How to Recover Photos from a Windows PC After a Malware Attack?

When malicious programs like viruses or malware infect your Windows device, you might encounter issues like data loss, system lag, or even full-blown crashes. It can delete all the files stored on your device, including precious and memorable pictures. Though malware infection seems like the end of the world for your data, several photo recovery tools and techniques are available online that you can try to recover deleted photos. 

This guide explores some quick deleted photo recovery methods to help you learn how to recover photos from a Windows PC after a malware attack

Immediate Steps to Take After Malware Attack on Your PC

Before you use any photo recovery software or apply manual workarounds, consider the below tips to ensure smooth recovery of your lost pictures:

Disconnect PC from the Internet

When you encounter malware attacks on your computer, disconnect it from the internet and avoid saving new files on it. This reduces the chances of further malware spreading and prevents your data from malicious hacking or access.

Run a Full Malware Scan

Keep your Windows PC malware-free before attempting any workaround to recover deleted photos. Recovering data from infected devices can reintroduce threats to the recovered files. To perform malware scan on your Windows PC:

  • Install a Reliable Antivirus Program: If you have any anti-virus software installed on your Windows PC, update it to the latest version. If not, download a trusted antivirus software like Microsoft Defender, Malwarebytes, Avast, etc. on a safe device and then transfer the installer via a USB drive.
  • Perform a Complete Scan: Now, it’s time to perform a thorough scan of your infected device to detect and remove any malware. This might take time, depending on the extent of the infection and the size of the files which are damaged.   
  • Remove or quarantine threats: Go through the antivirus software’s instructions appearing on your screen to quarantine or remove harmful files.

After cleaning your device, proceed with recovery methods to restore your deleted pictures. 

How do I Recover Photos Lost from a Malware-Infected Windows PC?

In this part of the blog, we will explore some easy and quick methods to recover deleted photos that you can try to restore your lost pictures:

Method 01: Check the Recycle Bin

Sometimes, malware simply deletes files and every such file goes to the Recycle bin folder before getting permanently removed from your Windows device. You can follow the below steps to recover lost pictures from the Recycle Bin:

  • Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon located on your desktop.
  • Browse through deleted files and choose the pictures you want to restore.
  • Click the Restore button to save selected files to their original location. 

Method 02: Use File History Backup

Windows PC comes with a built-in File History backup utility which automatically creates a backup of important files stored on it. If you have enabled File History prior to data loss on your device, follow the below steps to recover deleted photos:

  • Firstly, type File History in the search box of your desktop and click Restore your files with File History from the context menu.
  • Browse through available backups to locate the deleted photos you want to recover.
  • Select the files and click the green Restore button to save them at the desired location on your PC.

Method 03: Check for Hidden Files

Some malware hides files on your Windows PC rather than deleting them. In such cases, you can go through the below steps to reveal hidden pictures:

  • Launch File Explorer and go to the folder where your deleted photo was earlier stored.
  • Now, click the View tab from the top menu bar and select Show > Hidden items.
  • When your photo appears, move them to a secure location and scan them for potential infections. 

Method 04: Use Third-Party Photo Recovery Software

If the above-mentioned deleted photo recovery methods don’t work, you can use professional deleted photo recovery software like Stellar Photo Recovery to restore your pictures. This all-in-one recovery tool supports the recovery of photos deleted due to any reason, including accidental deletion, formatting, virus attacks, etc. in no time. 

  • You can use Stellar Photo Recovery software to restore photos of various file formats, such as JPEG, GIF, PNG, TIFF, BMP, and many more. 
  • Along with pictures, you can use this versatile tool to restore deleted audio and video files of various file formats. 
  • It also allows you to preview the recoverable files before saving them on your device.
  • The software is available in multiple versions, varying in features and prices. Compare them and select the one that best fits your requirement.
  • It is 100% safe and secure photo recovery software; free from viruses or malware. 

Here’s how to recover photos from a Windows PC after a malware attack using this professional photo recovery software:

Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Photo Recovery software on your Windows PC. Launch the software and from the homepage, select the storage drive where your deleted photos were stored and click Scan to begin the scanning process.

Step 2: After completion of the scan, preview the recoverable files and choose the photos you need to restore. 

Step 3: Click the Recover button to save selected photos at the desired location on your device.

Method 05: Consult Professional Data Recovery Services

Instances may happen when all the aforementioned deleted photo recovery methods can’t recover photos from malware-infected Windows PC. In such cases, professional data recovery services might help you. These experts use advanced tools to recover data from severely damaged systems. Though these services charge high fees, they offer high success rates for data recovery from drives that have been formatted, encrypted, or corrupted.

Preventive Tips to Avoid Future Data Loss

Now when you recovered photos deleted due to malware attacks on your Windows PC, consider the below precautions to prevent future malware attacks and data loss:

  • Use Trusted Antivirus Tool: Always invest in reliable and up-to-date antivirus software. Also, enable real-time scanning to identify threats before they can harm files stored on your device.
  • Regular Backups: Make regular backups of your important files, including your photos. For redundancy, use cloud storage backups like Google Drive, Google Photos, etc. or external drives.
  • Keep Your Device Updated: Keep all the apps stored on your Windows device up-to-date to fix vulnerabilities that malware can exploit. Also, ensure your device’s OS is updated to the latest version.
  • Be Cautious While Downloading Files and Email Attachments: Avoid clicking the links or downloading anything from unreliable sources. Phishing emails should be avoided since they frequently include dangerous attachments.

Conclusion

Hope the aforementioned photo recovery methods and software help you recover photos deleted from a Windows PC after a malware attack. Start by checking the Recycle Bin folder or previously created backups, then explore third-party photo recovery software like Stellar Photo Recovery. If all fails, consult professional data recovery services to recover photos using expert help. Above all, consider preventive measures like installing reliable antivirus software, avoiding file downloads from untrusted websites, etc. to safeguard your files from such data loss issues in the future. 

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