How to Retrieve Deleted Photos: An Overview of Software, Platforms and Professionals

Introduction

Losing important photos can be a heartbreaking experience. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to retrieve deleted photos, depending on the type of device used to take the photos and where they were stored.

In this article, we will discuss what “retrieving deleted photos” means, explore options for retrieving deleted photos such as utilizing data recovery software, using file history or backup copies, requesting assistance from photo sharing platforms, recovering photos from a cloud storage service, and contacting a professional data recovery company.

Utilizing Data Recovery Software

Data recovery software is a computer program that can scan a storage device, such as a hard drive or memory card, and locate files that have been deleted, allowing them to be recovered.

Using data recovery software has both advantages and disadvantages. According to PC World, “The biggest advantage to using a data-recovery program is that you don’t have to worry about further damaging the drive by attempting a recovery yourself.” Additionally, data recovery software is relatively inexpensive and easy to use. On the other hand, not all deleted files can be successfully recovered and the process can take a long time.

If you decide to try data recovery software, here are the steps you should follow:

• Download and install the data recovery software on your computer.
• Connect the storage device with the deleted photos to your computer.
• Open the data recovery software and select the storage device.
• Choose the type of files you want to recover, such as photos.
• Click “Scan” to start the scanning process.
• Preview the photos and select the ones you want to recover.
• Save the photos to a different storage device.

Using File History or Backup Copies

File History is a feature of Windows 10 that automatically backs up files on a regular basis. If you have enabled File History on your computer, you may be able to restore deleted photos from the backup.

Using File History or backup copies also has advantages and disadvantages. For example, according to Lifewire, “The main advantage of using File History or backup copies is that it is quick and easy to do. You can also restore all of the files in the folder at once, rather than having to select individual files.” However, “the downside is that if you haven’t backed up recently, you may not have an up-to-date version of the file.”

Here are the steps for retrieving deleted photos from File History or backup copies:

• Open File Explorer and select the folder where the deleted photos were stored.
• Right-click on the folder and select “Restore previous versions”.
• Select the version of the folder with the deleted photos.
• Select the photos you want to restore.
• Click “Restore” to save the photos to the original folder.

Requesting Assistance from Photo Sharing Platforms

Photo sharing platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Flickr, allow users to store and share photos online. If you have uploaded photos to one of these platforms, you may be able to request assistance from the platform to retrieve deleted photos.

Requesting assistance from photo sharing platforms has both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, CNET notes that “it’s likely that the platform will have a copy of the photo that you can access, even if you’ve deleted it from your own device.” The downside is that you may have to wait for a response from the platform’s customer service team.

Here are the steps for requesting assistance from a photo sharing platform:

• Log in to the photo sharing platform.
• Go to the “Help” section of the platform.
• Look for the option to contact customer service.
• Explain the situation and provide details of the deleted photos, such as when they were uploaded.
• Wait for a response from the customer service team.
• If the photos can be retrieved, follow the instructions provided by the customer service team.

Recovering Photos from a Cloud Storage Service

A cloud storage service is a service that allows users to store data, such as photos, on a remote server. If you have uploaded photos to a cloud storage service, you may be able to recover them.

Recovering photos from a cloud storage service also has both advantages and disadvantages. According to TechRadar, “One of the big advantages of cloud storage services is that the data is always available, even if something happens to your device.” On the other hand, “it can be difficult to find the exact version of the photo that you’re looking for.”

Here are the steps for recovering photos from a cloud storage service:

• Log in to the cloud storage service.
• Go to the “Files” or “Photos” section of the service.
• Look for the “Deleted Files” or “Deleted Photos” section.
• Select the photos you want to recover.
• Click “Restore” to save the photos to the original folder.

Contacting a Professional Data Recovery Company

If you cannot recover the deleted photos yourself, you may want to consider contacting a professional data recovery company. These companies specialize in recovering lost data from storage devices.

Contacting a professional data recovery company has both advantages and disadvantages. According to Data Analyzers, “The biggest advantage of working with a professional data recovery company is that they have the tools and knowledge to provide a successful recovery.” On the other hand, “the cost of a professional data recovery can be quite expensive.”

Here are the steps for contacting a professional data recovery company:

• Research data recovery companies in your area.
• Compare the services and prices offered by each company.
• Contact the company and explain your situation.
• Send the storage device to the company.
• Wait for the company to complete the recovery process.
• Receive the recovered photos from the company.

Conclusion

It is possible to retrieve deleted photos using data recovery software, file history or backup copies, photo sharing platforms, cloud storage services, and professional data recovery companies. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the best option for your situation.