How to Find Recently Deleted Files in Windows 10 & Windows 11?

When you press the delete key on a file, Windows usually moves it to the Recycle Bin instead of erasing it instantly. The file remains there until you empty the bin or it exceeds the storage limit.

However, if you use Shift + Delete, delete files from external drives, or clear the Recycle Bin, the files are marked as removed from the system index. In many cases, the data still exists on the disk until it is overwritten, which means recovery is often possible.

In this easy and detailed guide, you will learn how to find recently deleted files in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

How to Find Recently Deleted Files in Windows 10 & Windows 11?

To find recently deleted files in Windows 10 and Windows 11, first check the Recycle Bin, as deleted files are usually stored there temporarily. If the files are not present, use File History, Previous Versions, or Windows Backup if enabled earlier. For permanently deleted files, professional data recovery software can help scan your drive and restore lost data before it is overwritten.

Let’s learn the process step-by-step!

1: Check the Recycle Bin First

The Recycle Bin is always the first place you should look for recently deleted files in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking its icon on the desktop. Once opened, you will see a list of deleted files along with details like original location, deletion date, and file size. You can sort files by date to quickly locate the most recently deleted items.

If you find the file you need, right-click on it and choose Restore. The file will return to its original folder automatically. This method works best when the file was deleted normally, and the Recycle Bin has not been emptied.

2: Use Windows Search to Locate Deleted Files

Sometimes files are not truly deleted but moved to a different location by mistake. In such cases, Windows Search can help.

Click on the search bar in Windows 10 or the search icon in Windows 11 and type the file name or file extension. For example, searching for .docx or .jpg can help you locate documents or images across your system.

If you remember part of the file name, even a keyword search can bring useful results. This step is simple but often overlooked and can save a lot of time.

3: Restore Files Using File History

File History is a built-in Windows backup feature that automatically saves copies of files from key folders like Documents, Pictures, Music, and Desktop.

If File History was enabled before deletion, open the folder where the file was originally stored. Right-click inside the folder and select Restore previous versions. A list of available backups will appear, showing different dates and times.

Choose the version that contains your deleted file and restore it. This method is very effective for recently deleted files and does not require any third-party tools.

4: Recover Files Using Previous Versions

The Previous Versions feature works alongside File History and System Restore. It allows users to recover older versions of files or entire folders.

Navigate to the folder where the file was located. Right-click on the folder and select Properties. Open the Previous Versions tab to see available snapshots. If versions are available, open one to check its contents and restore the deleted file.

This method is useful when individual files are missing, but the folder still exists.

5: Use Windows Backup and Restore

Windows 10 and Windows 11 both support Backup and Restore, a legacy backup option that some users still rely on.

Open the Control Panel and go to Backup and Restore. If you created a backup earlier, you can restore files from it by selecting the relevant backup date and browsing for deleted files.

This method is ideal for users who regularly back up their system and want a reliable recovery option without extra software.

6: Check OneDrive or Cloud Backup Services

Many Windows users use OneDrive or other cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox. If your files were synced, they may still exist online.

Log in to your cloud account and check the Recycle Bin or Trash section within the service. Cloud services usually keep deleted files for a limited time before permanent removal.

Restoring files from cloud storage is often faster and safer than local recovery methods.

7: Use Data Recovery Software for Permanently Deleted Files

If the file is not found in the Recycle Bin or backups, it may have been permanently deleted. In such cases, data recovery software can help.

Install a reliable recovery tool on a different drive to avoid overwriting deleted data. Run a scan on the drive where the file was originally stored. The software will search for recoverable files and display them in a list.

Preview the files if possible and recover them to an external drive or a different partition. Acting quickly increases the chances of successful recovery.

How to Restore Deleted Files?

Finding deleted files is only half the task. The next step is restoring them properly so they can be used again without issues.

Step 1: Restore fromthe  Recycle Bin

Once the file is located in the Recycle Bin, restoring it is straightforward. Right-click on the file and choose Restore. The file will reappear in the folder it was deleted from.

Always open the restored file to ensure it is intact and working correctly.

Step 2: Restore Using File History or Backup

If restoring from File History or Windows Backup, select the correct version of the file and confirm the restore process. Choose whether to replace the existing file or keep both versions if prompted.

After restoration, verify the file contents and save a copy in another location as a precaution.

Step 3: Use Data Recovery Software if Needed

If the file is not found using built-in Windows tools, professional data recovery software can help. These tools scan the disk for recoverable data that has not yet been overwritten.

Install the software on a different drive to avoid overwriting deleted data. Run a deep scan and preview recoverable files before restoring them. This method should be used as a last resort, but it can be very effective.

Faqs

Can I recover files deleted using Shift Delete?

Yes, files deleted using Shift+Delete can often be recovered with data recovery software, as long as the disk space has not been overwritten.

How long do files stay in the Recycle Bin?

Files remain in the Recycle Bin until they are emptied manually or reach their size limit. Windows may automatically remove older files to make space.

Is file recovery safe on Windows 11?

Yes, file recovery is safe when using trusted Windows features or reputable recovery software. Avoid unknown tools that may contain malware.

Can I recover files after emptying the Recycle Bin?

Yes, recovery is possible using backups or recovery software, but success depends on how much time has passed and disk usage since deletion.

Do Windows updates delete personal files?

Windows updates do not normally delete personal files. However, having backups ensures safety in rare cases of system errors.