Malware, short for malicious software, is a type of software designed to harm or exploit any computer system or network. Malware can come in various forms such as viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware.
Once malware infects your computer, it can cause a range of problems such as slowing down your computer, stealing sensitive information, altering or deleting files, and even taking control of your computer.
One of the most common effects of malware on a computer system is the deletion of important files. In this article, we will discuss how to recover files deleted by malware on Windows.
Understanding How Files Get Deleted by Malware
Malware can delete files from your computer in various ways. For example, a virus can delete files by corrupting them, changing their file extensions, or deleting them entirely.
Ransomware, on the other hand, can encrypt your files and then delete them if you refuse to pay the ransom.
The most common way files get deleted by malware is through a trojan horse. A trojan can disguise itself as a legitimate file or software, and once you download and install it, it can delete files from your computer.
Steps to Take When You Suspect a Malware Attack
If you suspect a malware attack on your computer, the first thing you should do is disconnect your computer from the internet. This will prevent the malware from spreading to other computers or networks.
Next, you should run a malware scan using your antivirus software to detect and remove any malware on your computer.
If your antivirus software detects malware, follow the instructions to remove it. If your antivirus software cannot remove the malware or if it has already deleted your files, you can try the following steps to recover your deleted files.
Options for Recovering Deleted Files on Windows
When your files get deleted by malware, it is not the end of the road. There are several options available to recover your deleted files on Windows.
The first option is to restore your deleted files from a backup. If you have a backup of your files, you can easily restore them to their original location.
Another option is to check your recycle bin or trash folder. If your files were recently deleted, they may still be in the recycle bin or trash folder. If neither of these options works, you can use file recovery software to recover your deleted files.
How to Use File Recovery Software to Recover Deleted Files
Using file recovery software to easily recover deleted files is a good way. First, download and install the file recovery software of your choice. Next, open the file recovery software and select the drive or location where your deleted files were located.
Then, click the scan button to scan for deleted files. Once the scan is complete, select the files you want to recover and click the recover button. The recovered files will be restored to their original location.
SEE ALSO: How to Recover Lost Files on Windows 10
Tips for Preventing Malware Attacks and File Deletion
Preventing malware attacks and file deletion is crucial to keep your computer and data safe. Here are some tips to prevent malware attacks and file deletion:
- Install and use antivirus software and keep it up to date
- Use a firewall to block unauthorized access to your computer
- Be cautious when downloading and installing software from the internet
- Keep your operating system and software up to date
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication
- Back up your important files regularly
READ ALSO: How to Recover Recently Deleted Photos from Recycle Bin
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Malware attacks and file deletion can cause a lot of stress and frustration. However, with the right tools and knowledge, you can recover your deleted files and prevent future attacks.
In this article, we discussed how to recover files deleted by malware on Windows using file recovery software.
READ ALSO: Proven Ways to Recover Permanently Deleted Files on PC
We also discussed the best file recovery software for Windows and provided tips to prevent malware attacks and file deletion. By following these tips, you can keep your computer and data safe from malware attacks.
