Have you ever experienced the frustration of realizing that some important files have mysteriously disappeared from your Windows computer? It can be a baffling and nerve-wracking situation, especially if you don’t have a clue about who might have deleted those files. The good news is that there are ways to find out who is responsible for the deletion, and in this blog post, we will explore various methods to help you track down the culprit.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Find Who Deleted Files in Windows
Finding out who deleted files in Windows is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps you identify potential security breaches or unauthorized access to your computer. By knowing who deleted the files, you can take appropriate measures to protect your privacy and secure your sensitive data. Secondly, it allows you to determine if the deletion was accidental or intentional. This information is valuable in cases where you suspect foul play or need to hold someone accountable for their actions.
Method 1. Using Event Viewer
The Event Viewer is a powerful tool in Windows that logs various system events, including file deletions. Here’s how you can use it to find who deleted files:
Step 1: Open the Event Viewer by pressing the Windows key + R, typing "eventvwr.msc" in the Run dialog box, and hitting Enter.
Step 2: In the Event Viewer window, expand the "Windows Logs" section on the left-hand side and click on "Security" to view security-related events.
Step 3: In the middle pane, you will see a list of security events. Look for event ID 4663, which corresponds to a file or folder deletion event.
Step 4: Double-click on the event to open its details. In the "General" tab, you will find information about the deleted file, including its path and the user who performed the deletion.
Pros:
1. Provides detailed information about the deleted file and the user responsible for the deletion.
2. Allows you to filter events based on specific criteria, making it easier to find the relevant deletion event.
Cons:
1. Requires some technical knowledge to navigate and interpret the Event Viewer interface.
2. The Event Viewer log may be limited in its retention period, so you need to check it within a certain timeframe.
Method 2. Via File History
If you have enabled File History in Windows, it automatically creates backup copies of your files and can help you track down deleted files. Here’s how to use File History to find who deleted files:
Step 1: Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where the deleted file was located.
Step 2: Right-click on the folder and select "Restore previous versions" from the context menu.
Step 3: A list of available backup copies will appear. Select the most recent backup copy before the deletion occurred.
Step 4: Open the selected backup copy and check if the deleted file is present. If it is, look for the user who made the deletion in the file properties.
Pros:
1. Works even if you haven’t specifically set up any file recovery software or tools.
2. Provides an easy way to restore deleted files without needing to dive into complex system logs.
Cons:
1. Requires File History to be enabled and configured beforehand.
2. May not be able to recover files older than the backup retention period.
Method 3. Using File Recovery Software
If the above methods don’t yield satisfactory results, you can try using file recovery software to find who deleted files in Windows. There are various third-party tools available that specialize in data recovery. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:
Step 1: Download and install a reliable file recovery software on your Windows computer. Some popular options include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill.
Step 2: Launch the file recovery software and select the location where the deleted file was originally stored.
Step 3: Start the scanning process to search for deleted files. The software will analyze the storage media and identify any recoverable files.
Step 4: Once the scanning is complete, the software will display a list of recovered files. Look for the deleted file and check the associated metadata for information about the user who deleted it.
Pros:
1. Offers a higher chance of recovering deleted files, even if they have been emptied from the Recycle Bin.
2. Provides an in-depth analysis of the storage media, allowing you to recover a wide range of file types.
Cons:
1. Requires installing third-party software, which may not be suitable for all users.
2. The success of file recovery depends on various factors, such as the length of time since deletion and the level of data fragmentation.
Method 4. Using Shadow Copies
Windows has a feature called Shadow Copies (also known as Volume Shadow Copies) that creates snapshots or backups of files at different points in time. This feature can be used to find deleted files and determine who deleted them. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Navigate to the folder where the deleted file was located.
Step 2: Right-click on the folder and select "Properties" from the context menu.
Step 3: In the "Properties" window, go to the "Previous Versions" tab.
Step 4: You will see a list of available shadow copies. Select the most recent shadow copy before the deletion occurred.
Step 5: Open the selected shadow copy and check if the deleted file is present. If it is, examine the file properties to find information about the user who performed the deletion.
Pros:
1. Allows you to recover deleted files without the need for specialized recovery software.
2. Provides a snapshot-based approach, which means you can retrieve previous versions of files with ease.
Cons:
1. Requires the Shadow Copies feature to be enabled and configured before the deletion occurred.
2. The availability of shadow copies depends on system settings and available storage space.
What to Do If You Can’t Find Who Deleted Files in Windows
If none of the above methods yield conclusive results or if you encounter any issues along the way, here are a few alternative steps you can take:
1. Check the Recycle Bin: Sometimes, files that are inadvertently deleted end up in the Recycle Bin. Open the Recycle Bin and look for the deleted file.
2. Use File Metadata: If the missing file is a document or an image, check the file’s metadata properties. In some cases, the metadata may contain information about the user who last modified or accessed the file.
3. Consult IT Support: If you are unable to determine who deleted the files or suspect a more complex issue, it might be a good idea to reach out to your organization’s IT support team. They may have specialized tools and knowledge to help you track down the culprit.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to help you in your quest to find who deleted files in Windows:
1. Enable Auditing: Windows provides an auditing feature that allows you to track system events, including file deletions. By enabling auditing, you can create logs that provide comprehensive information about who accessed, modified, or deleted files on your computer.
2. Educate Users: If you are in a shared computing environment, it’s essential to educate users about the importance of responsible file handling. Providing training on proper file management practices can help prevent accidental or malicious file deletions.
3. Regular Backups: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that important files are protected. By backing up your data regularly, you can restore files that have been deleted or damaged without the need for complex recovery methods.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I recover files that have been permanently deleted from the Recycle Bin?
A: Yes, it is possible to recover files that have been permanently deleted from the Recycle Bin using specialized file recovery software. However, the success of recovery depends on several factors, including the length of time since deletion and the level of data fragmentation.
Q2: Are there any risks associated with using file recovery software?
A: While file recovery software can be effective in recovering deleted files, there are certain risks involved. These include the possibility of overwriting the deleted files if the recovery software is installed on the same drive where the files were stored. It is recommended to install the recovery software on a separate drive to minimize the risk of data loss.
Q3: How can I prevent accidental file deletions?
A: To prevent accidental file deletions, you can take the following precautions:
– Take extra care when deleting files and double-check before confirming the deletion.
– Keep important files in separate folders to minimize the risk of accidental deletion.
– Regularly back up your files to an external storage device or cloud storage service.
Q4: Can I track file deletions on a network drive?
A: Yes, it is possible to track file deletions on a network drive by enabling file auditing on the server that hosts the drive. This allows you to monitor and log file-related activities, including deletions, from all connected devices.
Q5: Can I use the methods mentioned in this blog post on Windows 10?
A: Yes, the methods described in this blog post are applicable to Windows 10 and other Windows versions, unless specifically mentioned otherwise.
Final Thoughts
Finding who deleted files in Windows can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and methods, it is possible to track down the culprit. By leveraging the built-in Windows features like Event Viewer and File History, as well as third-party file recovery software, you can uncover valuable information about the deletion process. Remember to enable auditing, educate users, and implement regular backups to prevent and mitigate the impact of accidental or intentional file deletions.