How to Recover Permanently Deleted Photos on your PC

Preserving our precious memories in the digital age has become an essential part of our lives. From heartwarming family gatherings to breathtaking travel adventures, our photos capture the moments we hold dear.

However, there are instances when these cherished memories can be accidentally or intentionally deleted from our PCs, seemingly lost forever.

The good news is that all hope is not lost. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the realm of data recovery, unveiling proven techniques and tools that can help you recover permanently deleted photos on your PC.

Whether you're a casual user or a tech-savvy enthusiast, this article will provide you with step-by-step instructions and insights to reclaim those lost moments and ensure your memories remain intact.

Methods to Recover Permanently Deleted Photos or Pictures

2. Recover Deleted Photos from Google Photos

If you've been using Google Photos to back up your pictures, there's a good chance that your deleted photos might still be recoverable, even if you've deleted them from your PC. Here's how you can attempt to recover them:

1. 1. Access Google Photos: Open your preferred web browser and go to the Google Photos website (photos.google.com). Sign in to your Google account if prompted.

2. 2. Navigate to Trash: In the Google Photos interface, look for the "Library" icon (three horizontal lines) located in the upper left corner of the screen. Click on it to expand the menu and select "Trash."

3. 3. Browse Deleted Photos: The "Trash" folder contains all the photos and videos you've deleted within the last 60 days. Browse through the contents to locate the deleted photos you want to recover.

4. 4. Select Photos: Click on the photos you wish to recover. You can select multiple photos by holding down the "Ctrl" key (Windows) or "Command" key (Mac) while clicking on the photos.

5. 5. Restore: Once you've selected the desired photos, click on the "Restore" button. This action will immediately move the selected photos back to your Google Photos library.

6. 6. Check Google Drive Sync (if applicable): If you had Google Drive integration enabled and were syncing your Google Photos with a local Google Drive folder on your PC, the recovered photos should also appear there after a sync.

7. 7. Empty Trash: Keep in mind that photos in the Google Photos "Trash" are automatically deleted after 60 days. If you don't restore them within this time frame, they will be permanently removed.

It's important to note that while Google Photos offers this recovery option, it has its limitations. Photos deleted more than 60 days ago or permanently deleted from the "Trash" folder might not be recoverable through this method. Additionally, if you had disabled Google Photos backup or if the photos were deleted from Google Photos before the backup occurred, this method might not yield the desired results.

If the photos you're trying to recover were never backed up to Google Photos, or if the 60-day limit has passed, you might need to explore other recovery methods, such as using data recovery software or restoring from local backups if available.

How to Recover Deleted Photos on Windows

Method 1. From the Recycle Bin

If you've recently deleted photos from your Windows PC, the first place to check for recovery is the Recycle Bin.

Try these easy instructions to recover deleted photos from the Recycle Bin:

1. 1. Open the Recycle Bin: Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop to open it. Alternatively, you can search for "Recycle Bin" in the Start menu and open it from there.

2. 2. Locate Deleted Photos: In the Recycle Bin window, you'll see a list of files that you've recently deleted. Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the deleted photos you want to recover.

3. 3. Select Photos: Click on the photos you want to recover to select them. You can select multiple photos by holding down the "Ctrl" key while clicking on the photos.

4. 4. Restore Selected Items: After selecting the photos, right-click on one of the selected photos and choose the "Restore" option from the context menu. Alternatively, you can click the "Restore the selected items" button located in the Recycle Bin's toolbar.

5. 5. Photos Restored: The selected photos will be restored to their original location on your PC. You can then access them as you normally would.

6. 6. Empty the Recycle Bin: After recovering the deleted photos, if you're sure you no longer need the other items in the Recycle Bin, you can click the "Empty Recycle Bin" button to permanently delete the remaining items.

Keep in mind that photos will only remain in the Recycle Bin until it's emptied or until it reaches its maximum storage capacity, at which point older items will be automatically deleted. It's important to act promptly if you want to recover deleted photos from the Recycle Bin.

Method 3. Using a Photo Recovery Software

When deleted photos are not recoverable through the Recycle Bin or backup files, using specialized photo recovery software can often be an effective solution. One such software is "DiskInternals Uneraser," which is designed to recover lost and deleted files, including photos.

Follow these easy steps to recover permanently deleted photos on Windows 10:

1. 1. Download and Install DiskInternals Uneraser: Visit product's web page to download and install the Uneraser software on your Windows PC.

2. 2. Launch the Software: Open DiskInternals Uneraser after installation. The software will guide you through the recovery process.

3. 3. Select the Storage Location: Choose the drive or partition where the deleted photos were stored. Click the "Next" button to proceed.

4. 4. Choose File Types: In the next window, select the file types you want to recover. Since you're looking for photos, ensure the "Images" or "Photos" option is selected. Click "Next."

5. 5. Scan for Deleted Files: DiskInternals Uneraser will begin scanning the selected drive for deleted photos. This process might take some time depending on the size of the drive and the number of deleted files.

6. 6. Preview and Select Photos: After the scan is complete, you'll see a list of recoverable files, including photos. Preview the files to confirm their contents. Select the photos you want to recover.

7. 7. Choose Recovery Location: Specify a location on your PC where you want to save the recovered photos. It's recommended to choose a different drive to avoid overwriting the deleted data.

8. 8. Start Recovery: Click the "Next" button to initiate the recovery process. DiskInternals Uneraser will recover the selected photos and save them to the specified location.

9. 9. Verify Recovered Photos: After recovery, navigate to the chosen location and verify that the recovered photos are intact and accessible.

When using DiskInternals software, it's important to avoid writing new data to the drive containing the deleted photos until the recovery process is complete. This helps prevent overwriting the deleted data and increases the chances of successful recovery.

How to Retrieve Deleted Photos on Mac

Method 1. From the Trash

If you've recently deleted photos on your Mac, the first place to look for recovery is the Trash. Mac's Trash functions as a holding area for files you've deleted, and you can often recover deleted photos from there.

Here's how to restore a deleted image from the Trash:

1. 1. Open the Trash: Click on the Trash icon in the Dock to open the Trash folder. Alternatively, you can also open a Finder window and select "Trash" from the sidebar.

2. 2. Locate Deleted Photos: In the Trash folder, you'll find the files you've deleted. Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the deleted photos you want to recover.

3. 3. Select Photos: Click on the photos you wish to recover. You can select multiple photos by holding down the "Command" key while clicking on the photos.

4. 4. Restore Selected Items: After selecting the photos, right-click (or Control-click) on one of the selected photos and choose the "Put Back" option from the context menu. Alternatively, you can click the "File" menu at the top of the screen and select "Put Back."

5. 5. Photos Restored: The selected photos will be moved back to their original location on your Mac. You can access them as you normally would.

6. 6. Empty the Trash: Once you've recovered the deleted photos, if you're sure you no longer need the other items in the Trash, you can click the "Empty Trash" option to permanently delete the remaining items.

Method 3. From an iTunes Backup

If you've been using iTunes to back up your iOS devices (iPhone, iPad) to your Mac, you might be able to recover deleted photos from one of these backups.

Use this procedure to restore your photos from the backup:

1. 1. Connect iOS Device: Connect your iOS device to your Mac using a USB cable.

2. 2. Open iTunes: If iTunes doesn't open automatically, launch it on your Mac.

3. 3. Select Device: In iTunes, click on the device icon located near the top left corner of the iTunes window. This will open the device summary page.

4. 4. Access Backups: On the device summary page, click on the "Summary" tab on the left sidebar. Scroll down to the "Backups" section.

5. 5. Choose Backup: Under the "Backups" section, you'll see options to "Back Up Now" or "Restore Backup." Choose "Restore Backup."

6. 6. Select Backup: A window will appear showing your available backups. Choose the backup that contains the photos you want to recover. The backups are listed by date.

7. 7. Restore Backup: Click the "Restore" button to initiate the restoration process. iTunes will begin restoring the selected backup to your iOS device.

8. 8. iOS Device Restoration: During the restoration process, your iOS device will restart and install the selected backup. This will overwrite the current data on your device with the data from the backup, including photos.

9. 9. Access Restored Photos: Once the restoration process is complete, you can access the photos that were included in the backup. Open the Photos app on your iOS device to verify that the recovered photos are present.

Extra Information About Permanently Deleted Photos

2. How to Tell If My Pictures Are Permanently Deleted?

Determining whether your pictures have been permanently deleted can be a bit tricky, but there are some steps you can take to assess the situation. Here's how to tell if your pictures are permanently deleted:

1. 1. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash: The first step is to look in the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac) to see if the deleted pictures are still there. If they are, you can easily restore them. If the Recycle Bin or Trash has been emptied, the photos may have been permanently deleted.

2. 2. Search for the Pictures: Use the built-in search function on your computer to look for the deleted pictures. If they still exist on your system, the search results will show them. If they're not found, they might have been deleted.

3. 3. Check Backup Solutions: If you've been using backup solutions like Time Machine (Mac) or File History (Windows), check if you can recover the pictures from your backups. If the backups are up to date and the pictures were backed up, you might be able to restore them.

4. 4. Use Data Recovery Software: If you can't find your pictures through the above methods, you might consider using data recovery software. These tools can scan your storage device for traces of deleted files and potentially recover them.

5. 5. Check Cloud Services: If you've been using cloud storage or syncing services (like Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox), check if your pictures were uploaded there. If they were, you may be able to recover them from the cloud.

6. 6. Restore from Backup Devices: If you've been manually copying your pictures to external hard drives, USB drives, or other storage devices, check these devices to see if the pictures are still there.

7. 7. Consult a Professional: If the pictures are extremely valuable and none of the above methods work, consider consulting a professional data recovery service. They may have specialized tools and techniques to recover data from damaged or inaccessible storage devices.

8. 8. Error Messages: Sometimes, when trying to access a file that has been permanently deleted, you might receive error messages indicating that the file cannot be found or accessed.

Tips on Permanently Deleted Pictures Recovery

2) Create Multiple Partitions

Creating multiple partitions on your storage device can offer additional safeguards against data loss. Here's how partitioning can contribute to photo recovery and data protection:

• Organized Storage: Partitioning your storage device allows you to categorize and organize your data more effectively. You can allocate separate partitions for your operating system, applications, documents, and photos. This can make it easier to manage and recover specific types of data.
• Isolation of Data: By segregating your data into different partitions, you can limit the impact of issues affecting one partition on the others. For instance, if your operating system encounters problems and requires reinstallation, your photo partition remains untouched.
• Backup and Recovery: When creating partitions, consider dedicating one partition solely for data backup. This partition can hold regular backups of your important files, including photos. In case of data loss, you can restore from the backup partition without affecting other partitions.
• System Performance: Separating your data into different partitions can potentially enhance system performance. For instance, the partition containing your photos won't be affected by the fragmentation or storage use patterns of other partitions.
• Recovery Process: If you accidentally delete files, having a separate photo partition could simplify the recovery process. Instead of scanning your entire storage device, you can focus on the photo partition, which can save time and reduce complexity.
• Caution: While creating multiple partitions can be beneficial, it's important to exercise caution. Poor partition management can lead to issues like data fragmentation, wasted storage space, and potential data loss. Be sure to research and plan your partitioning strategy carefully.

4) Save Photos in a Safe Location

Protecting your photos from accidental deletion or data loss starts with storing them in a secure and organized manner. Here's how to ensure your photos are safe:

• Create Folders: Organize your photos into logical folders. You can categorize them by date, event, location, or any other relevant criteria.
• Choose Trusted Storage Devices: Use reliable storage devices for storing your photos. High-quality external hard drives, USB flash drives, and memory cards are good options.
• Multiple Copies: Keep multiple copies of your photos on different devices. This way, if one device fails, you have backup copies to rely on.
• Cloud Storage: Consider using cloud storage services for storing your photos. Services like Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, and OneDrive offer reliable storage with data redundancy.
• External Drives: Store backup copies of your photos on external hard drives. Keep these drives in a separate location from your primary storage to protect against physical damage or disasters.
• Network-Attached Storage (NAS): If you have a home network, consider setting up a NAS device to centralize and safeguard your photos.
• Regular Backups: Establish a regular backup routine to ensure that new photos are consistently backed up. Automated backup software or cloud services can help with this.
• Test Backups: Periodically verify the integrity of your backups by restoring a small sample of photos. This ensures that your backup system is functioning properly.
• Protect Against Physical Damage: Handle your storage devices with care to prevent physical damage. Avoid dropping them, exposing them to extreme temperatures, or subjecting them to water or moisture.
• Label and Organize: Give meaningful names to your photo files and organize them in a way that makes sense to you. This will make it easier to find specific photos later.
• Metadata and Tags: Use metadata and tags to add information to your photos. This can help you search for specific photos and keep track of important details.
• Regular Maintenance: Occasionally review your photo storage setup. Delete duplicates, old backups, or photos you no longer need to free up space and keep your storage organized.

6) Think Twice, before deciding to delete files

Practicing caution and mindfulness when it comes to deleting files, especially photos, can prevent the irreversible loss of your valuable memories. Here's how to approach file deletion with care:

• Pause and Reflect: Before clicking the delete button, take a moment to consider whether the files are truly no longer needed. Accidental deletions often occur due to impulsive actions.
• Review and Confirm: Some systems offer confirmation prompts when you attempt to delete files. Take advantage of these prompts and double-check your decision before proceeding.
• Selective Deletion: Instead of mass-deleting files, review and delete them one by one or in smaller groups. This reduces the risk of accidentally deleting important files.
• Backup Before Deleting: If you're uncertain about whether to delete certain files, make a backup of them first. This way, you have a safety net in case you change your mind later.
• Tag or Mark for Deletion: If your system allows, use tags or labels to mark files for deletion instead of deleting them immediately. This gives you time to review your choices before permanently removing files.
• Regular Cleanups: Conduct regular cleanups of your storage, but do so mindfully. Consider using dedicated software to help identify and manage duplicate files or old backups that you no longer need.
• Educate Others: If you share devices or accounts with family members or colleagues, educate them about the importance of cautious file deletion. This can prevent accidental deletions by others.
• Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the file management features of your operating system and applications. This knowledge can help you avoid accidental deletions.
• Use Versioning Systems: Some software and cloud services offer versioning, which automatically saves multiple versions of files. This can be a lifesaver if you accidentally delete the latest version.
• Regular Backups: Regularly backing up your files provides an extra layer of protection. Even if you accidentally delete a file, you can restore it from the backup.

By cultivating a thoughtful approach to file deletion, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidentally deleting important photos or other valuable data. Taking a moment to think twice can save you from the stress and heartache of permanent data loss.