Recover Overwritten Files on Mac/Windows [2025 Updated]

When you delete a file, its related storage space is marked as “invisible”. However, the file still exists. Thanks to the Recycle Bin and other similar platforms, you can get one more chance to temporarily keep deleted files. But sometimes, we empty the Recycle bin and then regret it. Can we recover the files?

Actually, the answer is yes, and you can see many notifications announcing that you need to stop writing new data before the recovery. Otherwise, it will be a hassle to recover your overwritten files. Nevertheless, what if you accidentally replaced items? Fortunately, you can get 3 workable solutions to recover overwritten/replaced files here.

Recover Overwritten Files

Part 1. Recover Overwritten Files without Backup -Catch-all SolutionHot

Aiseesoft Data Recovery can help you recover most deleted or lost files, such as photos, videos, documents, emails, audio, etc.

Therefore, you can recover overwritten word files selectively here, as well as other types of files. It works with most digital devices.

To be more specific, you can restore overwritten files from your computer, memory card, flash drive, digital camera camcorder, hard drive and other removable devices directly.

Step 1.
Launch Data Recovery

Free download and install Aiseesoft Data Recovery on your Windows computer. If you want to recover overwritten files from external hard drive, you need to use a lightning USB cable to connect this disk drive to computer. Then run the data recovery software after the installation.

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Step 2.
Choose disk drive

Follow the on-screen instructions to select the hard disk drive you want to recover.

Choose Photo Type
Step 3.
Scan your chosen hard drive

When you click the Start Scan button on the lower right corner, the program will perform scan immediately. Sooner, you can see scanned files in categories.

Scanning Process
Step 4.
Select which data you want to recover

Choose one folder in the left panel. You can see all recoverable content in the main interface.

If you cannot distinguish the correct file, just preview each file with details. Moreover, you can try its "Filter" function to find one file quickly. Tick the small box next to the file you want to recover.

Choose data you want to recover
Step 5.
Recover overwritten files

After all preparations, you can choose the Recover button on the lower right corner of the window. The more files you choose, the more time you need to wait.

Recover selected files

Part 2. Recover Overwritten Files on Windows with System Tools

Recover Files that were Overwritten via Previous Versions

If you have enabled the Windows Backup feature before, then you can recover overwritten files successfully, as well as other formatted, corrupted modified and damaged files. It does not matter how many files that have been replaced. Just make sure you can find your lost data in the latest backup file.

Step 1.
Open the "Start" menu, then choose "Computer" from the list.
Step 2.
Right click on the folder that used to store your overwritten file.
Step 3.
Choose "Restore Previous Versions" or "Properties" from the right-click menu.
Step 4.
Select the latest backup file in the pop-up window.
Step 5.
Click "Open" to check if it is the correct backup version you need.
Step 6.
Choose "Restore" to recover overwritten files from previous versions.
Recover overwritten files with previous versions

Retrieve Replaced Files through System Restore

You can also restore your system to the last backup point through system restore. To recover overwritten files Mac, you can use Time Machine to get back the old version. Well, this section will take Windows operating system as an example.

Step 1.
Search for "system restore" in the Search box on your Windows computer.
Step 2.
Choose "System Properties" to access the restore point.
Step 3.
Click "System Protection" and then select "System Restore…".
Step 4.
Do as the on-screen instruction tells to choose the desired restore state.
Step 5.
Choose "Next" to move on and recover overwritten files by system restore.
Recover overwritten files by system restore

All in all, you can turn to previous backup files or powerful data recovery software for help. Next time you delete unwanted files, you need to have a check first. What's more, it is a good habit to back up important files regularly.

That's all for how to recover overwritten files on computer and other drives. Thanks for your reading.

Part 3. Recover Overwritten Files on Mac with Backup

Recover Files that were Overwritten via Previous Versions

Step 1.
Click a clock icon on the top right corner and choose Enter Time Machine.
Enter Time Machine
Step 2.
Choose Documents on the left. As you can see, your backed-up files are presented here. Also, you can use search, timeline, etc., to help you find the lost data.
Restore From Time Machine

Part 4. FAQs about Recovering Overwritten Files

How can I recover an overwritten Excel file?

You can use a data recovery tool like Aiseesoft Data Recovery to recover your overwritten Excel file. It just needs a few clicks to restore your data like a pro.

How do I recover an overwritten Word file?

Except for the methods I mentioned in the first question, you can use Time Machine to recover your overwritten Word file if you are a Mac user.

Can you recover the data from a damaged hard drive?

Yes, you might use data recovery tools like EasyUS and Aiseesoft Data Recovery to restore the data from a damaged hard drive.

Conclusion

Today, we have explained 4 of the most effective ways to recover your overwritten files both on macOS and Windows. For Windows, you can use internal tools like System Restore and Windows Backup to get your overwritten files back. For macOS, you can get your eyes on Time Machine, considered the fastest and safest way. Pretend all these don’t work; you can rely on Aiseesoft Data Recovery, which can run on MacOS and Windows. Your data will be back with just a few clicks.

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Aiseesoft Data Recovery is the best data recovery software to recover deleted/lost photos, documents, emails, audio, videos, etc. from your PC/Mac.

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