How to Recover Deleted Download Folder on Mac

You will discover the following methods to recover deleted folder on Mac:

Method 1: Folder Recovery using Trash

Method 2: Folder Recovery using Time Machine

Method 3: Data Recovery using a Data Recovery Software

The Download Folder is essential in Mac because it contains important data that you have downloaded over the internet. We all delete files and folders in a bid to gain some extra storage space in Mac and the in-built utility ‘Optimized Storage’ is adequate to accomplish this task.

While cleaning up files & folders, it is possible to accidentally delete the Download folder, thereby removing all its downloaded files. Even usage of the wrong command on Terminal, copy/paste function errors and other data loss event can result in deletion of the folder.

In order to recover the deleted Download folder on Mac, try the following recovery techniques:

Recovery using Trash

The normal “Command + Delete” operation moves your selected files & folders to the Trash. So, first of all, look for your deleted Download folder from the Trash. If the folder is found, then put it back to the original location. If the folder is absent, then chances are you have used “Command + Shift + Delete” operation that bypasses saving to the Trash; or you must have emptied your Trash. In this case, try the subsequent recovery methods to recover the Download folder.

Recovery using Time Machine

One cannot deny the importance of data backup. If you have created a backup of your Download folder using the Time Machine backup utility, then you can use this backup to restore the accidentally deleted Download folder. Backup is essential in recovering data from any kind of data loss situation. But, if the backup was not taken or the backup was taken prior to the data loss, then go for the next recovery technique.

Recovery using a Data Recovery Software

If the preceding two techniques do not work, then go for a software solution. Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Mac is an ideal software to recover your deleted Download folder and its contained files such as videos, photos, documents etc.

You can always give a shot to the trial version of the data recovery tool.

The software carries a comprehensive set of features that not only support recovery from internal storage drive but also external drives, including a Time Machine backup.

Watch the video to know about the data recovery process with Stellar Data Recovery tool.

Tips to Increase the Chances of Data Recovery

• Avoid using the drive once you have identified the requirement for data recovery.
• Avoid using the Mac while the data recovery process is going on to speed-up the recovery process.
• Always use a recovery software that is reliable, safe, & compatible with your macOS.
• Do not use tools that facilitate permanent deletion of files as they can corrupt the drive or make the recovery process harder.

Avoid Future File Loss

No matter how careful you are, accidental deletion of files can still occur. These few steps will help you avoid deleting important files & folders in Mac.

• Prior to deleting a file or folder from Trash ensure that it will not be required in the future. Additionally, you can give an interval of 30 days between sending a file/folder to the trash and removing it completely.
• Do not use Terminal commands such as “rm” and “rmdir” without prior knowledge of its consequence. Using the command, you might accidentally erase important files & folders.
• In case you are using some utility to delete files or perform disk cleanup, then avoid automatic cleanups.

To Conclusion

The blog highlights the reasons that can lead to the Download folder deletion and suggests tried & tested techniques to salvage the folder. In addition, it provides tips to increase the chances of data recovery and how to avoid future file loss. The blog also showcased the role of the renowned Stellar Data Recovery for Mac software in recovering the lost or deleted Download folder.