An unexpected system shutdown of your Mac can be a distressful experience as it results in losing all the files you are working on. Whether due to a sudden power outage, software malfunction, or any other reason, an unexpected shutdown may cause the deletion of files stored on your Mac. However, the good news is that you can apply proper methods for data recovery for Mac to restore your lost/missing files.
With the right method or Mac data recovery software, you can often recover lost files on your Mac after an unexpected shutdown. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore step-by-step instructions to help you learn how to recover lost files on Mac after an unexpected shutdown.
Common Reasons for Unexpected Mac Shutdown
Before you apply any method for data recovery for Mac to restore your files deleted due to its unexpected shutdown, it is important to find the exact cause for the same. Here are some common reasons why Mac turns off by itself:
- Power Outages: Sudden loss of power, whether due to electrical issues or accidental unplugging, can lead to an unexpected shutdown of your Mac.
- Overheating: If your Mac gets overheated very frequently due to excessive usage or poor ventilation, it shuts down without any warning to prevent damage to internal components.
- Hardware Failures: Malfunctioning hardware components like your device battery, power supply unit, or RAM can cause sudden shutdowns.
- Software Glitches: Bugs or conflicts within your device software or its operating system can sometimes lead to unexpected shutdowns.
- Malware or Viruses: Malicious software, like viruses or malware, can infect systems or may cause unexpected shutdowns.
- Battery Issues: Problems with the battery, such as degradation over time or faulty connections, can lead to sudden shutdowns, especially on portable Macs.
Quick Methods to Recover Lost Files on Mac after Unexpected Shutdowns
Now that you are familiar with the reasons for the sudden shutdown of your Mac device, it’s time to apply proper Mac data recovery workarounds to restore lost files. In this part of the blog, we’ve outlined some commonly used approaches to help you out:
Method 01: Recover Lost Files on Mac from the Trash Bin
After an unexpected shutdown, the first step is to restart your Mac safely and then check the Trash folder. This in-built folder on Mac devices stores any recently deleted files/folders for some specific number of days, i.e., 30 days.
Here’s how to recover lost files on Mac after an unexpected shutdown from the Trash folder:
- Launch the Trash folder on your Mac from the dock.
- Now, locate and select the missing file that you need to restore.
- Right-click on that file and choose the “Put Back” option to move that file to its original location.
Method 02: Use Time Machine Backups to Recover Lost Files
If your deleted file is not present in the Trash folder, then it might be permanently deleted from your device. In such cases, you can check for the available backups of your missing/lost files to restore them. Time Machine is Mac’s in-built backup utility which allows users to automatically create backups of your entire system, including documents, photos, videos, and system files.
If you have enabled Time Machine on your Mac, follow the below-given steps for data recovery for Mac using it:
- Connect your external drive which contains the desired backup to your Mac.
- Click on Time Machine icon from the menu bar and select Enter Time Machine.
- Browse through the time machine backup window, locate and select the file you need to restore.
- Click the Restore button to save the selected file back to your Mac.
Method 03: Use Professional Mac Data Recovery Software
If you don’t have a backup of deleted files on your Mac, you can try using a Mac data recovery software. There are several third-party recovery tools available for easy and quick recovery but Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Mac stand alone. This all-in-one Mac data recovery software supports the recovery of files deleted due to several reasons, including accidental deletion, formatting, unexpected shutdowns, corruption, and many more.
The Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Mac tool is known for several amazing features. This includes:
- Can easily recover deleted files of multiple types including photos, videos, audio, documents, etc.
- Recover data from M1-equipped and T2-secured Macs.
- The tool is 100% safe and secure. Free from viruses, malware, and pop-ups.
- The software is available in multiple versions; you can check their features and select the one that best suits your requirements.
- Allows you to preview the recoverable files before saving
Here’s how to recover lost files on Mac after an unexpected shutdown using the Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Mac:
Step 1: Once you install the Stellar Data Recovery Professional tool on your Mac, launch it, choose the type of files you need to restore and click Next.
Step 2: Now, select the internal hard drive from where you need to restore deleted data and click Scan.
Step 3: Preview the recoverable files and select the files you want to recover. Click the Recover button to save selected files at the desired location on your Mac.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Data Loss on Mac:
You can consider the below given preventive measures to minimize the risk of future data loss on your Mac due to unexpected shutdowns:
- Regularly Backup Your Data: Set up automatic backups using Time Machine or cloud-based services, like iCloud to ensure that your files are always protected.
- Install Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): A UPS can provide regular backup power and avoid data loss which occurs due to sudden power outages and it helps in the proper shutdown of your Mac.
- Update System and Software: Keep your device operating system and install apps up to date to prevent software-related issues that cause unexpected shutdowns.
- Avoid Forceful Shutdowns: Whenever possible, shut down your Mac using the proper procedure instead of forceful methods like holding down the power button.
Wrapping Up
Having an unexpected shutdown on your Mac can be a distressful experience, especially if it leads to the deletion of files. However, with the right approach and Mac data recovery software, you can often recover your data successfully. By following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing preventive measures, you can reduce the impact of unexpected shutdowns and prevent the sudden deletion of your valuable files against future incidents. Remember to stay calm, act promptly, and seek professional assistance if required for successful data recovery.
