Sometimes we accidentally delete images while editing them and then wish there was some way we can get them back. Luckily, this is possible indeed in Windows and we’re here to show you how you can recover the older versions of images.
Restoring Images and Files in Windows 8 and Windows 10
If you have enabled the Windows file recovery option, it will save previous versions of all the files that you work with. The versions are automatically saved every five minutes in a special location reserved for the purpose. You can later retrieve these files from the locations when needed. The saved files remain in the location until new files overwrite them.
To restore an older version of a file, simply do the following:
- Right-click This PC and select Properties.
- Now click on Advanced system settings from the pane on the left and then select the System protection tab.
- Turn the protection settings On for the drive whose data you want to be able to restore in the future.
- Once in the future, you want to restore any image/ file, simply enter \\localhost\c$ in the File Explorer and press Enter. (Here c is the name of the drive.)
- Simply right-click on any file that you want to restore.
Another option in this case, is to restore the old file through the History option.
- Open the Control Panel and select System and Security.
- Now click on File History.
- Click Turn on.
Now simply go to the History option in the Ribbon interface and click it to open up the History folder.
This will open up the History folder. You will need to enable the Keep history of your files option.
Note: This option only works if you have a Network Attached Storage (NAS) drive available due to the fact that the history option will be saving your information on that drive.
Use System Image Recovery
Another way to recover old files and images is through System Image Recovery. This isn’t a recommended method because it will restore your whole computer system to a previous point, hence all the changes brought about after that Restore Point was created will be removed, but at least you will end up regaining the lost images. So backup all the data and then you can easily restore your system to a previous point in time.
Here’s how to launch start System image recovery.
- Right-click This PC and select Properties.
- Now select System protection from the pane on the left.
- Select the relevant drive and click Configure.
- Select Turn on system protection and reserve the disk space you want to dedicate by moving the slider to the left.
Turning on System Protection - Click OK.
- Now click Create.
- Now create the Restore Point by simply typing a name and clicking on Create.
Finalizing the Restore Point - You can later on use this Restore Point to get all the current status of the files and images.
Final Word
These are a few ways through which you can find the oldest version of the images on your computer which contains Windows 8/ 10 installed on it.
Raza Ali Kazmi works as an editor and technology content writer at Sorcim Technologies (Pvt) Ltd. He loves to pen down articles on a wide array of technology related topics and has also been diligently testing software solutions on Windows & Mac platforms. If you have any question about the content, you can message me or the company's support team.