. Switch to a lightweight theme and block unnecessary autoplay content.

How to Set Up and Use Two-factor authentication(2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a vital security layer to your accounts by requiring a second verification step beyond your password, such as a code from your phone or an app. Setting it up on your phone and laptop helps protect against unauthorized access, especially for email, banking, and social media.

Why Use 2FA

2FA significantly reduces hacking risks by combining something you know (password) with something you have (phone or app-generated code). Common methods include authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Authy, SMS codes, or hardware keys, with apps being the most secure and reliable option. Always enable it on high-risk accounts first, like Google or Microsoft, to safeguard personal data.

Setting Up on Your Phone

Download a trusted authenticator app such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy from your app store (Android or iOS). For any account, go to its security settings, select "Enable 2FA" or "Two-Step Verification," and choose the app method—scan the QR code displayed to link it. Save backup recovery codes in a secure place, like a password manager, to avoid lockouts if you lose your phone.

• Open the app after install and grant basic permissions.
• Log into the service (e.g., Gmail), navigate to Security > 2FA.
• Scan QR or enter setup key; test by logging out and back in.

Setting Up on Your Laptop

Install the same authenticator app on your laptop via desktop versions available for Windows, macOS, or Linux, or use browser extensions for services like GitHub. In account settings, follow the same QR scan process during 2FA setup, ensuring the app generates time-based codes (TOTP). For Microsoft or Apple accounts, enable via their respective security pages and verify with your phone first if needed.

Daily Usage Tips

During login, enter your password, then input the 6-digit code from your app—it refreshes every 30 seconds. Back up seeds across devices early to switch phones seamlessly, and avoid SMS-only 2FA due to SIM swap vulnerabilities. Regularly review linked devices in account settings and use recovery codes only as a last resort.

Overheating Laptops

Dealing with Overheating Laptops: Causes, Prevention, and When to Seek Repair

Overheating laptops generate excessive heat from blocked vents, dust buildup, high-performance tasks, or failing hardware like old thermal paste, leading to slowdowns, random shutdowns, or permanent damage. Prevention involves simple habits like using hard surfaces and cleaning vents, while repair becomes necessary if issues persist after basic fixes. This guide covers key causes, actionable prevention steps, and repair signals for optimal laptop performance.

Common Causes

Laptops overheat when airflow is restricted by soft surfaces like beds or laps that cover vents, trapping hot air inside. Dust, dirt, and hair accumulate in fans over time, forcing them to work harder and produce more heat, especially during intensive tasks like gaming or video editing. Additional factors include degraded thermal paste on the CPU/GPU, outdated drivers causing inefficient power use, or high ambient temperatures near heat sources.

Prevention Tips

• Place laptops on hard, flat surfaces to ensure proper airflow under the device, avoiding beds, pillows, or laps.
• Clean vents and fans regularly with compressed air to remove dust buildup, which can block cooling efficiency.
• Adjust power settings to balanced mode, dim screen brightness, and close unnecessary background apps to reduce CPU/GPU strain.
• Use a cooling pad for extra airflow during heavy use, and keep the laptop out of direct sunlight or hot rooms.
• Update BIOS, drivers, and software for better thermal management, and limit multitasking on high-performance modes.

When to Seek Repair

Basic fixes like cleaning or power tweaks often resolve overheating, but professional help is needed if fans run constantly at max speed, unusual noises occur, or temperatures exceed safe limits despite prevention efforts. Seek repair for hardware issues like worn thermal paste (replace every 2-3 years), failing fans, or battery problems, as DIY reapplication risks warranty voidance. Persistent throttling, crashes, or hot spots signal internal damage requiring expert diagnosis to avoid costly component failure.

Understanding the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error: Quick diagnosis and fixes

What is the Blue Screen of Death?

The Blue Screen of Death, or BSOD, is a Windows stop error that appears when the operating system encounters a critical issue it cannot recover from, causing the system to halt and restart. It primarily serves as a warning of a critical failure, often displaying information such as error codes and troubleshooting data. The BSOD used to show a lot of technical text but now presents a simpler message with a sad emoticon or QR code for easier understanding.

Common Causes of BSOD

• Drivers: Most BSODs (about 70%) are related to third-party driver code causing system conflicts.
• Software: Incompatible or faulty applications can trigger system crashes.
• Hardware: Defective RAM, hard drives, motherboards, processors, or power supplies are common culprits.
• Overheating: Excess heat due to dust or fan failure can prompt system shutdowns.
• Malware: Viruses and other malware that corrupt system files can also result in BSODs.

Quick Diagnosis Steps

• Take note of the stop error code and message displayed during the BSOD.
• Recall any recent changes to hardware or software installations.
• Use Windows tools like Event Viewer and minidump files to analyze the error.
• Boot into Safe Mode if normal startup is not possible to isolate software issues.

Practical Fixes

• Update or Rollback Drivers: Use Windows Update or device manager to update drivers. Rollback if the issue started after a driver update.
• Uninstall Recent Software: Remove apps installed before the BSOD started happening.
• Run Hardware Tests: Use built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic, manufacturer software for hard drives, and GPU stress tests.
• Scan for Malware: Use trusted antivirus and malware removal tools.
• Cool the System: Clean fans and vents and ensure airflow to prevent overheating.
• System Restore: Roll back Windows to a previous restore point where the BSOD did not occur.

Using these steps, you can often identify the cause of a BSOD and implement effective solutions to prevent recurrence and maintain system stability.

Phone Blackouts: Causes and Easy Fixes for Samsung and Other Smartphones

Smartphone blackouts can be frustrating. Whether your Samsung phone or any other brand's screen suddenly goes black or won’t turn on for hours, it’s often caused by a temporary software glitch, battery issues, or overheating. Luckily, many blackouts can be fixed quickly at home.

Common Causes of Phone Blackouts

• Temporary Software Glitches: Minor bugs or app crashes can freeze the screen.
• Battery and Charging Issues: A depleted or faulty battery, or charger problems, can cause the screen to go black.
• Overheating: Excess heat damages internal components and may cause shutdowns.
• Malware and Viruses: Harmful apps or attacks slow performance, causing black screen errors.
• Physical or Liquid Damage: Impact or moisture can disrupt the display hardware.

How to Fix a Blackout on Your Phone

1. Force Restart Your Phone: A simple forced reboot often clears temporary glitches. For Samsung phones: Press and hold the Power button + Volume Down for about 20 seconds until the phone restarts.
2. Charge Your Phone Properly: Connect to a reliable charger. Leave it charging for at least 15-60 minutes before retrying the power on.
3. Check for Software Updates: Go to Settings > Software Update > Download and Install. Updates often fix bugs causing black screens.
4. Boot into Safe Mode: This disables third-party apps. If the screen works in Safe Mode, uninstall recently installed apps causing issues.
5. Clear Cache or Storage: Clear unnecessary files and app caches to free up system resources.
6. Factory Reset (Last Resort): Back up photos, contacts, and files. Reset your phone to factory settings to remove persistent bugs.
7. Seek Professional Help: If hardware damage or battery faults are suspected, visit an authorized service center.

The Importance of Restarting Your Laptop (And How to Do It Right)

Why Restarting Your Laptop Matters

Restarting your laptop is more than just turning it off and on again; it’s a vital maintenance step that refreshes your system, fixes glitches, and boosts performance. Over time, your laptop accumulates temporary files, clogs memory with apps running in the background, and sometimes faces software conflicts. A simple restart clears these issues and gives your laptop a fresh start.

Key Benefits of Restarting

• Frees up RAM by closing apps and background processes

• Solves software bugs and freezes without complex fixes

• Applies important updates that improve security and features

• Resets network connections for faster, reliable internet

• Helps manage battery and system temperature for laptops

How to Safely Restart Your Laptop

1. Save Your Work: Always save files and close applications before restarting to avoid losing data.

2. Use the Proper Restart Option: Use the operating system’s restart feature (Windows Start menu > Restart or macOS Apple menu > Restart). Avoid hard shutdowns unless necessary.

3. Wait for Complete Reboot: Give your laptop enough time to shut down fully and start back up without interruption.

4. Restart Regularly: Aim to restart at least once a week or whenever your laptop slows down or acts strangely.

Common Restarting Mistakes to Avoid

• Forcing shutdown by holding the power button frequently, which can corrupt system files.

• Ignoring save prompts and losing unsaved work.

• Restarting during critical update installations can cause system issues.

• Assuming restarting permanently fixes hardware problems—it’s usually for software or temporary fixes.

When to Restart Your Phone vs. Laptop

Phones also benefit from restarts, especially to clear memory and fix app crashes. However, laptops handle more complex processes, making restarts more impactful on overall performance.