How to Restore Deleted Files from External Hard Drive: A Complete Recovery Guide

Before using professional recovery software, it is worth trying several built-in and free recovery methods. These options do not work in every situation, but they are safe, quick, and suitable for recently deleted files.

Method 1: Check the Recycle Bin (Most Overlooked Step)

In some cases, files deleted from an external hard drive are not permanently removed immediately.

When this works

• The external hard drive was connected as a normal storage device
• Files were deleted using the Delete key or right-click → Delete
• The drive was not removed immediately after deletion

How to check

1. Reconnect the external hard drive to your computer
2. Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop
3. Look for files that match the deleted name, size, or date
4. Right-click the file and choose Restore

The restored file will return to its original location on the external hard drive.

Important note:

If files were deleted using Shift + Delete, or if the drive was formatted, this method will not work. In those cases, you will need to restore deleted files from external hard drive storage using deeper recovery techniques.

Method 2: Restore Files Using Previous Versions or File History (Windows)

If File History or System Protection was enabled before deletion, Windows may have saved older versions of your files automatically.

When this works

• File History or backups were turned on
• The file or folder existed long enough to be backed up
• The external drive was connected during backup

Step-by-step instructions

1. Connect the external hard drive
2. Open File Explorer
3. Navigate to the folder where the file was originally stored
4. Right-click the folder and select Properties
5. Open the Previous Versions tab
6. Choose a version dated before the deletion
7. Click Restore or Open to preview files

This method is especially useful for documents and work folders. However, it does not help if backups were never enabled.

Method 3: Recover Hidden Files Using Command Prompt (CMD)

Sometimes files are not deleted but become hidden due to file system errors or malware.

When this works

• Files disappeared suddenly
• The drive shows much less used space than expected
• You suspect files are hidden rather than deleted

How to run the command

1. Connect the external hard drive
2. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter
3. In Command Prompt, type the following command:

attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:\*.*

Replace X: with your external hard drive letter.

1. Press Enter and wait for the process to finish

After completion, check the drive again. Hidden files may now be visible.

Limitations:

This method does not recover permanently deleted files. It only reveals files that still exist on the drive.

Method 4: Check the $Recycle.Bin Folder Manually (Advanced Users)

Windows sometimes stores deleted files from external drives in a hidden system folder.

Steps

1. Open File Explorer
2. Enable Hidden items from the View menu
3. Navigate to the external hard drive
4. Look for a folder named $Recycle.Bin
5. Open subfolders and search for deleted files

This approach is optional and works only in specific configurations. If the folder is missing, recovery must rely on scanning tools.

When Free Methods Are Not Enough

Free recovery methods fail in the following situations:

• Files were permanently deleted
• The external hard drive was formatted
• The file system is corrupted or shows RAW status
• Data loss happened weeks or months ago

At this stage, deeper scanning is required to recover deleted files in external hard disk storage, which is why dedicated recovery software becomes the next logical step.