6 Ways to Recover Unsaved/Deleted Notepad Files in Windows 10/11

Notepad is a simple text editor on Microsoft Windows. It has been part of the Windows operating system since 1983. Its small footprint and low resource requirements make it a good choice for those who need a simple way to create and edit text files.

As Notepad lacks the restore and backup features of more advanced text editors, retrieving lost documents is more challenging than other editors when an unexpected exit or deletion occurs. Don't worry if you encounter such a problem and need to recover TXT files in Windows 11/10. Here we will provide some helpful options below to help you in this regard.

How to Recover Unsaved Notepad/Notepad++ Files

If you're working on a notepad for a project and accidentally close it, or your computer crashes, you'll lose all your changes. Do not worry, you can also recover unsaved TXT files from a temporary folder. This folder is where the data on your computer is temporarily stored. Generally speaking, the cache file will be cleared when the program that created the cache file is closed. However, some temporary files are not automatically deleted, so you may find unsaved notepad files in this location. The specific steps are as follows:

How to Restore A Previous Version of Notepad

Have you ever changed some project in Notepad, only to realize later that you should have kept the original version? If so, you're in luck. Here are two ways to help you cancel some of your changes.

Ways 1. Use the Undo Shortcut

As any computer user knows, the "undo" command is one of the most valuable functions in any program. With a single keystroke, you can instantly undo any change, whether deleting or moving. The most common way to access this feature is to simultaneously press the Ctrl + Z keys. Suppose you made a mistake while editing the TXT file. Then you can continuously click this key combination to roll back to the previous version.

Ways 2. Use the Previous Version Options in Windows PC

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to delete or overwrite a Notepad file accidentally. Thankfully, Windows PC allows you to restore previous versions of your work. This can be a lifesaver if you've accidentally deleted an essential section of a Notepad or made changes that you later decide you don't like.

How to Recover Deleted Notepad Files in Windows 11/10/7

It's easy to accidentally delete a Notepad file, especially if you're simultaneously working on many different files. If you've removed a TXT file that you didn't mean to, there is no need to panic; you still have a chance to restore deleted Notepad files in Windows 10, 11, and more. But you have to act fast.

Ways 1. Check Recycle Bin

Have you accidentally deleted a file and then realized you needed it? It is easy to regain if you're using a Windows PC. When you remove an item, it isn't erased from your computer immediately. Instead, it's moved to the Bin, where it stays until you eventually empty it. So, you can recover deleted Notepad files in Windows 10, 11, and 7 from Recycle Bin.

Ways 2. Use Professional Notepad Recovery Software

Whether your text document is disappeared due to deletion, an empty recycle bin, a disk format, or a system crash, you can use Deep Data Recovery software to recover permanently deleted files in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Mac. It is the best and foolproof solution that ensures the safe Recovery of your files, even in the most crucial scenarios.

Download this best software and follow the steps below to recover deleted Notepad files in Windows 10/11.

Ways 3. Use Microsoft File Retrieval Tool

Although Deep Data Recovery software has an excellent performance in resuming Notepad documents, other options exist. Here, you can also use the file recovery tool provided by Microsoft. Unlike other programs, it has no user interface, and to use it, you need to remember the name of the missing Notepad file. If you can use the command line, then you can try it to retrieve deleted Notepad files in Windows 11/10 free.

If none of these ways work, your last resort is to contact a data recovery service provider for help. They can assist you in recovering your lost data. But you need to pay more.

Helpful Tips to Protect Your Notepad Files

If you use a notepad to take notes, jot down ideas, or keep track of important information, it's vital to protect your notepad files from being lost or deleted. You can follow some tips to avoid situations that require you to recover unsaved Notepad files. These precautions can make your work smooth without losing your Notepad work.

These simple precautions can help ensure that your notepad files are safe and sound.

Frequently Asked Questions for TXT File Recovery

Notepad file recovery is a tricky process. Still, with the right tools and know-how, it is possible to recover deleted/unsaved/overwritten TXT files in Windows 11, 10, and 7. Here are some answers to common questions:

Q: What is a Notepad file?

A: A Notepad file is a text file created with Microsoft's Notepad application. It typically contains plain text but can include other formats such as HTML, rich text, and even programming code.
Q: Where does Notepad store unsaved files?

A: You can find unsaved Notepad files in the location: C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming.
Q: Does Windows 10/11 Notepad AutoSave?

A: It is one of the simplest text editing tools, so there is no AutoSave function. But you can continuously and regularly use Ctrl + S keys to save your work.
Q: What should I do if my Notepad file is lost?

A: If you think your TXT files may have been lost, you should check your backup to see if the files are still intact. If not, Qiling data recovery software for Mac or Windows can help you recover deleted Notepad files. It works by scanning your hard drive for any remnants of lost or damaged files and then piecing them together.
Q: How can I repair a corrupted text file?

A: Several methods can be used to repair a corrupted text file, depending on the extent of the damage. If the file is only partially oxidized, you can use a hex editor to fix the errors manually. More severely corrupted files may be able to be repaired using specialized recovery software, which uses algorithms to try and reconstruct the original data. In some cases, extracting data from a corrupted file using an XML parser may also be possible.
Q: How can I recover an older version of a Notepad file?

A: If you're trying to access an older version of a Notepad file, your best bet is to try using the previous version or Deep Data Recovery. They can often find older versions of files that have been overwritten or otherwise lost.
Q: Can a corrupted Notepad file be recovered?

A: A corrupt TXT file can be repaired by modifying the encoding. However, some data may be lost depending on the extent of the corruption. As such, it's always advisable to make backups of essential files in case they become corrupted and cannot be completely fixed.
Q: How to restore overwritten Notepad files?

A: You can find hidden files maintained by Windows OS, including previous version information. You can find this information in the same directory as in the current version of Windows. So, once you restore to the earlier version, your work is done.

Conclusion

Losing important Notepad files can be a frustrating experience. Whether you accidentally delete a file or experience a power outage that damages your hard drive, data loss can seem like a disaster. Fortunately, several ways can help you recover unsaved/deleted Notepad files in Windows 10 and 11. However, Deep Data Recovery can be your best rescue in this regard. So be it's engaging and intuitive user interface or the simple steps involved in Recovery, you can rely on it entirely.

How to Recover Unsaved/Deleted Notepad Files in Windows 10/11