First Rule

Stop using the drive immediately. Continued usage overwrites deleted data.

Step 1 - Check Recycle Bin

Simple, but often overlooked.

Step 2 - Use Windows File Recovery

Install from Microsoft Store, developed by Microsoft. Link: Windows File Recovery
  • Open Windows File Recovery
  • Use command line to specify source and destination drives:

winfr C: D: /regular /n *.docx

What You Should Not Do

  • Install recovery software on same drive - could overwrite recoverable data
  • Keep rebooting repeatedly - increases overwrite risk

Final Thoughts

The faster you act, the higher recovery chance.