Deleted files can usually be recovered unless they have been overwritten. Start by checking the Recycle Bin or backups such as Windows File History. For permanently deleted files, a data recovery tool like MiniTool Partition Wizard can scan your drive and help you recover deleted files.

Deleted files are not always permanently lost. In Windows 10/11, you can recover deleted files if they have not been overwritten. Stop using the drive immediately, then restore files from backups or use a reliable data recovery tool to scan and recover deleted files from SSD.

Top 3 Methods to Recover Formatted Hard Drive Easily
Top 3 Methods to Recover Formatted Hard Drive Easily

This post tells you how to recover formatted hard drive via MiniTool Partition Wizard, Backup and Restore, and the File History feature in Windows.

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How to Recover Deleted Files?

The recovery methods below are arranged from the simplest to the most advanced. Start with the Recycle Bin and backups before using professional data recovery software for permanently deleted files.

How to Recover Deleted Files Quickly

StepActionWhy It Matters
1Stop using the affected drivePrevents deleted data from being overwritten
2Check Recycle BinFastest recovery method
3Use recovery softwareFinds deleted files not visible normally
4Save recovered files to another driveAvoids overwriting

Method 1: Recover Deleted Files from Recycle Bin

How to recover deleted files Windows 10?

Well, the Recycle Bin is the most frequently used temporary storage area for files in the Windows operating system.

Most accidentally deleted files are moved here first; therefore, check the Recycle Bin first.

Here are the steps:

  1. Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon and choose Open.
  2. Look for the deleted files you want to restore.
  3. Right-click on the files and choose Restore from the context menu.
The Recycle Bin interface with the selected Restore option.

If the file you deleted is not in the Recycle Bin, or if the Recycle Bin is empty, you can use File History to restore it.

Method 2: Recover Deleted Files from File History

If the deleted file is not in the Recycle Bin, Windows’ built-in File History feature can help you recover previous versions of the file.

Note:
This method is applicable only if File History was previously enabled.
  1. Open Control Panel
  2. Change View by to Small icons and click File History.
  3. Click Restore personal files on the left-hand menu.
  4. Select the deleted files you want to recover, then click Restore to recover them to the original location.
  5. To save the files to a different location rather than their original path, click the Gear icon and select Restore to.
The File History interface with the selected Restore personal files option.

Also read: How to Enable or Disable File History in Windows? Look Here!

Method 3: Recover Deleted Files from Cloud Backup

If your files were synced to a cloud storage service before they were deleted, you may be able to restore them without using data recovery software.

Cloud services such as OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox usually keep deleted files in a Recycle Bin or Deleted Files folder for a limited time. Check the cloud storage’s recycle bin first. If the files are no longer available, continue to the next recovery method.

Also read: [Explained] Cloud Backup – What Is It & How Does It Work?

Method 4: Recover Deleted Files from MiniTool Partition Wizard

If the methods mentioned above fail to restore deleted files, you can turn to professional data recovery software for assistance.

MiniTool Partition Wizard, for instance, is an excellent tool capable of performing deep disk scans to recover deleted or formatted files.

Tips:
It also provides a Partition Recovery feature to restore partitions lost due to accidental deletion, file system errors, and more.

MiniTool Partition Wizard DemoClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 1: Run MiniTool Partition Wizard, navigate to the main interface, and choose Data Recovery.

The MiniTool Partition Wizard interface with the selected Data Recovery feature.

Step 2: In the Logical Drives section, you can view all disk partitions. Next, select the hard drive containing the lost files, and then click Scan.

The Data Recovery interface with the selected Scan option.

Step 3: If the desired data is found, you can click the Pause or Stop icon to get instant data recovery.

Step 4: To locate your files more efficiently, you can use the following features:

  • Type: In this section, all files are categorized by their type and format.
  • Filter: This feature lets you narrow down results by excluding unwanted files based on factors such as file type, last modified date, size, and category.
  • Search: It allows you to perform a targeted search.
  • Preview: Select a file and click Preview to verify whether it’s the one you need.
The Data Recovery Type interface with the selected Preview option.

Step 5: Choose the deleted files you want to recover, then click Save. In the pop-up window, select where you’d like to store the recovered files, and click OK.

The Select a directory to save files interface with the selected OK option.

Deleted File Recovery Methods Comparison

Method RecoveryChanceDifficultyBest For
Recycle BinHighEasyRecently deleted files
File HistoryHighEasyBackup users
System RestoreSystem RestoreMediumSystem-related issues
Recovery SoftwareHighMediumPermanent deletion

How to recover deleted files Windows 10? If you’re still searching for the answer, this guide walks you through the process.Click to Tweet

Recover Deleted Files FAQ

1. Can deleted files be recovered without using software?
Yes. Windows offers built-in recovery methods such as the Recycle Bin, File History, and Windows File Recovery.
2. Can formatted files be recovered?
Yes. However, the success rate of recovery depends on the type of formatting performed and whether the data has been overwritten. A quick format typically only deletes the file index, whereas a full format may overwrite some or all of the data, making recovery more difficult.
3. Does the TRIM function on an SSD affect file recovery?
Yes. The TRIM function on an SSD may reduce the success rate of recovering deleted files.
4. What should I do to increase the success rate of file recovery?
As soon as you discover that files are missing, please stop using the disk immediately to prevent new data from overwriting the original files. Then, use a reliable data recovery tool to perform a scan as soon as possible.

Bottom Line

Deleted files in Windows 10 and 11 can often be recovered using the Recycle Bin, File History, Cloud Backup, or professional recovery software.

If you have any questions or feedback about MiniTool Partition Wizard, feel free to contact our support team at [email protected] for additional help.

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About The Author

Cecilia
Cecilia

Position: Columnist

Cecilia has been an editor at MiniTool for two years. She primarily focuses on disk and partition-related content, with particular expertise in disk cloning, partition recovery, and PDF document conversion. She is dedicated to providing users with clear and accurate solutions to help them efficiently resolve common computer problems.

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