How To Recover Files Deleted from Recycle Bin On Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7?

The Recycle Bin is our go-to when we need to recover deleted files, but how do you recover deleted files after they have been emptied from the Recycle Bin? Why am I unable to locate my deleted files in my Recycle Bin? You will find the answers to these questions within the article below, continue reading to learn more!

Recycle Bin is a feature given to us for our convenience and it’s truly a life-saver. If you accidentally delete some important files or folders, you can easily recover them from the recycle bin.

So when is a file considered to be permanently deleted?

A permanently deleted file is considered as such when the file is deleted and emptied from the Recycle Bin. You can also permanently delete a file by using the Shift + Delete shortcut.

So now, what do I do if the file is permanently deleted and is not present even in the Recycle Bin? Is my data lost forever?

Well no, you haven’t lost your data yet, and if you act fast and take proper precautions you can completely recover lost data.

How To Restore Files Deleted From Recycle Bin?

Well, the term says permanently deleted so it might seem tricky to recover files that are deleted from the recycle bin. But that is not the case, in fact, you can easily recover your data within minutes (depending on file size) if you follow the correct methods and steps.

So how do I know which method will work for me? Do not worry, we have compiled a list of tried and proven methods using which you can resolve your problem and recover files that were deleted from the recycle bin with ease. They include

Method 1: Restore Files Deleted From Recycle Bin By Backup Files

Method 2: Recover Files Using Previous Versions or File History

Method 3: Recover Permanently Deleted Files Using Yodot Data Recovery Software

Method 4: Retrieve Files Deleted From The Recycle Bin By Windows File Recovery [Only For Windows 10/11]

Method 1: Restore Files Deleted From Recycle Bin By Backup Files

Backup files are excellent replacements in case of a data loss event. In case you lose your data you can use these saved copies of the original files where they are on the cloud or any external storage device.

In case some of the files were not backed up they would not be restored and the changes made to the files after the backup was done if not synced will not be restored either. But hey, it’s better to have something rather than nothing.
Backup files act as an excellent replacement for lost files. If you have saved copies of the original files on the cloud or any external storage device, you can use this method to find out how to restore backup files.

You can restore backup files from the following devices/drives depending on where you have stored the files.

Method 1.1: Recover Deleted Files with OneDrive

If you have saved the files on the cloud using OneDrive, you can use the following steps to restore photos and videos from OneDrive.

  • Log in to your OneDrive account using Microsoft Credentials.
onedrive login
  • Go to the folder where you have saved your files.
  • Select the files or folders to be recovered and click the Download button.

Note: Other cloud backups like Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, etc work similarly and be used as per your preference.

Method 1.2: Recover Deleted Files with an External Storage Device:

If you have a habit of backing up your data on external storage devices like HDDs, SSDs, etc you can use them to recover your files in case of deletion. Here’s how it’s done.

Many users who have a regular habit of taking backups, more often than not, save them on external storage devices such as Hard Drives, SSDs, SD cards, Pen drives, etc.

  • Connect the drive containing the copies of the original files.
  • Open the Control Panel using the search bar.
  • Select Backup and Restore (windows 7) under the System and Security tab.
select backup and restore(windows 7)
  • Click on Select another backup to restore files from, then follow the on-screen directions to retrieve your deleted files.

Method 2: Recover Files Using Previous Versions or File History

The files with their prior version will be promptly stored when the backup option is enabled. You can use this backup to recover files from an earlier version. Here’s how to go about it.

Windows has a built-in tool designed to grab specific system files and Windows registry and save them as Restore Points.

This option works well to restore lost files that were deleted, lost, corrupt, or inaccessible due to any reason.

  • Go to the location of the folder where your lost or deleted files were stored.
  • Right-click and choose Properties from the options.
select properties
  • Select the earlier version where all your deleted files are located by clicking the Previous Versions tab.
previous-version
  • Press the Restore button at the end to retrieve your data.

Method 3: Recover Permanently Deleted Files Using Yodot Data Recovery Software

It is always advisable to have regular backups of your important data, so as to be prepared in the event of data loss. But, even if you do not have any backup of your files you can opt for data recovery software. They are super effective in restoring your data deleted from the recycle bin.

Yodot File Recovery Software can be your go-to tool for recovering files deleted from the Bin of your Windows computer and any external storage devices. The tool is built with innovative scan technology that goes sector by sector to safely identify and recover Over 400 file types. It can easily recover lost or deleted files from your computer, external storage devices, etc.

Follow the instructions below to recover files deleted from the recycle bin-

  • Download and install the Yodot File Recovery software trial version on your laptop or computer.
  • Launch the software and select Deleted File Recovery.
select deleted file recovery
  • Select the drive and click on Next.
select the drive to recover the files
  • Examine the recovered data in two distinct viewing modes to make file selection more straightforward.
  • You can preview the recovered file using the Preview option to ensure the correct file was saved.
Preview the recovered files with the help of preview option

Step 5: Select a destination drive and restore your deleted files

Note: It is crucial to avoid selecting the source drive because doing so will permanently erase the data.

Method 4: Retrieve Files Deleted From The Recycle Bin By Windows File Recovery [Only For Windows 10/11]

If you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11, you have the option of recovering your deleted files using a free, command prompt utility by Microsoft called Windows File Recovery. To use this follow the steps.
Click on the Windows key and search Windows Store. Inside the store search for Windows File Recovery and install it.

  • Press Windows + R. Type cmd and press Shift + Ctrl + Enter to open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Type the command winfr F: D: /extensive
    • Here replace F with the drive letter of the drive, where the data was originally stored.
    • D is the destination location that can be replaced as per your preference.
  • Press Y to continue scanning and recovery.
  • In case you are unaware of the drive where the data was originally saved but know that it did appear in the recycle bin at one point you can use the command winfr C: D:\RecoveredFiles /n \RecycleBin
    • n is for normal mode and can be replaced to change the scanning mode.

Since we have explained the recovery options let us now discuss some precautions you can take to prevent this issue from recurring.

Precautions To Prevent Permanent Deletion Of Data From The Recycle Bin

Take these simple precautionary steps to vastly reduce the probability of facing the same issue in the future.

  • Take regular multiple backups. It is the most effective way of securing your data.
  • Uncheck the “Don’t move files to the Recycle Bin. Remove files immediately when deleted.” option.
  • Use the Delete option to delete files instead of using Shift + Delete as files removed using this do not appear in the Recycle Bin.

Note: In the event of data loss stop using the drive on which the data was saved immediately to prevent overwriting.

To Conclude

We have provided you with the best hand-picked solutions to recover data deleted from the Recycle Bin. I hope your issue has been resolved by now. In case you have some doubts or need any help feel free to reach out to us. We would be glad if we could help.

Do consider the precautions suggested and protect your data in the future.