7 Methods to Recover Deleted Files From SSD on Windows and Mac

Maybe you accidentally hit delete, the drive got corrupted, or you ran into a formatting issue. Whatever the case is, losing crucial files from an SSD drive feels awful, especially if you needed them urgently. Here you may ask, “Can deleted files be recovered from SSD?”

So, let’s find out the answer to whether can you recover deleted files from an SSD drive in this post. Alongside, we’ll also share when it’s viable to recover deleted files from SSD on Windows and Mac, based on different situations!

Part 1: Can You Recover Deleted Files From an SSD Drive?

If you’re asking, “Can you recover deleted files from an SSD drive,” the answer is yes. Data can sometimes be recovered from an SSD, but the TRIM feature makes it harder. TRIM tells the drive which erased files are no longer needed and clears them to make space for new data, so deleted files are quickly erased.

But recovery chances are better with an SSD drive recovery tool if the data loss is due to accidental deletion, corruption, or formatting. But this is only ideal if the files haven’t been overwritten yet. You can also recover deleted files from SSD if you possess their backup. But to improve recovery chances, it’s best to stop using the drive and disable TRIM before performing data recovery from SSD.

Part 2: 7 Easy Ways to Recover Deleted Files From SSD Drive

Now you know the answer to, “Can deleted files be recovered from SSD?” So, let’s move on to SSD restore deleted files in 7 ways based on your situation:

Option A: Check the Recycle Bin

In case the files were recently removed from your SSD drive and you haven’t emptied the Recycle Bin or Trash, check it there. To do so:

Step 1: Open the Recycle Bin on Windows or Trash on Mac. Look for your files.

Step 2: Right-click and select “Restore” on Windows. Tap “Put Back” on Mac.

Option B: Employ an SSD Drive Recovery Tool

If you’ve emptied your Recycle Bin or Trash, you can employ an SSD drive recovery tool like 4DDiG Data Recovery. It can retrieve files from complex data loss scenarios like severe corruption and formatting to simple deletion with high success. The tool supports 2000+ file types, including MS Office, Illustrator, Photoshop, and RAW files. It’s compatible with both internal and external SSDs, including HDDs, USBs, SD cards, drones, digital cameras, etc. Here’s more about this tool:

• Allows selective file recovery, and preview of recovered files.
• Supports numerous SSD brands like Samsung, WD, Kioxia, Seagate, Micron, Crucial, and more.
• This tool offers both Quick and Deep scans for basic and deeper recovery, respectively.
• Supports file systems such as NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, EXT4/EXT3/EXT2, and HFS/HFS+.
• A free version offers up to 2GB of free SSD recovery for Windows users.

Follow the steps beneath to SSD restore deleted files using this tool:

Step 1: Open the SSD drive recovery tool on your Windows or Mac computer. Next, connect the external SSD to the computer, or pick the internal SSD.

Step 2: Choose an area on your SSD drive where you lost files. Then, pick the file types. Hit “Scan.”

Step 3: Once you find your lost files, pause or stop the scan. Examine the files by their file name or path, or use filter tags or type keywords in the search field to locate the exact matches.

Step 4: Once you’re satisfied, hit “Recover” to move the recovered files to your cloud drive or another disk on your computer.

Option C: Review All Available Backup Sources

In a situation where your SSD files are overwritten, you can utilize a backup for data recovery from SSD, if you possess one. Here’s how:

1. Check your backup locations, like cloud drives or external storage.
2. Log in to cloud services (Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, Dropbox) and search for your SSD files or backup folders.
3. Connect any external drives or SSDs used for backups and browse them for backup folders or disk images.
4. If using a NAS device, access it via your network, log in, and check for backup folders.

Option D: Revert to an Earlier Version

Data recovery from SSD is also achievable on Windows if you own a previous version of your SSD files. However, you must’ve activated the Windows-embedded “Previous Version” feature before the files were erased from the SSD drive. This feature periodically makes copies of your files stored in the Libraries, Desktop, Contacts, and Favorites folders. If you’re using an external SSD, you can manually add its folders to the backup. Here’s how to revert to an earlier version of your SSD:

Step 1: Right-click the folder where you lost the files. Then, choose “Restore previous versions.”

Step 2: You’ll see a list of older versions of the folder. Pick a version from when your files existed. Hit “Restore.”

Option E: Rely on the Backup and Restore Utility

Backup and Restore is another Windows-embedded feature you can utilize to SSD restore deleted files, if you’ve activated it. It creates periodic copies of your SSD files/folders, and if you’re using an external SSD, you can manually back it up. Follow the instructions to utilize the Backup & Restore feature for the SSD disk recovery:

Step 1: Execute “Control Panel.” Open “System and Security.” Then, choose “Backup and Restore (Windows 7).”

Step 2: Tap “Restore my files.” Then, look for the SSD files/folders you want to restore. Choose your desired ones. Hit “Next.”

Step 3: Look for a new location to restore the SSD backup. Then, hit “Restore.”

Option F: Utilize Time Machine (Mac only)

On Mac, if you have activated the Time Machine to back up your SSD drive to an external drive, you can retrieve it from there. Here’s how:

Step 1: Attach the drive with the Time Machine backup to your Mac. Then, open the folder where your SSD files were originally present.

Step 2: Choose the “Time Machine” icon in the Apple menu bar. Next, pick “Browse Time Machine Backups.”

Step 3: Move the arrows to go back in time. Locate a previous backup of your SSD card when its files were intact. Choose them. Hit “Restore.”

Option G: Contact Professional Data Recovery Providers

Still wondering whether can you recover deleted files from an SSD drive? If you don’t possess a backup and your files are overwritten, it’s best to contact a professional SSD retrieval service.

Pick a credible service near you, and call them. Explain your issue, and if required, ship the SSD to them. Professional services usually have specific tools and techniques to retrieve data from severely complex data loss scenarios.

Part 3: Tips to Prevent Future Data Loss on SSD

Even after successfully recovering your SSD files, there’s no guarantee you won’t lose them in the future. But you can certainly reduce the chances of loss. Here’s what to do:

1. Enable periodic backups: Set up automatic backups to avoid losing important files.
2. Use reliable SSD brands: Choose high-quality SSDs for better durability and reliability.
3. Avoid overfilling the SSD: Keep some free space on your SSD to improve performance and lifespan.
4. Disable TRIM (if needed): Temporarily turn off TRIM if you need to recover deleted data.
5. Use power protection: Use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect your SSD from sudden power loss.
6. Keep your system updated: Regularly update your SSD’s firmware and your operating system.
7. Avoid physical damage: Manage your SSD carefully to prevent physical damage or shock.

Bottom Line

If you were wondering before whether can deleted files be recovered from SSD, the answer is yes. However, the recovery can be difficult due to the TRIM feature. But you can still recover deleted files from SSD if you have a backup.

In case you don’t possess one, employ a tool like 4DDiG Data Recovery. It can retrieve files from complex data loss scenarios and offers selective file recovery and preview of recovered files. However, if your data is overwritten, seek out a professional recovery service.