Windows 10 is a versatile and powerful operating system used by millions of people worldwide. However, one common frustration users encounter is the automatic deletion of files by the system. Windows 10 has built-in features and settings that can remove files without your consent. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various scenarios where Windows 10 may delete files automatically and provide step-by-step solutions to prevent this from happening. By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge to safeguard your important data from unintentional deletion in USA.
Table of Contents:
Windows 10 Disk Cleanup
Windows 10 includes a tool called Disk Cleanup, which is designed to free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files. While this is useful, it can sometimes remove files you want to keep. Here’s how to manage this feature:
a. Launch Disk Cleanup:
– Type “Disk Cleanup” in the Windows search bar and select it from the results.
– Choose the drive where your files were deleted, usually the C: drive.
b. Customize Cleanup:
– Click on “Clean up system files.”
– Select the file categories to clean but be cautious about “Downloads” and “Recycle Bin.”
c. Review and Confirm:
– Go through the list of files to be deleted and uncheck any you want to keep how to stop windows defender from deleting files in USA.
– Click “OK” and confirm the deletion.
Disable Windows Defender
Windows Defender, the built-in antivirus software, can sometimes flag and remove files it deems suspicious. While this is essential for security, you can disable it temporarily to prevent file deletion.
a. Open Windows Security:
– Type “Windows Security” in the Windows search bar and select it.
b. Virus & Threat Protection:
– Click on “Virus & Threat Protection” in the Windows Security window how to stop windows defender from deleting files.
c. Manage Settings:
– Scroll down to the “Virus & Threat Protection Settings” section.
– Turn off “Real-time protection.”
Remember to re-enable Windows Defender after you’ve finished working with the files to maintain system security.
Exclude Files from Windows Defender Scans
If you want to keep Windows Defender enabled but prevent it from removing specific files, you can add exclusions.
a. Open Windows Security:
– Type “Windows Security” in the Windows search bar and select it how to stop windows defender from deleting files.
b. Virus & Threat Protection:
– Click on “Virus & Threat Protection” in the Windows Security window.
c. Manage Settings:
– Scroll down to the “Virus & Threat Protection Settings” section.
– Under “Exclusions,” click on “Manage settings.”
d. Add an Exclusion:
– Click “Add or remove exclusions.”
– Choose “Add an exclusion” and select the type (File, Folder, or File type).
– Browse to the file or folder you want to exclude and confirm.
This way, Windows Defender will ignore the specified files during scans how to stop windows defender from deleting files.
Adjust Windows Update Settings
Windows updates can sometimes cause files to disappear. By changing update settings, you can regain control over when and how updates are installed.
a. Open Windows Update Settings:
– Type “Windows Update settings” in the Windows search bar and select it.
b. Change Active Hours:
– Under “Update settings,” click on “Change active hours” and set the hours when you typically use your computer.
c. Pause Updates:
– If you want more control, click on “Pause updates” and choose a date to resume updates how to stop windows defender from deleting files.
d. Defer Feature Updates:
– Under “Advanced options,” enable “Feature updates” and set the number of days to defer them.
These settings give you more control over when Windows updates are applied, reducing the chances of files getting deleted during an update.
Restore Deleted Files
If your files have already been deleted in USA, Windows has built-in features to help you recover them.
a. Check the Recycle Bin:
– Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop.
– Locate and right-click on the deleted files, then choose “Restore.”
b. Use File History:
– Windows 10 includes a feature called File History that can recover previous versions of files in USA.
– Type “File History” in the Windows search bar and select it.
– Click “Restore personal files” to recover deleted files.
c. Professional Data Recovery Software:
– If the above methods fail, consider using third-party data recovery software like Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.
Conclusion
Windows 10 offers several built-in features that can automatically delete files, which can be frustrating for users. However, with the steps outlined in this guide, you can regain control over your files and prevent Windows 10 from deleting them automatically. By understanding and customizing features like Disk Cleanup, Windows Defender, Windows Update, and using recovery options when needed, you can ensure the safety and security of your important data while enjoying the benefits of Windows 10. Remember that maintaining regular backups of your files is also crucial for data protection in USA.