How to Undo in File Explorer: A Step-by-Step Guide
File Explorer is an essential tool for managing files and folders on your computer. However, sometimes you might make mistakes while organizing your files, and undoing those changes can be a daunting task. Whether you’ve deleted a crucial file or moved a folder to the wrong location, this article will guide you through the process of undoing changes in File Explorer. Let’s dive in!
1. Undo Recent Changes
One of the simplest ways to undo changes in File Explorer is by using the Undo command. When you make a change, such as deleting a file or folder, a small arrow icon appears in the title bar of the window. Clicking on this icon will undo the last action you performed. This method is particularly useful if you’ve made a few quick changes and want to revert them all at once.
2. Use the History Tab
Another way to undo changes in File Explorer is by using the History tab. This feature allows you to view the list of actions you’ve taken in the current session. To access the History tab, follow these steps:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where you want to undo changes.
- Click on the “View” tab in the ribbon at the top of the window.
- Select “History” from the dropdown menu.
The History tab will display a list of actions you’ve taken in the current session. To undo a specific action, simply click on it, and File Explorer will revert to the previous state.
3. Use the Command Prompt
For more advanced users, the Command Prompt can be a powerful tool for undoing changes in File Explorer. To use the Command Prompt, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the list of options.
- In the Command Prompt window, navigate to the folder where you want to undo changes using the “cd” command.
- Use the “ren” command to rename the deleted file or folder to its original name.
- Use the “copy” command to restore the deleted file or folder from the Recycle Bin.
4. Restore from Recycle Bin
If you’ve deleted a file or folder and haven’t cleared the Recycle Bin, you can easily restore it to its original location. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking on its icon on the desktop.
- Locate the deleted file or folder in the Recycle Bin.
- Right-click on the item and select “Restore” from the context menu.
5. Use File History
File History is a built-in feature in Windows that allows you to restore previous versions of files and folders. To use File History, follow these steps:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where you want to undo changes.
- Right-click on the folder and select “Restore previous versions” from the context menu.
A window will open, displaying a list of available previous versions. Select the version you want to restore, and click “Restore” to undo the changes.
In conclusion, undoing changes in File Explorer can be done in various ways, depending on the situation. By using the Undo command, History tab, Command Prompt, Recycle Bin, or File History, you can easily revert to a previous state and avoid the frustration of lost files or folders. Remember to always double-check your actions before making changes to your files and folders, as undoing them can sometimes be a complex process.
