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How to Recover Deleted Files in Windows (Recycle Bin, File History & Recovery Software)

✅ Quick Answer

If you deleted a file accidentally, the easiest recovery method is to check the Recycle Bin. If it’s not there, use File History or Restore Previous Versions. For files deleted permanently or emptied from the Recycle Bin, use reliable recovery software like Recuva or Disk Drill.

❓ Why Deleted Files Can Still Be Recovered?

When you delete a file, Windows usually doesn’t erase the data immediately. Instead, it marks the storage space as “available” and removes the file’s reference from the file table. Until new data overwrites that space, recovery is possible.

This is why it’s important to stop using the drive as soon as you realize files are missing. The longer you use it, the higher the chance the deleted data will be overwritten.

🔧 Fix 1: Check Recycle Bin First

The Recycle Bin is the first place to look. Most deleted files remain there unless you used Shift + Delete or emptied the bin.

Double-click Recycle Bin on the desktop.
Search for your deleted file using the search bar.
Right-click the file and choose Restore.
The file will return to its original folder.

Tip: If you cannot find the file, sort the list by Date Deleted.

🔧 Fix 2: Restore Previous Versions

Windows keeps “previous versions” of files if you have File History or System Protection enabled. This method works even if the file was deleted a long time ago.

Open the folder where the file was located.
Right-click inside the folder and select Properties.
Go to Previous Versions.
Select a version and click Restore.

If you don’t see previous versions, it means File History or System Protection is not enabled.

🔧 Fix 3: Use File History Backup

File History is a Windows backup feature that saves copies of your files automatically. If enabled, you can recover deleted files easily.

Go to Settings → Update & Security → Backup.
Click More options.
Scroll down and click Restore files from a current backup.
Browse to the folder and select the file.
Click Restore.

If File History is not enabled, you should enable it now to prevent future data loss.

🔧 Fix 4: Recover Using Windows File Recovery Tool

Windows File Recovery is a free Microsoft tool available from the Microsoft Store. It helps recover permanently deleted files using command line.

Download Windows File Recovery from Microsoft Store.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Use the command below:

winfr C: D: /n \Users\YourName\Documents\*.docx

Replace C: with the drive where the file was deleted and D: with the recovery drive (different drive is recommended).

🔧 Fix 5: Use Third-Party Recovery Software (Recuva / Disk Drill)

If you need a simple user-friendly recovery solution, third-party tools are best. They can scan the drive deeply and recover files even after Recycle Bin is emptied.

Download and install Recuva or Disk Drill.
Run the software and select the drive where the file was deleted.
Start a deep scan.
Select files and click Recover.
Save recovered files to a different drive.

Always save recovered files to another drive to avoid overwriting deleted data.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover files after emptying Recycle Bin?

Yes, you can recover files using recovery software as long as the data has not been overwritten.

How long can deleted files be recovered?

It depends on disk usage. If you stop using the drive immediately, recovery is often possible for weeks or months. But once overwritten, recovery becomes impossible.

Is it safe to use recovery software?

Yes, reputable tools like Recuva and Disk Drill are safe. Just download from official websites.