How to Recover Replaced Files in Windows?

How to recover replaced files? Three methods help you recover overwritten files in Windows. Besides, learn how to recover replaced files Mac on this page.

Penny

By Penny / Updated on August 11, 2022

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How do I recover a replaced file in Windows 10?

   
   
   
       

I recently accidentally replaced some essential files of mine. I have tried to recover the overwritten files on Windows using Previous Versions. Is there any other way to restore those files or tools that can help me get them back?

       

-A user in Microsoft Community 

In computing, if you delete a file from your PC, the operating system will only remove it from the file category, and mark the storage space as free. Before new data is written to the free space, you still have a chance to retrieve the replaced files.

To increase the likelihood of data recovery, please reduce the usage of your PC or other storage devices after data loss. If possible, don’t add any new data to it.

Accidentally replaced file how to recover?

Are you concerned about how to recover replaced files? Please don’t worry. This article can help you recover overwritten files. Besides, if you need to recover the deleted/lost files, please refer to the recommended solution below.

Solution 1. Recover overwritten files using Previous Versions

As the name suggests, previous versions are earlier files/folders versions. Specifically, they are backup copies or shadow copies made by File History or System Restore.

If you want to restore previous versions of files/folders, please ensure you’ve turned on System Restore Point or opened Control Panel > System and Security to activate File History.

After enabling File History, you can get a history of your files or folders over time. And you can browse and select your needed file versions among the listed versions.  

Step 1. Open Windows File Explorer by pressing the “Win + E” keys, and find the folder that contains your needed files before overwriting.

locate-deleted-folder

Step 2. Right-click on it and click the “Properties” option.

click-properties

Step 3. After clicking the Previous Versions tab, you can select a version and click the “Restore” button.

previous-version-restore

Solution 2. Recover overwritten files with AutoSave

Accidentally replaced file how to recover? Released in Microsoft Office, the AutoSave feature can help you save the modified files at default or customized time intervals.

Nevertheless, if you haven’t edited your files for a long period, you cannot see the last auto-saved file version. Let’s take Excel files as an example. This built-in feature also can recover Excel files that were saved over.

Step 1. Open your Excel files, then click “File” > “Info” on the left menu.

Step 2. All the recently auto-saved previous versions are listed in the Manage Versions section. Then you can choose a file version to restore.

autosaved-versions-of-your-document

Recommended: recover the deleted/lost files via data recovery software

Using the best software to recover the deleted/lost files is the most efficient solution for you. If you don’t know how to select a trustable data recovery tool, you can judge them according to the following elements.   

▶Functionality and flexibility:

  • A multifunction program can offer many exciting functions for users.
  • Users could make a flexible choice to perform data recovery regardless of data loss scenarios.

▶Friendliness and compatibility

  • Render a better user experience by providing an intuitive GUI (graphical user interface) and clear operating steps.
  • Work well with all Windows OS family members.

Here comes the most recommended data recovery software MyRecover. Please get an overview of it. Maybe this software is right for you.   

★Tips:
Besides HDD, you can also use this software to recover the deleted/lost files from portable devices such as SSD, USB, and other storage devices.   
Recover 200+ types of data: Word, Excel, PPT, Photos, Videos, Audios, Emails, Compressed files, etc.
Retain the original path, filename, and format for the deleted files.  
Support NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS file systems in Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server.

MyRecover could find all the deleted files and other lost files on your computer after running Quick Scan and Deep Scan automatically. So don’t hesitate to download it now!

Download SoftwareWin 11/10/8/7/Server
Secure Download

Step 1. Run it on your PC. Then select the partition/disk that includes your needed files before data loss, and click the “Start Scan” button.

select-a-partition-to-scan

Step 2. During the scanning process, you can enter the filename in the search box to locate your needed files quickly. After scanning, you’ll see all the deleted files and other missing files of your selected partition/disk.

scan-lost-data

Step 3. Select files you want to restore and click the “Recover x files” button. Please store them in your specified saved path.

recover-lost-data

Further reading: How to recover the recently deleted files on Mac?

If you want to find the recently deleted files on Mac, you can search them in the Bin or Time Machine. Let’s show how it works using Time Machine.

Open the window where you deleted files. Click “Launchpad” in the Dock, then find Time Machine and click the “Enter Time Machine” button. Then you can use the up and down arrows to locate your needed files. Please click the “Restore” button to retrieve your selected files to the original location.

mac-time-machine-restore

Wrapping up

How to recover replaced files in Windows? You can use Previous Versions, System and Restore, or the AutoSave feature. Please note the corresponding premise for each solution.

As you can see, regular backups are effective data loss prevention measures. To prevent data loss, you can make files/folders backups with Windows features like File History or free backup software, AOMEI Backupper.

Moreover, the latter data loss prevention software also allows you to make a “Partition Backup,” “Disk Backup,” or the “System Backup.”

Penny
Penny · Editor
Penny works as an editor at AOMEI Technology, while she's a tester and editor for AOMEI Data Recovery Tools. She enjoys helping users with data recovery issues on Windows and iPhones using simple and practical solutions. Outside of work, she has a strong affection for pets, particularly giant pandas.