How to Recover Permanently Deleted Google Drive Files

Google Drive is a cloud storage service offered by Google, which allows users to store and share their files online. It is an incredibly useful tool for individuals and businesses alike, offering easy access to files from any device with internet access. However, it can be frustrating when files are accidentally deleted or lost. Fortunately, it is possible to recover permanently deleted Google Drive files. In this article, we will explore the steps you can take to recover your files and ensure that they are protected in the future.

Table of Contents

1 Understanding How Google Drive Works
2 Step-by-Step Guide to Recover Permanently Deleted Google Drive Files
3 Conclusion
4 FAQs

Understanding How Google Drive Works

Before we dive into the process of recovering deleted files, it’s essential to understand how Google Drive works. When you upload a file to Google Drive, it is stored in the cloud and synced across all your devices. Any changes made to the file on one device are updated on all other devices.

When you delete a file from Google Drive, it is not immediately removed from the cloud. Instead, it is moved to the trash folder, where it remains for 30 days. During this time, you can still recover the file by restoring it from the trash folder. However, after 30 days, the file is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered through conventional means.

Step-by-Step Guide to Recover Permanently Deleted Google Drive Files

If your files have been permanently deleted from Google Drive, don’t panic. Follow these simple steps to recover your files.

Check the Trash Folder

The first step in recovering permanently deleted Google Drive files is to check the trash folder. This is where deleted files are stored for 30 days before being permanently deleted. To check the trash folder, follow these steps:

Open Google Drive on your computer.
Click on the “Trash” folder on the left-hand side of the screen.
Look for the file you want to recover and right-click on it.
Select “Restore” from the menu.

If the file you are looking for is in the trash folder, restoring it is a straightforward process. However, if the file has been permanently deleted from the trash folder, you will need to use a third-party recovery tool.

Use a Third-Party Recovery Tool

If your files are not in the trash folder, you can use a third-party recovery tool to recover them. There are many tools available, but we recommend using Disk Drill, a powerful data recovery software that can recover deleted files from your hard drive, USB drive, and other storage devices.

To use Disk Drill to recover permanently deleted Google Drive files, follow these steps:

Download and install Disk Drill on your computer.
Open the application and select the hard drive where Google Drive is installed.
Click on the “Search for lost data” button.
Select the file type you want to recover (e.g., Google Sheets, Google Docs, etc.).
Click on the “Scan” button.

Disk Drill will scan your hard drive for any recoverable files. Once the scan is complete, you can preview the files and select the ones you want to recover. Click on the “Recover” button to restore the files to your computer.

Prevent Future Data Loss

Now that you have recovered your deleted files, it’s essential to take steps to prevent future data loss. Here are some tips to help you protect your files:

Back up your files regularly: Regularly backing up your files is the best way to ensure that you don’t lose your data. You can use a cloud-based backup service like Google Drive or an external hard drive to store your files.
Use version history: Google Drive has a version history feature that allows you to see all the changes made
Be careful when deleting files: Make sure you are deleting the right files before hitting the delete button. If you accidentally delete a file, you can quickly restore it from the trash folder.
Use two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your Google account, making it more challenging for hackers to gain access to your files.
Use strong passwords: Choose strong and unique passwords for your Google account to prevent unauthorized access.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing your important files in the future.

Conclusion

Accidentally deleting important files can be a frustrating experience, but with the right tools and techniques, you can recover permanently deleted Google Drive files. Remember to always check the trash folder first and use a third-party recovery tool if necessary. Additionally, take steps to prevent future data loss by backing up your files regularly, using version history, being careful when deleting files, using two-factor authentication, and using strong passwords.

FAQs

Can I recover files that have been deleted from the trash folder for more than 30 days?

No, files that have been permanently deleted from the trash folder for more than 30 days are not recoverable through conventional means.

Can I use any third-party recovery tool to recover permanently deleted Google Drive files?

While there are many third-party recovery tools available, not all of them may be suitable for recovering Google Drive files. We recommend using Disk Drill for the best results.

Is it necessary to use a third-party recovery tool to recover permanently deleted Google Drive files?

No, if the file is still in the trash folder, you can easily restore it without the need for a third-party recovery tool.

What is version history, and how can it help me prevent data loss?

Version history is a feature in Google Drive that allows you to see all the changes made to a file and restore previous versions of the file. This can help prevent data loss by allowing you to restore a previous version of the file if the current version is accidentally deleted or corrupted.

Can I recover files that have been deleted from a shared Google Drive folder?

Yes, you can recover files that have been deleted from a shared Google Drive folder if you have the necessary permissions to do so. However, if the owner of the folder has permanently deleted the file, it may not be recoverable.