7 Easy Ways to Recover Files Lost to a Virus on Your Laptop

Can’t find an important file even after searching through every folder on your laptop or flash drive? Chances are, your file was lost due to a virus. If that’s the case, don’t panic—Cloudmatika is here to share how to recover files lost to a virus on your laptop. Read this article to find out how.

How Do You Recover Files Lost to a Virus on Your Laptop?

Have you ever wondered where viruses on your laptop come from? Viruses can originate from anywhere—such as files or software infected with malware without your knowledge. Virus attacks can also stem from links containing dangerous malware while browsing, failing to update apps or your operating system (OS) regularly, or files transferred from a flash drive to your local storage.

Important files on your computer have fallen victim to malware that infiltrated your laptop, making them impossible to find. So, what

should you do to recover these lost files? Follow the effective methods below!

1. Use Windows Backup

Start with a simple and easy solution first: restoring lost files using Windows Backup. This method works if your laptop runs Windows 7. Here are the steps:

• Open the “Control Panel” menu via the “Start” icon.
• Click “System and Security,” then select “Backup and Restore.”
• Click “Restore files from backup.” Wait until Windows finishes the process.

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2. Run Data Recovery Software

As a second option, you can install data recovery software to restore files lost due to a virus. This method is easier for casual laptop users to follow than encrypting files.

Choose reputable software that can be downloaded from its official website. Do not download software from untrusted websites, as this can actually increase the risk of malware infecting your laptop.

3. Use Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is useful for removing various types of viruses or malware, such as worms, Trojans, or spyware. Choose the best antivirus software so it can combat all types of viruses on your laptop. Viruses are constantly evolving and becoming more resilient, so you must have antivirus software with the latest version.

It’s best to use Acronis Cyber Protection because this software automatically backs up your data on a regular basis, providing better protection against virus attacks.

Even if you can’t recover lost files, at least your laptop will be better protected from future virus attacks. Antivirus software ensures a safer online experience. Dangerous websites that may contain viruses will be blocked by the antivirus software before they can access your laptop.

4. Search in File Explorer

It’s possible that the missing files weren’t actually deleted, but are hidden by a virus. When exploring “File Explorer,” you might find many hidden files on your flash drive.

Follow the steps below to find hidden files on your flash drive.

• Open ‘File Explorer’.
• Click ‘View’ at the top, then select ‘Options’. For Windows 11 users, simply click the three-dot icon at the top to find ‘Options’.
• Open the ‘View’ tab, then select ‘Show hidden files, folders, and drives’.
• Uncheck the box next to ‘Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)’.
• Click ‘Apply’ > ‘OK’. You’ll see the files on the flash drive that were previously missing reappear.

5. Install Windows Updates

Outdated versions of Windows can become a breeding ground for malware on your laptop. Install updates immediately when you see a Windows Update notification. Each version has different updates, so follow the steps specific to the version of Windows installed on your laptop.

Also install updates when the ‘Update’ option appears while shutting down or restarting your computer.

6. Save Data to FileBox

After following the steps to recover files lost due to a virus on your laptop, immediately save your important files to FileBox by Cloudmatika. Why FileBox? Because this service offers a wealth of useful features that can help you maximize your computer’s storage.

FileBox is essentially a cloud storage service, allowing you to save storage space on your computer. It features an automatic cloud backup function that can be enabled. Data stored in FileBox is automatically backed up according to a scheduled schedule. It also includes a data recovery feature to restore accidentally lost or deleted data to its original state.

FileBox can also be used to share files with your coworkers. It’s easy—just right-click the file you want to share, and you can instantly generate a shareable link. Not only that, but FileBox is fully compatible across all devices, so you can share files from a tablet or smartphone while working remotely.

You can get the FileBox service from Cloudmatika with storage capacities ranging from 1 TB to 3 TB at an affordable price. Contact Cloudmatika today to learn more about its features and how to use it. Enhance your company’s data security simply by using Cloudmatika’s services.