A Complete Guide to Recover Deleted Files

Most people have deleted a file they later regretted at least once in their lifetime. It could be an essential document, an adorable wedding video, or anything else you can't afford to lose. So why does this tragedy happen? How do you delete data intentionally or unintentionally? How can you retrieve lost files? This tutorial on deleted files recovery walks you through it.

How Do You Delete Files on a Computer

Yet most people are under the mistaken impression that data deletion can't happen or won't happen to them. But did you know that your daily life - things that you do without thinking about it - can cause these instances of data deletion.

Deleting a file will remove it from the place where it is stored. Of course, you might delete a file on purpose or by accident. There are a few ways to delete a file on a computer. The most common way is to right-click on the file, select the "Delete" option, or press the "Delete" key on the keyboard. You can also choose a batch of files to be deleted at the same time.

If you want to delete the file permanently without recovery, you can hold down the Shift+Delete keys simultaneously. You can also delete a file by using the del command in CMD. Or use a third-party file deletion tool to remove files perennially.

Where Do Deleted Files Go on Windows 10/11

Where do files go when deleted from a PC or laptop running Windows 10 or Windows 11? You can find out from the information below.

Deleting a file on Windows using the Delete key from File Explorer will send the file to Recycle Bin, which is usually visible on the desktop. However, if you delete files by emptying the Recycle Bin or using the Shift + Delete keyboard shortcut, the file will be permanently cleaned and won't be found on your computer with the naked eye. 

Can Deleted Files Be Recovered on Windows 10

YES! If you just delete the files in a common way, and the files are in the Recycle Bin or the Recently Deleted folder, data recovery is very simple. Open the Recycle Bin, find the target file, and restore it to its original location.  

Can permanently deleted files be recovered? When Windows or other operating systems delete a file (e.g., emptying a file from the Recycle Bin), it doesn't delete all of the file's data directly from the hard drive. It just marks the file's disk location as deleted. This way, when the disk space needs to be used for other data, it can be written directly to those locations without keeping the original data.

So when a file is deleted, the data in the file actually still exists if the disk record it's in has not been written with new data. At this point, if an advanced data recovery method is adopted, the file data marked as "deleted" can be directly read from the disk and restored to the specified directory.

Check the following solutions to restore deleted files on Windows 10.

• Recover Deleted Files on Windows 11/10 Without Software
• Recover Permanently Deleted Files on Windows with File Recovery Software 
• Recover Deleted Files with a Professional Recovery Service
• Recover Permanently Deleted Files in Different Formats
• Recover Deleted Files from Multiple Devices  

How to Recover Deleted Files on Windows 11/10 Without Software

A few different methods can be used to recover deleted or permanently deleted files in Windows 10/11. Our team put together a handy guide on the Windows 10 files recovery process without software to help you go from amateur to expert.

Method 1. Recover Deleted Files from Recycle Bin

When deleted files are not permanently erased from your computer, you have a chance to undelete them from Recycle Bin easily. To retrieve Recycle Bin files: 

Step 1. Find the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and open it.

Step 2. Look for the files you want to restore. You can select Restore all items if you want all of your files back.

Step 3. Or, choose a certain file you need and click "Restore". The file will be returned to its original location. 

Some users report that they can't find deleted files in Recycle Bin although they didn't permanently delete the files. Why are deleted files not in Recycle Bin? There may be three reasons for this problem.

• The system automatically cleans up the deleted files in the Recycle Bin stored for too long. 
• Or the deleted file is too large, and the file is permanently deleted bypassing the Recycle Bin.
• Also, the Recycle Bin is out of space and can't keep more temporarily deleted files.

In-depth reading on recovering deleted files not in Recycle Bin.  

Method 2. Recover Deleted Files with Backup

Recovering deleted files can be simple if you have a recent backup. Windows 10 automatically creates File History backups of your files, and you can use these backups to recover deleted files without software.

To access and restore deleted files from File History:

Step 1. In the Search box, type file history and click "Restore your files from File history".

Step 2. When you go to the File History window, find the deleted files you need to restore and preview them.

Step 3. Select the files you want to restore, click the gear icon near the upper right corner of the window and select "Restore to" to save the file to a customized path.

Restore Deleted Files from the Previous Version

To restore a deleted file from a previous version, you need to:

Step 1. Open "This PC" or "My Computer". Navigate to the folder that previously contained the file or files you want to recover.

Step 2. Right-click and select "Previous Versions. Windows will display a list of previous versions of the files that were created with Windows backup or saved as restore points.

Step 3. Double-click the previous version of the file that you want to recover. Drag the file to a new storage location where it will be saved and available for further use.

Recover Deleted Files on Windows with File Recovery Software

Using file recovery software is the most effective among all the file recovery methods. Permanently deleted files can be recovered easily, even if no backup is available. Deep Data Recovery is one such tool that scans your hard drive for any traces of deleted files and then attempts to recover them. In many cases, this file recovery software can successfully recover deleted files. Benefits of this recommended software include:

• Recover deleted files from many storage devices, including SD/memory cards, USB flash drives, HDDs, SSDs, and more.
• Recover lost or deleted files, photos, videos, documents, and more.
• Get back data that has been lost due to accidental deletion or formatting.
• Restore data from computers that have been damaged by viruses or other malware.
• Offer a preview function that lets you see what files can be recovered before starting the recovery process.

Free download Qiling data recovery software from our website. After installing the software, open it and then follow the steps below to recover deleted files on your Windows PC. You can recover deleted files for free with Qiling if they are under 2GB covered by the Free edition of the program.

• Free Download
• Windows 11/10/8/7, 100% Secure

Recover Deleted Files with a Professional Data Recovery Service

Although the probability is very small, it is also possible that the previous solutions have failed. At this time, you need professional data recovery services. Of course, data recovery services aren't free. But it may be your best option if you've already tried all the other solutions and failed.

Use these steps if you are considering a professional data recovery service:

• Search Google for a reliable data recovery service or one with a good reputation. We suggest Qiling Data Recovery Service as a reputable solution.
• Make your selection and follow the experts' guidelines to check your device.
• Make an appointment for a remote connection to start the FREE diagnosis.
• Complete the financial transaction with the recovery service and let them recover your files.
• Check the device and start using your files again.

Most people have deleted a file they later regretted at least once in their lifetime. It could be an important document, a precious wedding video, or anything else you can't afford to lose. Fortunately, it is often possible to recover deleted files in Windows 10. 

Recover Permanently Deleted Files with Windows File Recovery Tool

Here, we'll show you how to recover deleted files with Windows File Recovery. Windows File Recovery is a Microsoft Windows utility that enables users to recover deleted photos, lost Word documents or Excel files, and missing or deleted files from their computer's hard drives, solid-state drives, or portable storage devices. To use Windows File Recovery, users must have a Windows account and be signed in with their Microsoft account. 

Follow the steps below to recover deleted files with this free utility on Windows 10:

Step 1. Download and launch Windows File Recovery from Microsoft Store.

Step 2. Enter Windows File Recovery in the search box, and then select "Windows File Recovery".

Step 3. In the Command Prompt window, enter the correct command to recover lost files.

Default mode example - Recover a specific file from your C: drive to the recovery folder on an E: drive.

winfr C: E: /n \Users\Documents\QuarterlyStatement.docx

Segment mode example (/r) - Recover PDF and Word files from your C: drive to the recovery folder on an E: drive.

winfr C: E: /r /n *.pdf /n *.docx

Signature mode example (/x) - When using the signature mode, it's helpful to check the supported extension groups and corresponding file types first.

info /#

Step 4. When you are prompted for confirmation to continue, enter "Y" to start the recovery operation.

Further help: Get the full guide to recovering deleted files with Windows File Recovery.

Recover Deleted Files from Multiple Devices

Portable devices and cloud disks are popular means to store a wide variety of files. Yet, accidentally deleting files from these storage media also happens frequently.  We have provided detailed tutorials for recovering deleted files from SD cards, USB flash drives, external hard drives, and cloud disks. 

Recover Deleted Files from an SD Card

SD cards are often used in digital cameras to save your pictures and photos. You may accidentally delete files from an SD card before transferring them to longer-term storage. The best way to recover deleted data from an SD card used in a camera or phone is with SD card recovery software. To recover deleted files from an SD card.

Step 1. Connect the SD card to your computer with an SD card reader.

Step 2. Wait for your computer to recognize the SD card.

Step 3. Open the SD card data recovery software on your Windows PC.

Step 4. Recover deleted files from the SD card with the data recovery software.

Retrieve Deleted Files from USB Drive (External Disk)

It's not rocket science to restore deleted files from a USB or an external hard drive if you have reliable data recovery solutions. Here's the best method to restore deleted files from USB drives.

Step 1. Connect the USB flash drive to your computer.

Step 2. Wait for your PC to recognize the USB drive.

Step 3. Open the USB drive recovery software on your PC.

Step 4. Recover deleted files from the USB drive with the pen drive recovery software.

Restore Deleted Files from Google Drive

Nowadays, more people prefer storing data on cloud drives instead of traditional storage media. When you delete a file or folder from Goog Drive, it will go to the Trash and stay there for 30 days in default. After the time limit expires, the cloud storage server permanently deletes the files, and you won't be able to restore the wanted files.

To recover permanently deleted files from Google Drive, you can try to contact Google Support, and they may restore the deleted files for you. If not, restore lost data from backups or search for locally saved files or folders. For example, if you delete a Google Doc, Sheet, or Slide, you can recover it from the Support.

Step 1. Go to drive.google.com, click the " ? " symbol in a circle, and click "Help".

Step 2. From the drop-down list, click "Send Feedback".

Step 3. Describe your issue in the pointed area and add a screenshot if necessary. Click "SEND".

If you delete a Google Docs file that is older than 30 days or that was permanently deleted from trash (empty trash), then recovery isn't possible. 

Similarly, if you delete a photo that is older than 60 days or that is permanently deleted from trash (empty trash), then it can't be recovered. However, if you have a backup of those photos in Google Photos, then you can restore them from there. If you are a OneDrive user, you can recover permanently deleted files from OneDrive. The operations would be a little bit different since Microsoft can store files on your local drive.

How to Recover Deleted Files on Mac (100% Working)

What if you are a Mac user? Can you recover deleted files from Mac? Like Windows data, files you remove on a Mac normally go to the Trash Bin and stay there for a certain period. The first thing to do is to check the Mac Trash. If the file was unintentionally deleted, it might still be in the Trash. It takes simple steps to recover files from Mac Trash. If the file is not in the Trash, there are still a few options for permanently deleted Mac file recovery.

1. Use Time Machine

Time Machine is a built-in backup feature on Mac, which will keep backups of your files for a certain period, so you may be able to recover a deleted file from a previous backup.

2. Run Mac Data Recovery Software

These Mac data recovery tools can scan your hard drive for deleted files and attempt to recover them.

3. Retrieve Deleted Files on Mac Through Terminal

Finally, you can also recover deleted files on Mac using Terminal.

How to Recover Deleted Files on iPhone and Android

Because the storage space on mobile devices is much smaller than that on computer devices, deleting files has become a daily operation for people to clean up memory. Deleted files on iPhone and Android phones will first go to the Recently Deleted folder. After 30 days, they will disappear thoroughly. Here are the complete guides to recovering deleted files on mobile devices.

Tips for Windows 10 File/Data Prevention

Data is one of the most valuable commodities in today's digital world. Whether it's personal, financial, or confidential business data, information is a valuable asset that needs to be protected. That's why data protection is so important. Besides, compared with data recovery, data protection is much easier. There are many ways to protect your data and avoid data loss.

• Keep backups of your data in multiple locations.
• Don't open suspicious emails or attachments.
• Keep your anti-virus software up to date.
• Don't delete files you don't know, especially system files.
• If your PC gets hot, take it apart and clean it.

Taking these tips and suggestions can help ensure that your data is safe and secure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, recovering deleted files can be a difficult and time-consuming process. However, with the right tools and a bit of patience, it is usually possible to retrieve lost data. For mission-critical data, it is always best to have a backup plan in place to avoid potentially costly and frustrating recovery attempts.

• Free Download
• Windows 11/10/8/7, 100% Secure

Recover Deleted Files FAQs

If you still have problems with how to recover deleted files, you can get contact us or read the following questions and answers to get further help.

1. How to recover deleted files on Windows 11?

Steps to recover deleted files on Windows 11:

• Download, install and launch Qiling data recovery software.
• Select the disk or partition that contained the lost files on Windows 11.
• Click the "Scan" button to start scanning for deleted files on your computer.
• Choose the deleted files you want and preview these files.
• Click the "Recover" button to get back deleted files on Windows 11.

2. How do I recover deleted files not in Recycle Bin?

To retrieve deleted files not in Recycle Bin:

• Choose the exact file location and click the "Scan" button to continue.
• After the process, you can apply the "Filter" feature or click the "Search files or folders" button to find the deleted files.
• Click the "Recover" button and save the restored files – ideally, they should be different from the original one.

3. How do I recover permanently deleted files?

There are at least three ways to recover permanently deleted files. Most solutions have been mentioned in this post. You can choose the proper solutions according to your data loss situation.

Qiling data recovery software stands out for its efficiency in restoring data from a hard drive, SSD, USB flash drive, SD card, memory card, and more.

4. How can I recover permanently deleted files without backup?

Steps to recover deleted files without backup:

• Download, install and launch Deep Data Recovery.
• Choose the file location and then click the "Scan" button.
• After the process, you can apply the "Filter" feature to find the deleted files.
• Click the "Recover" button and save the restored files.

5. Where do files go when deleted on Windows 10?

Usually, when you delete a file or folder, it will be moved to the Recovery Bin on Windows 10. Objects remain in the Recycle Bin indefinitely, allowing you to restore something you deleted long after doing so.

If you have emptied the Recycle Bin, the deleted files will be located in the hard drive and can only be retrieved with the hard drive data recovery software.

6. Are deleted files gone forever?

The answer is no. When you click the "Delete" option, your deleted files go to the Recycle Bin when you click the "Delete" option. However, it doesn't mean that the files are deleted forever. It's simply in a different folder location, which is labeled Recycle Bin.

7. Does Windows 10 restore deleted files?

Yes. Windows includes an automatic backup feature known as File History. To recover deleted Windows 10 files:

• Open Windows Explorer and right-click the folder where the deleted file is located.
• Select "Restore previous versions".
• Select the most appropriate File History backup and click "Open" to preview its content.
• Select the file you want to recover and click "Restore...".

8. How to recover deleted files on OneDrive?

OneDrive provides you with its Trash, and you can retrieve deleted OneDrive files. Here are the steps:

• Go to the OneDrive website or open your local OneDrive icon.
• Log in with your username and password.
• Select "Recycle Bin" in the navigation pane.
• Select the files you want to recover.
• Click "Restore" to recover lost OneDrive files.

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