Accidental deletion of text in Windows Notepad - one of the most unpleasant situations for users. Especially if you spent hours writing a document but forgot to save the changes or clicked Ctrl+A → Delete by mistake. Unlike Microsoft Word or Google Docs, standard Notepad does not have an autosave function or change history, which makes data recovery a non-trivial task.

However, all is not lost! Even if you close the program without saving, there are several ways to get back deleted text. In this article we will look at 7 working methods - from simple (checking temporary files) to complex (using specialized software). It is important to act quickly: the less time has passed since the removal, the higher the chances of success.

1. Check Windows temporary files (fastest way)

Windows automatically creates temporary copies open files, including text from Notepad. These files are stored in a hidden folder %AppData%\Local\Temp and may contain your deleted text. Here's how to find them:

  1. Open File Explorer and enter in the address bar %AppData%\Local\Temp, then click Enter.
  2. Sort files by date (click on the "Date modified" column). Look for files with the extension .tmp or without it, created while working with Notepad.
  3. Browse files via Notepad or Notepad++. Temporary files can have names like ~DF1234.tmp.

If you find the file you need, copy it to a safe place and rename to .txt. Please note that the folder Temp is cleared when the system is rebooted, so act quickly.

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If there are no temporary files, try searching for a keyword from your text. In Windows Explorer, click Ctrl+F and enter the unique phrase that was in the document.

2. Recovery via Windows Event Log (for advanced users)

Windows leads event log, where fragments of text from open applications sometimes end up. This method rarely works, but it can help if the text was recently deleted. Instructions:

  1. Click Win + R, enter eventvwr.msc and confirm Enter.
  2. Go to Windows Logs → Application.
  3. Look for events with a source Notepad or Application Error for the last hour.
  4. Double click on the event and check the tab General — sometimes fragments of text are saved there.

This method only works if the text has been deleted without closing Notepad. If the program was closed, the log is unlikely to help.

Why doesn't the event log always contain text?

Only critical errors or events related to application operation are stored in the log. Text from Notepad ends up there accidentally, for example, when the program crashes or is forced to close.

3. Using the "Return previous version" function (if the file was saved)

If you have saved a file in Notepad at least once, but then overwrote it or deleted it, you can try restore previous version through Shadow of Spears (Volume Shadow Copy). This method only works on Windows 7/10/11 Pro with the function enabled System protection.

Instructions:

  1. Find the folder where the file was saved (for example, Desk or Documents).
  2. Right click on the folder → Properties → Previous Versions.
  3. Select a date when the file still existed and click Restore.

If option Previous versions missing, that means system protection is disabled. In this case, move on to the next method.

Yes, and I restored it|Yes, but I couldn’t get it back|No, I always save|I use other editors-->

4. Recovery using resuscitation programs (Recuva, R-Studio, Disk Drill)

If temporary files and the event log did not help, it's time to use specialized software. Programs like Recuva, R-Studio or Disk Drill scan the hard drive at the sector level and can find deleted data, even if the file was not saved.

Step-by-step instructions for Recuva (free version):

  • 🔹 Download and install Recuva (ported version does not require installation).
  • 🔹 Launch the program and select the file type: Documents → Text files (.txt).
  • 🔹 Specify the location (for example, Desk or Drive C:).
  • 🔹 Click Analysis and wait for the scan to complete (may take 10-30 minutes).
  • 🔹 Look in the results for files with a modification date that corresponds to the time you worked in Notepad. Check the box and click Restore.

Important: do not install the program on the same disk from which you are trying to recover data - this will reduce the chances of success. If Recuva didn't find the file, try R-Studio (paid, but more powerful) or Disk Drill (there is a free trial period).

Do not save new files to the drive where the deleted text was|Turn off disk defragmentation|Do not restart your computer unnecessarily|Use a different drive to install recovery programs-->

5. Checking the trash and hidden folders

Sometimes users delete a file from Notepad via File → Save As, and then erase it through the conductor. In this case, the text may remain in Cart. How to check:

  1. Open Cart on the desktop.
  2. Look for files with the extension .txt or a name similar to your document.
  3. If found, right-click and select Restore.

Also worth checking hidden folders Windows. To do this:

  1. In File Explorer, go to the tab View and check the box Hidden elements.
  2. Check the folders:
    • C:\Users\Your_name\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache
    • C:\Users\Your_name\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent

In a folder Recent shortcuts to recently opened files are stored - sometimes they contain the path to a deleted document.

6. Restore via Windows backups (if enabled)

If your PC is configured backup (for example, via File history or OneDrive), the chances of returning the text are much higher. Check:

Reservation method Where to look How to restore
File history Control Panel → File History Select the folder with the file → find the desired version by date → click "Recover".
OneDrive onedrive.live.com → Cart Find the file in your OneDrive trash → restore or download.
Google Drive drive.google.com → Cart Similar to OneDrive: find the file in the trash and restore.
Windows Backup Control Panel → Backup and Restore Select the backup date → restore the files you need.

If backup is not configured, this method will not work. In this case, the only thing left is software recovery (section 4) or contacting specialists.

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Backup is the only reliable way to protect against data loss. Set up automatic archiving in Control Panel → Backup and Restore or use cloud services like OneDrive.

7. Contacting specialists (as a last resort)

If all of the above methods did not work, and the text was critical (for example, thesis or agreement), you can contact data recovery laboratory. Specialists use professional equipment to scan the disk at a low level and can extract fragments of deleted files.

The cost of the service depends on the complexity:

  • 💰 Logical recovery (without disc damage) - from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles.
  • 💰 Physical recovery (if HDD/SSD is damaged) - from 15,000 to 50,000 ₽.

Before contacting the laboratory:

  • ✅ Do not install new programs.
  • ✅ Do not write data to the disk from which you want to recover text.
  • ✅ Do not try to disassemble the hard drive yourself.

In Moscow and St. Petersburg you can contact Hetman Recovery Laboratory, ACE Lab or Data Recovery. In the regions, look for local service centers with good reviews.

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Before visiting the laboratory, check whether they work with text files. Some centers specialize only in photo/video or databases.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about text recovery in Notepad

Is it possible to get the text back if I close Notepad without saving?

Yes, but the chances are low. Try methods 1 (temporary files) and 2 (event log). If the text was large, perhaps fragments of it remained in RAM - use the program RAM Capture for a memory dump (skills required).

I saved the file, but then overwrote it with empty text. Is it possible to return the old version?

Yes, if you have it enabled File history or Shadow of Spears (section 3). Software recovery will also help (section 4) - look for the file by its original name.

Notepad froze and I forced it to close via Task Manager. How to return text?

In this case, there is a high probability that the text remained in temporary files (section 1) or in memory dump. Try also checking the folder %LocalAppData%\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\IE — sometimes fragments are saved there.

Does recovery work on SSD drives?

On SSD the chances are lower than HDD, due to the function TRIM, which quickly clears deleted data. However, programs like Recuva or R-Studio can help if you act in the first hours after removal.

Is it possible to prevent text loss in Notepad in the future?

Yes, some tips:

  • 🔹 Use Notepad++ or VS Code - they have autosave.
  • 🔹 Customize File history on Windows.
  • 🔹 Save text to the cloud (OneDrive, Google Docs) every 10-15 minutes.
  • 🔹 Use Notepad plugins, for example, Notepad2 with backup function.

If none of the methods worked, do not despair - perhaps the text can still be recovered using a deep disk scan. The main thing is do not write new data to the disk where the file was located and act as quickly as possible.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use disk cleanup programs (such as CCleaner) after data loss. They delete temporary files, which reduces the chances of recovery.
⚠️ Attention: If the text contained confidential information (passwords, card data), after recovery it is recommended to check the system for viruses - some malware steals data from temporary files.