Lost DNG Files? 3 Useful Ways to Recover Deleted DNG Files on Windows

Lost DNG files? Wondering how to recover DNG files on Windows?

Well, if you’re a digital photo enthusiast or a professional photographer, we’re sure you must’ve heard about the DNG file format previous to this point as well. Isn’t it?

A bunch of popular digital camera manufacturers including Canon, Pentax, Samsung, Casio have extended support for DNG files.

In this post, we have covered a detailed guide on DNG files and how to recover DNG files listing three different methods that you can use to restore your precious memories!

Also read: Can I Recover The Files Deleted From The SD Card

What are DNG Files?

DNG (Digital Negative) file extension is Adobe’s proprietary raw photo format that was created to store image data in a high-quality format. DNG was developed by Adobe and is compatible with almost all Adobe applications including Photoshop, Lightroom, and others apps like Picasa, Windows Photos, IrfanView, and more.

Do you think DNG file extension offers more benefits than RAW? Here are a few reasons why DNG files are better than RAW image format:

• DNG files are comparatively smaller in size than RAW images.
• DNG files include the checksum information as well that helps you to detect and prevent file corruption of any kind.
• Compatible with almost any software.
• Adobe is constantly working on adding more functionality and features to DNG files, hence one can easily convert a RAW image into DNG format by using any of Adobe’s applications.
• Any changes made are written directly on the DNG rather than a separate XMP file being created to store information.

You can lose DNG files due to any reason be it bad sectors on a disk drive, the presence of a virus or malware, during disk formatting, and the most common is accidentally pressing the delete button.

Also read: Best Photo Management Software to Organize Digital Photos in 2021

How to Recover DNG Files on Windows?

There are three different ways that you can use for recovering DNG files on Windows 10. You can either recover the lost/deleted files by searching Recycle Bin. Second, you can try unhiding the files and folders on your device as DNG files are mostly hidden. And third is by using an advanced and powerful data recovery tool that gets the job done for you in just a few clicks.

Let’s discuss each of these methods to recover DNG files in detail.

Also read: How to Recover Photos from Dead/Broken iPhone

1. Use the Recycle Bin

Well, Yes,  all the files that you delete or accidentally lose are moved to the Recycle Bin folder.

So, before you start worrying, just take a quick sneak peek in the Recycle Bin folder to see if it has any of your files stored. If you’re lucky and if you find your DNG files in the folder, right-click on it and select the “Restore” option to restore the images to their original destination.

2. Unhide Files and Folders

Cannot find anything in the Recycle Bin folder? Well, if your device has been infected by a virus or malware then you won’t be able to view DNG files in any of the folders as they can go hidden. To unhide the DNG files, here’s what you need to do.

Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the folder where the DNG files are stored.

Head on to the top menu bar and tap on View> Options> Change Folder and folder options button.

Switch to the “View” tab. Scroll through the list of “Advanced Settings.” Tap on the “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” option.

Press the OK and Apply buttons to save your changes. You will now be able to view the hidden DNG files in the folder.

Also read: How to Recover Deleted Photos from External Hard Drive

3. Download and Install Advanced Disk Recovery

Tried the above-mentioned methods to recover DNG files on Windows and still no luck? Well, looks like you can use a data recovery tool to get the job done for you.

Download and install the Advanced Disk Recovery tool on your Windows PC to instantly recover lost/deleted/formatted files including pictures, videos, documents, or any other file format. Advanced Disk Recovery works like wonder in restoring deleted files of any format and is capable of scanning disk drives, removable storage media including USB sticks, SSD, memory cards, and more.

Simply download the Advanced Disk Recovery tool on your PC or laptop. Launch the tool and start the scanning process.

In just a few seconds, all the lost/deleted files will be listed on the window.

Pick the ones that you need to recover and then tap the “Recover” button to confirm your selection.

And that’s it! You can recover almost any lost or accidentally deleted file of any format in just a few clicks by using the Advanced Disk Recovery tool.

Also read: 10 Best Data Recovery Software For Windows In 2021

Conclusion

Here were the 3 useful ways that you can use to recover DNG files on Windows. To make sure that you never lose DNG files again, don’t forget to regularly backup your data, install an antivirus suite to keep your device away from viruses or bugs. Even if you lose your files under any circumstance, you can use the Advanced Disk Recovery software to recover lost/deleted files and data.

For any other queries or assistance, use the comments space and drop your thoughts!