Is It Possible To Recover Overwritten Files On Windows 10?

Accidental file deletion is one of the most common hard drive data loss scenarios. Contrary to popular belief, wiped hard drive data is never actually deleted. Instead, information about where the data was stored is removed.

This article covers issues related to overwriting files. Here you’ll find out: What happens when files are overwritten? How long it takes for deleted data to be overwritten?  Possible recovery methods to get back overwritten files, & Best ways to avoid overwriting files, and what can you do to recover accidentally deleted files on Windows 10?

So, are you ready? Let’s read!

Table of Contents:

What Are Overwritten Files?

Is There Any Possibility To Recover Overwritten Files?

How To Avoid Overwriting Files?

Which Is The Best Way To Recover Accidentally Deleted & Lost Files?

——————————————————————————————————————————-

What Are Overwritten Files?

Overwriting refers to replacing old data with new data. There are two primary ways how overwriting happens, by replacing text & by replacing files.

For example: when you try to save an existing doc with the same filename, you might be asked to overwrite it. When you proceed with OK, the old doc gets overwritten by the new one. The situation can also arise when you wish to move the files from one place to another while overwriting the files with the same name.

Is There Any Possibility To Recover Overwritten Files?

There has been a long-standing debate on whether it’s possible to restore overwritten files or not. Several people believe that using some third-party tools; the overwritten data can be recovered. While others have perceptions, that it’s just impossible to recover the overwritten files.

As discussed, when you accidentally delete a file or lose data due to corruption, you can restore data until and unless the very files you are trying to retrieve aren’t overwritten.

Whenever a data gets overwritten, the relevant HDD magnetic domains get re-magnetized. In layman terms, it will physically eliminate the data on the location where overwritten files were stored. Now, both the data on the file system table & data on the physical drive are wiped up. There’s no possibility that overwritten files can be recovered ever.

Check The Possibilities To Recover Overwritten Files:

It is impossible to restore overwritten files. BUT there can be certain situations where the file you’re trying to recover gets archived or maybe skipped when other files were getting overwritten.  So, chances are very thin, but it’s worth trying to try recovering overwritten data on Windows 10, you might be lucky!

1. Try Restoring Overwritten Files Via System Restore

If you are looking for Windows System files that are overwritten, then use System Restore option. Here’s a complete guide on how to create & use System Restore Point on Windows 10, 8 ,7, Vista & XP.  In summary, you can follow the instructions below:

• Reach to Control Panel.
• System and Security.
• Hit System button > System Protection link > System Restore.
• Choose the Restore Point & click the Next button.

3. Try To Recover Files That Were Replaced From The Previous Versions

Chances are you might be using the Windows Backup Service actively. If you do, then you can easily restore the overwritten files on your PC. To recover files from previous versions:

• Launch File Explorer > Locate the Folder in which had your files stored and wish to recover now.
• Right-click > and choose ‘Restore Previous Versions” from the list.
• Select the correct version you wish to recover from & proceed with clicking the Restore button.

3. Recover Replaced Files Via Backup

If you’re someone who makes periodic backups of your machine using native OS tools or third-party data recovery software. You can recover overwritten files from a backup of your system. It’s worthy to check your backup folder, and look for the very files you’re trying to retrieve!

How To Avoid Overwriting Files?

Now that you’ve learned there are very thin or close to no choices to restore overwritten files, you should rather study tips to avoid the overwriting process.

Whenever you feel that you’ve lost an important file or accidentally deleted one:

• Stop operating or running the device immediately.
• Don’t look for the Data Recovery Solutions on the same Windows PC or laptop.
• Avoid installing a Data or Disk Recovery Software on the same drive.
• Do not run the built-in recovery CD or DVD.
• Do not try to restore the data on the same drive.

Adhere to these tips to make further process uncomplicated. You can check out our complete list of Best Data Recovery Tools to rescue the deleted or lost data.

Which Is The Best Way To Recover Accidentally Deleted & Lost Files?

If you have accidentally deleted a file or lost data, take immediate steps to retrieve your files.

Use a dedicated Data Recovery Software to restore every type of file and folders on your PC, storage devices and more. For the purpose, you can rely on Systweak’s Advanced Disk Recovery that allows you to recover the smallest text file to the largest video and whatnot. It features excellent Quick & Deep Scanning options that scan the entire system to locate lost and deleted files in no time.

Still, have questions related to data recovery or overwriting issues? Feel free to mention them in the comment section below!