How to Recover Deleted Files from Windows Server 2012/2012 R2

Recovering deleted files from Windows Server can feel daunting, especially when crucial data disappears unexpectedly. But with the right tools and steps, it's possible to retrieve those lost files without causing further damage to your system.

In this guide, we'll walk you through recovering deleted files from Windows Server 2012/2016/2019/2025, ensuring you have the knowledge and resources to restore important data quickly and effectively. Whether you're dealing with accidental deletions, an accidentally emptied recycle bin, or a more serious format, we've got you covered with solutions tailored to this specific server environment.

Common causes of Windows Server data recovery

Whether it is Windows Server 2012/2012 R2, or Windows Server 2025, the common reasons for file loss mainly include:

✦ Human error: Users may make human errors that result in files being deleted or formatted by mistake.

✦ Virus or Malware Attack: The server may be attacked by viruses or malware, these malicious programs may delete or encrypt files in the server.

✦ Hardware Failure: The server hard disk may fail, such as bad sectors, corruption, or malfunction, resulting in data loss.

✦ Power Failure: Sudden power failure or power outage may cause the server to shut down, which may result in file system corruption or file loss.

✦ Software Errors: The software running on the server may have bugs or errors and these software errors may lead to file loss.

✦ Network Problem: There may be problems with the network where the server is located, such as disconnections or dropped connections, which can lead to inaccessibility or loss of files.

Before recovering these lost files, we must first understand why this happens. Then, keep scrolling down to know the whole process of Windows Server data recovery.

How to recover deleted files from Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 [3 options]

Here, I have listed 3 effective methods to recover deleted files from Windows Server, such as recovering from Recycle Bin, recovering from Windows backup, and using the Windows Server data recovery tool.

▶ Option 1. Recover deleted through Recycle Bin

When files are deleted, the first thing you should do is check the Recycle Bin. As a staging area, most files are moved there after deleting. You can retrieve lost files from the Recycle Bin before the Recycle Bin is emptied.

Step 1. Open the Recycle Bin.

Double-click Recycle Bin to launch it on your Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 desktop.

Step 2. Select the files you want to recover.

Search and locate the files you have just deleted.

Step 3. Right-click target files and click Restore.

Right-click on the files and click the Restore option. Just wait until the desired files are restored to their original locations.

▶ Option 2. Restore deleted files with Previous Versions

In addition, if you have enabled the backup feature of Windows Server, you can also restore deleted files from the backup without using third-party software.

Step 1. Right-click on the folder and choose Properties.

Open the drive which contains your lost files and then locate the folder that stores them.

Step 2. Click the Restore button to get lost files back.

Go to the Previous Versions tab. Then, you should choose a previous version and click the Restore button to get lost files back.

▶ Option 3. Retrieve permanently deleted files using data recovery software

In addition to the methods mentioned above, you can also easily recover deleted files from Windows Server with AOMEI FastRecovery, a professional data recovery tool that can recover valuable data from any scenario and avoid potential losses.

★Highlights:

Compatible. It is compatible with all Windows operating systems, including Windows Server 2012/2012 (R2), and even Windows Server 2025.

Simple. It takes only 3 easy steps to recover permanently lost or deleted files from a Windows Server.

Efficient. With a high success rate, it recovers deleted folders/files rapidly.

Overall. It can recover data in various Windows data loss situations, including recovering data from formatted drives, damaged partitions, OS crashes, virus assaults, and more.

Download the Trial version to learn how to recover permanently deleted files in Windows Server 2012 (R2).

Step 1. Click the drive where the deleted files were saved before and click Scan.

Step 2. Then the scanning process will start automatically. You don’t need to wait for the process to complete if you find the files you want to recover. Here choose Deleted Files. You can conduct a direct file search by entering the file name into the search bar.

Step 3. Choose the files that you want to recover. Click Recover xx files and choose a destination path to save the restored files.

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning how to recover deleted files in Windows Server 2012 can save you from potential data loss disasters. Whether you’re restoring files from the Recycle Bin, retrieving them through a previous backup, or using AOMEI FastRecovery data recovery software, each method offers a practical solution depending on your situation. The key is to act quickly and choose the recovery method that best suits your needs to minimize downtime and keep your data secure. With these strategies, you’re well-equipped to handle file recovery efficiently and with confidence.

FAQs about recovering deleted files from Windows Server