Losing files can be a hassle, but recovering recently deleted files on Windows 10/11 is quite simple. Whether you accidentally clicked a few buttons or you are trying to fetch a file that you think is permanently deleted, this guide will provide simple and free ways to access recently deleted files.
Method 1: Recycle Bin
The first and easiest way to access deleted files on Windows 10/11 is to check the recycle bin. Deleted files can be easily retrieved from the recycle bin.
Steps:
- Open the recycle bin by double-clicking its icon on the desktop.
- Go through the deleted files, and you can find the one you seek by sorting the files in the order of Date Deleted.
- Pick the file, right click and select Restore in order to place it back to the folder it was deleted from.
- If, at this stage, you’re not able to find the file in the recycle bin, don’t lose hope; there are multiple other ways you can attempt to retrieve the file.
Method 2: Restore Deleted Files Using File History on Windows
If you enable File History, it periodically backs up files on your system, potentially allowing you to restore deleted files.
Steps:
- Right-click the folder in which the deleted file was saved and click on Restore previous versions.
- Select from available backups a folder version that you believe holds the deleted file.
- Click Restore to retrieve the file.
- If this is the first time using File History or it was set up after the file was deleted, do not worry, as the free methods will still be accessible.
Method 3: Using WinfrGU to Recover Free Deleted Files
Should the file not appear in Recycle Bin or not have been backed up using File History, a third-party application like WinfrGU can help recover deleted files. WinfrGU (Windows File Recovery GUI) is a user-friendly, free application that lets users search for and restore lost files.
Steps:
- WinfrGU can be downloaded and installed through the official website.
- Install the application and launch it, selecting the Drive that initially held the file.
- Select a type of scan: Quick for recently deleted files or Deep for files that haven’t been seen in a long time.
- Let the software check for deleted files. A list of recoverable files will be presented following the scan.
- Take the recoverable files you want, then follow the prompts to restore them to your system.
- For users who require ease of access to recently deleted files on Windows 10/11, Windrader File Recovery GUI (WinfrGU) has them covered.
Method 4: Using a Restore Point on the System
Should you want to attempt a more advanced approach to bringing back the file, consider restoring your system to a time when the file is available. Not only will voided files be restored, but system configurations will also be reverted to a reset state.
Steps:
- Search for System Restore and select Create a Restore point.
- Select System Restore in the System Properties window.
- Rerun the scan in step 1, taking note the system will step back to a point before the files were removed.
- The entire system would be reverted, meaning any recent work on applications will be removed.
Final Thoughts
Though losing files might incur some trouble, Windows 10/11 systems enable users to recover files from several locations, such as the recycle bin or utilize sophisticated tools like WinfrGU, increasing the likelihood of retrieving the lost data.
If you want to know how to see recently deleted files on Windows, consider using one of these methods. Any of these techniques can assist you in quickly recovering your data, engaging in in-depth recovery processes, or anywhere in between. No matter the method, recovering files will be fast and simple.
