Solved: How to Restore Moved Files from Hard Drive? [2025]

Did you move a file to a different location on your computer, from your computer to an external drive, or vice versa, only to realize you can't find it anymore? It can be important documents, cherished photos, or crucial work data. Losing track of moved files can be extremely frustrating. However, recovering moved files is easier than it seems. I will walk you through the various solutions in this article to help you quickly restore the files you misplaced or moved, ensuring you get back to work without missing a beat.
Let's start recovering your moved files.

How To Recover Moved Files from Computer or External Drives?

I recommend you first try these easy troubleshooters. In most cases, these workaround are guaranteed to work.

Method 1: Undo Move

If you haven’t performed any other actions after moving the files, simply undo the move by pressing Ctrl + Z. You can now locate the files at the source location.

Method 2: Check Recent Files

You might have accidentally saved files in a different place. Click on Recent Files to find them. Here is how you do it:

File Explorer > Click on Recent Files under Quick Access.

Method 3: Search your System

If you remember the file or folder name of the moved files, use Windows search and File Explorer search to locate and recover the moved files.

If quick fixes couldn’t recover files moved from the hard drive, then proceed with the next recovery solutions.

Advanced Solutions to Recover Moved Files in Windows 11, 10, and Other Version

If they were unable to restore the moved files, folders, or data. Then, you need to try advanced solutions like backups, and previous versions. If none of these solutions worked, then try Remo Recover.

Method 4: Restore the Lost Files from Backup (If available)

If you have previously backed up the moved files, then you can access your backup and restore them to your preferred location.

Method 5: Restore Files from Previous Versions

If you had enabled File History previously on your computer, then you can easily restore moved files from it without any hiccups. Follow the steps below to recover files:

• Navigate to the folder where your files were stored before moving.
• Right-click inside the folder and select Properties.



• Open the Previous Versions tab.
• Select which previous version you want to recover.



• Click the Restore button.

If you don't have backups or your files are lost or completly missing. Then, you should try dependable tools like Remo Recover.

Method 6: Recover Moved Files Using Data Recovery Software

If the solutions above don’t work, you will need data recovery software to recover files moved from the hard drive. Ensure you choose a reliable data recovery tool that can retrieve files from the hard drive.

Though there are several open-sourced options like Testdisk and Recuva, we suggest you choose Remo Recover by Remo Software to easily recover all the moved files with just a few simple clicks. It supports almost all modern storage devices on Windows and Mac.

Steps to Recover Moved Files using Remo Recover:

Step 1: Download and install Remo Recover on your Computer.

Step 2: Launch the tool, select the drive on which the files were lost, and click on Scan.

Step 3: Once Quick scan is completed, click on the Dynamic Recovery View option to see the recovering files from the drive.

Step 4: Locate all the recovered files in the Lost and Found Files folder.

Step 5: Double-click to preview the files. Now select all the files you wish to recover and click on Recover button and save them in desired location of your choice.

NOTE: Save the recovered files in a different location from the previous one to avoid losing the files again.

BONUS: Tips to Avoid Data Loss in the Future

• Regular Backup: Take regular backups of data and move towards smart backup solutions.
• Precautionary Actions: Always double-check before moving files or taking any sort of action.
• Proper Data Transfer: Avoid transfer interruptions and also be ready for interruptions with a backup.
• Scan Using Antivirus: Protect your computer with an Antivirus to prevent virus attacks and also be aware of the kind of applications you install on your device.

Conclusion

We hope you found the answer to the question "How to recover moved files?" You can try the solutions listed in the article one by one until you recover the moved files. If you suspect deletion or missing files, then use data recovery software to retrieve the deleted files from the external hard drive and follow the suggested tips to avoid the panic and pain of data loss in the future.