To recover deleted files, first check the Recycle Bin. If the files aren’t there, use Windows File History or a Cloud Backup. If those options fail, a recovery tool like MiniTool Partition Wizard can help retrieve them.

The accidental deletion of files is a common issue we frequently encounter, whether due to an unintentional error or deliberate action.

While some files may still reside in the Recycle Bin, others may have been permanently lost.

In such situations, continuing to operate on the same disk or storing new files on it risks overwriting the original data, thereby making recovery more difficult.

Therefore, as soon as you discover that files are missing, you should immediately stop using the disk and refrain from installing software or writing any new data to it.

Next, several effective methods for recovering deleted files in Windows 10 will be introduced.

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.

Read More

How to Recover Deleted Files?

This section will provide a detailed guide on the steps for recovering deleted files on Windows systems.

The content will cover the process sequentially, ranging from the simplest method of restoring from the Recycle Bin to the specific procedures for using professional data recovery software.

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

Another method for recovering files involves utilizing cloud storage, provided that you are in the habit of regularly syncing your files to the cloud.

Services such as OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox automatically sync your files to the cloud, thereby creating backups.

If you accidentally delete a file, you can check the cloud storage’s Recycle Bin, as most services retain deleted files for a certain period, making them easy to recover.

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.

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.

  • linkedin
  • reddit

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.

User Comments :