Windows-based computers are the most widely used computing systems and they support both HDD and SSD storage media. However, there are still chances of losing important files, including pictures, due to various reasons such as accidental deletion, virus attacks, crashes, and more. If you find that some of your pictures are missing from your Windows PC, there are three ways to get them back.

How to get back a picture you deleted

Firstly, check the Recycle Bin. When a picture file is deleted on a Windows computer, it goes directly to the recycle bin where it stays for up to 30 days before being permanently erased. Within this grace period, you can always retrieve the picture file back to its original directory by following these simple steps: open the Recycle Bin folder, search for the picture file, click on it, and select "Restore" from the top menu. Alternatively, you can double-click on the file and select "Restore". Once you confirm the action, the file will be sent back to its original folder/directory.

Secondly, check for backup files. If you have activated cloud backups or backup to any other alternative drive, you can check for the backup copy of the lost pictures and restore them. Here's how to restore your pictures from backup if you have activated the "Backup & Restore" on Windows OS: connect the alternative backup storage drive you've been using for the backup, right-click on the Start icon, select Control Panel, go to System and Maintenance, Backup and Restore, and then select the "Restore my files" or "Restore all users' files" option.

Retrieve deleted photos

Finally, if you didn't back up the lost pictures earlier, you can use photo recovery software. A professional photo recovery software, such as DiskInternals Uneraser, can help you launch a deep scan on the drive where the pictures were saved earlier and recover them. Here's how to use the software: download and install DiskInternals Uneraser, launch the software, select the primary drive where the pictures were saved earlier, select Fast Recovery or Full Recovery mode, choose the file types you want to recover, wait for the scanning to run completely, preview the recovered images and photos, and recover them to your computer.