Zip files, just like any other file type, are crucial for any user. These compressed archives hold multiple files. For someone low on space, these can be great. The only downside is that if you accidentally delete them, you will lose multiple files simultaneously.
If you have ever removed a Zip file from your computer without realizing it, you know exactly what we are discussing.
Unfortunately, accidentally deleting a file is another part of using a PC. Hence it may become unavoidable to eliminate the factor from any use case, especially for those with a habit of permanently deleting files (using Shift+Del) in everyday life. This way, they are not even able to use the recycle bin.
However, there are ways you can recover deleted Zip files on your PC, and in this blog, we will discuss three of them.
Easy & Working Ways to Recover Deleted/Lost Zip Files on a PC – Is it Possible?
Many users take a toll on themselves when they accidentally deleted a Zip file because they are unaware that it is possible to recover them.
The problem with accidentally deleting a file is that one does not realize it until it’s done. And when it hits an individual, they panic. The concept of data recovery and returning deleted files is lesser-known to users. And those who are aware of it do not believe it is possible.
If you have accidentally deleted a Zip file and would like to recover it, let us tell you that it is possible and easy too.
There are 3 ways to recover deleted Zip files on a PC, these are –
Way #1 – Use the File History Feature on Windows
If you have ever used system restore on Windows or have it enabled, there are chances that the deleted file can be recovered.
File History is a feature that can help one explore the files saved in a restore point created. This means that the removed Zip file that was backed up could be rolled back to its previous version and restored from the available backup.
To access file history –
Step 1 – Press Windows + R to open the Windows Run search.
Step 2 – In the Run search, use the command “Control” and hit enter. This will bring up the Control Panel.
Step 3 – In the Control Panel, Look for System & Security. Click on it to enter.
Step 4 – Explore the available options to find File History.
Step 5 – Click on File History, and then from the left panel, choose Restore Personal Files. 
Step 6 – It will open a box for you to preview deleted files.
Step 7 – Spot the deleted Zip file and restore it using the Recycle option.
The only issue with this approach is that not all users have file recovery or restore enabled on their PC. If you used all the steps and navigated to File History just to find that it was not turned on, do not worry; we have other ways to help.
Way #2 – Try Windows File Recovery Command Line Application
Windows has a dedicated command-line application called Windows File Recovery for users who accidentally delete files on a PC. It works on commands and requires a certain level of expertise to master.
To use this Microsoft application to recover deleted Zip files, follow these steps –
Step 1 – Go To Microsoft Store and search for Windows File Recovery.
Step 2 – Download it on the system to use later.
Step 3 – Once done, go to the start menu and run Windows File Recovery as administrator.
Step 4 – Since it is a command-line application, use the following command to recover the deleted files –
winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches]
Where,
source-drive: where you have deleted files;
destination-drive: the place you want to store the recovered files;
mode: recovery mode, including “Regular” & “Extensive.”
The Windows File Recovery tool has multiple modes that must be invoked as per the type of drive file system a PC uses and the type of file one wants to recover. Here’s a complete table to give you a better idea of what modes to choose.
| S.No. | File System | Type of File for Recovery | Mode |
| 1 | NTFS | Recently Deleted | Regular |
| 2 | NTFS | Deleted for a While | Extensive |
| 3 | NTFS | Formatted Files | Extensive |
| 4 | NTFS | Corrupt Files | Extensive |
| 5 | FAT & exFAT | Any of the Above | Extensive |
Choose your mode and drive in the command as per the requirement. You can check the file system your PC is using by right-clicking on your hard drive and checking its properties.
Step 5 – Once you have executed the command properly, a folder named Recovery will be created with date and time as the distinguisher. Congratulations, you have successfully restored a deleted Zip file.
Since the process is based on the command line, one can understand the tool’s complications. If all of it seems too much work (which it is), do not worry, as we also have an easy way out! Check out the next way!
Ways #3 – Recover Deleted Zip Files Using Advanced File Recovery
This one is a sure-shot winner, unlike any other method in the list. How? The Advanced File Recovery tool is an easy-to-use yet effective data recovery software that allows spotting the deleted files from the drive’s core where they might be available.
The tool works on recovery principles given by experts in the industry. And the best part is there’s minimal user effort involved. All you have to do is –
Step 1 – Download the Advanced File Recovery tool from the link below.
Step 2 – After installation, run the application. At the Home screen, select the drive the file was removed from.
Step 3 – Click on Next. Also, you do have the option to select the mode of the scan. You can use a quick scan to recover a recently deleted file. If the time has passed after the deleted file, you can go for the deep scan.
Step 4 – Select the type of file to recover from the drive. In this case, it will be a compressed file since we are recovering accidentally deleted Zip files.
Step 5 – The Scan will begin and look for all the archive files removed from the PC. The scan will take time, depending on the type of scan you have chosen.
Step 6 – Once the scan is over, you can select the files you want to recover. The option to preview a file is also available.
Step 7 – Select the file and click on Recover Now. Let the process finish, and you are done.
With no dedicated commands and no limitations, Advanced File Recovery allows you to recover deleted Zip files in minutes.
Deleted a Zip File Accidentally? Don’t Panic Advanced File Recovery is Here!
Looking at the complexity and effectiveness of the available methods, it is clear that using the Advanced File Recovery tool is the ultimate solution for any user.
The best part about the tool is that it does all the technical work behind the screen. There are no complicated steps to perform; hence, you can be more free and relaxed while performing the recovery.
Download the tool today for the best experience.
With that, we have reached the end of this post. We hope you find it helpful and recover deleted Zip files on Windows easily. Thanks for reading. Good luck!
Next Read: Research On File Recovery: The Science Behind Retrieving Your Lost Files
