How to Recover Permanently Deleted Games on Steam?
Losing a game on Steam can be frustrating, especially if it’s a favorite or one that you’ve invested a lot of time and effort into. However, before you start panicking, it’s essential to know that there are ways to recover permanently deleted games on Steam. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of recovering deleted games on Steam and provide you with some tips and tricks to help you get your games back.
Check the Recycle Bin
The first step in recovering a permanently deleted game on Steam is to check the Recycle Bin. This is where deleted files are stored temporarily before they are permanently erased. To access the Recycle Bin, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and select "Open."
- Look for the deleted game file in the Recycle Bin and right-click on it.
- Select "Restore" to restore the file to its original location.
Use Steam’s Backup Feature
Steam has a built-in backup feature that allows you to create a copy of your game files. This can be useful in case you need to recover a deleted game. To use Steam’s backup feature, follow these steps:
- Open Steam and go to the "Settings" menu.
- Click on "Backup and Restore" and select "Create a Backup."
- Choose the games you want to back up and select a location to save the backup files.
Use a File Recovery Program
If the game file is not in the Recycle Bin, you can try using a file recovery program to recover it. There are many file recovery programs available, both free and paid. Some popular options include:
- Recuva: A free file recovery program that can recover deleted files from your computer.
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: A paid file recovery program that can recover deleted files from your computer.
- Disk Drill: A paid file recovery program that can recover deleted files from your computer.
Use a Cloud Backup Service
If you have a cloud backup service, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, you can try recovering your game file from there. To do this, follow these steps:
- Log in to your cloud backup account and go to the "Files" or "Documents" section.
- Look for the deleted game file and right-click on it.
- Select "Download" or "Save As" to download the file to your computer.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you recover permanently deleted games on Steam:
- Use a backup program: It’s essential to use a backup program to create a copy of your game files. This can help you recover deleted games in case you need to.
- Use a cloud backup service: If you have a cloud backup service, you can try recovering your game file from there.
- Use a file recovery program: If the game file is not in the Recycle Bin, you can try using a file recovery program to recover it.
- Check the Steam Community: Sometimes, other players may have saved a copy of the game file and uploaded it to the Steam Community. You can try searching for the game file on the Steam Community and downloading it from there.
Conclusion
Recovering permanently deleted games on Steam can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can try recovering your deleted game files and get them back up and running. Remember to always use a backup program and a cloud backup service to protect your game files, and don’t hesitate to try using a file recovery program if the game file is not in the Recycle Bin.