Here’s how to recover deleted files on a Chromebook

Whether you are a professional or a student using a Chromebook, sometimes work becomes so hectic that you might accidentally delete an important file and realise it later.

However, there is no need to worry. Like Windows and macOS, ChromeOS, the operating system behind Chromebook, now has a way to restore deleted files.

On Chromebook, files aren’t immediately deleted but are moved to the Trash bin. If you ever need them back, you can restore them easily.

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ChromeOS provides two file systems: one in the cloud (Google Drive) and one local. However, both systems handle deleted files differently.

How to restore a file from local storage

If you delete a file and want it back, Chromebooks allow you to restore it from the Trash folder within 30 days.

1. Open the Files app on your Chromebook.
2. Tap on the Trash folder on the left.
3. Click the name of the file you want to restore.

How to restore a file from Google Drive

Since ChromeOS is an online operating system, your files are often stored in Google Drive and can be recovered from there.

1. Open Google Chrome on your Chromebook.
2. Go to the Google Drive website.
3. Tap Trash on the left. You'll find your deleted files.
4. Find the file you want to restore and tap the three dots in the upper-right corner.
5. Select Restore from the list, and your file is restored.

With these simple steps, you can easily recover deleted files on your Chromebook, whether they are stored locally or in Google Drive.