How Can You Recover MPG Files? Work with This Full Guide

What Is an MPG File

MPG, also known as MPEG, is the abbreviation of Moving Picture Experts Group, which also invented MP3 and MP4. MPG is a kind of video format to save compressed video files.

MPG video files incorporate MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 video and audio compression. MPEG-1, a widely used lossy audio and video format, is designed to compress VHS-quality raw video and CD audio while MPEG-2 comes with higher file quality and improves shortcomings of MPEG-1. Additionally, due to its wide compatibility, MPEG-2 is used as the format of TV broadcasts and DVDs.

You can read this post to learn how to play MPG files.

Step-by-Step Guide to Recover MPG Files

Several methods help to recover lost/deleted MPG files. In this part, we will share three methods with you, including using Windows-embedded file recovery utilities and third-party data recovery software. You can read the following content and choose one that works for your situation.

Method 1: Recover Deleted MPG Files from the Recycle Bin

To find deleted files, you should first go to the Recycle Bin for file recovery. Deleted files are collected in the Recycle Bin except for permanently deleted and oversized files. Here are the steps to recover deleted MPG files from the Recycle Bin.

Step 1: Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon on the Desktop.

Step 2: Check whether the deleted MPG file is in the Recycle Bin. You can type .mpg or .mpeg file extension into the Search bar to quickly locate the file.

Step 3: Right-click on the file and choose Restore from the context menu.

If you save the MPG/MPEG files on an external hard drive, you can also check the external hard drive recycle bin to see if the deleted MPG/MPEG files are there.

Method 2: Recover Deleted MPG Files with MiniTool Power Data Recovery

The most effective way is using MPEG file recovery software, like MiniTool Power Data Recovery. Wherever you save the MPG/MPEG files, such as external hard drives, USB drives, SD cards, computers, and more, this software can complete the MPG file recovery perfectly.

In addition to recovering deleted files, this software is powerful enough to retrieve files from formatted, crashed, or virus-infected devices. You can run this software on Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7 and other Windows systems without worrying about compatibility errors.

You can get MiniTool Power Data Recovery Free to see whether the lost MPG/MPEG files can be found by this tool.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery FreeClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Suppose you have successfully installed this file recovery tool, let’s start the process to recover files.

Step 1: If you need to recover MPG files from a removable device, connect the device to your computer and then run the software.

Verify the device is recognized by this software and choose the target partition to scan. Alternatively, you can head to the Devices tab to scan the whole device at once.

Step 2: Once the scan process is finished, the software will display all found files according to their paths. You can look through the file list to find wanted files. Using practical features on the result page assists you in quickly locating files:

• Filter: Set filter conditions to narrow down the file list. You filter out files by configuring file size, file type, file category, and last modified date.
• Type: Shift to the Type tab to find files according to their types. You can expand different assortments to see check files based on their formats.
• Search: Type full or partial names into the search box and hit Enter to filter matched files quickly.

Additionally, the Preview feature helps you verify the file content. You can preview the MPG files before saving them.

Step 3: Choose the MPG/MPEG files you want to restore and click the Save button to select an appropriate location for these files.

Now, you have completed all the steps of MPEG video file recovery with MiniTool Power Dat Recovery. Even if you are new to data recovery, you can master this software easily with clear instructions.

MKV File Recovery: Four Ways to Recover Deleted MKV Files

Don’t know how to recover deleted MKV files? This post shows you how to recover MKV files as well as how to prevent file loss.

Read More

Method 3: Recover Deleted MPG Files Using File History

This method only works for people who have enabled File History before MPG files are lost. File History is a backup utility in Microsoft Windows. This tool backs up the selected folders/files to a removable device periodically to guarantee data security. As long as you backed up files with File History, work with the steps below to recover lost MPG files.

Step 1: Type Command Prompt into the Windows search bar and hit Enter to open it.

Step 2: Head to System and Security > File History, then select Restore personal files on the left pane.

Step 3: Browse previous backups to find the deleted MPG/MPEG video files. Now, you can select the video files and click the green restore button to recover them. Alternatively, click on the cog icon on the top right corner and choose Restore to to restore files to a different destination.

Bottom Line

MPG videos are common in our daily lives; thus you are probably meeting the MPG file loss problem. This post introduces you to three practical methods to recover MPG files with Windows tools or third-party software. Though MPEG video recovery is not a difficult task, prevention is always better than recovery. You’d better back up files periodically to avoid unexpected data loss.

If you encounter any problems when using MiniTool tools, please feel free to let us know via [email protected].