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Accidentally deleted an important file? Don’t panic! Windows provides several ways to recover lost files - even after emptying the Recycle Bin. Follow this guide to restore your data quickly using built-in tools and third-party recovery software.
1. Check the Recycle Bin (Easiest
Method)
Before trying advanced recovery
methods, check if your file is still in the Recycle Bin.
How
to Restore Files from Recycle Bin:
- Open Recycle Bin
(double-click the icon on your desktop).
- Find your deleted file.
- Right-click and select Restore—it
returns to its original location.
Note: If you permanently deleted
the file (Shift + Delete), move on
to the next method.
2. Restore from File History (If
Enabled)
Windows File History
automatically backs up files if it was turned on.
How
to Use File History to Restore Files:
- Press Win + S, type File
History, and select Restore your files with File History.
- Navigate to the folder where
the deleted file was located.
- Browse previous versions,
select the file, and click Restore.
Tip: Enable File History under Control Panel > System and Security > File History to prevent future data loss.
3. Recover Files Using Previous
Versions
If File History isn’t enabled, Windows
automatically saves "shadow copies" of files that you might be
able to restore.
How
to Restore Previous Versions:
- Navigate to the folder where
your file was stored.
- Right-click the folder > Select Restore previous versions.
- Select a version from the list and click Restore.
Works best
on system drives (C:) but may not be available for all files.
4. Use Windows' Built-in Recovery Tool
(Winfr)
Windows has a hidden recovery
tool called Windows File Recovery (Winfr).
How
to Use Windows File Recovery:
- Download it from the Microsoft Store
(search for Windows File Recovery).
- Open Command Prompt (Admin).
- Run the following command
(replace D: with the drive where your file was deleted):
winfr C: D: /extensive
- Follow the instructions to
recover your files.
Best for
permanently deleted files, but requires command-line knowledge.
5. Use Third-Party Recovery Software
(For Harder Cases)
If built-in tools don’t work, use trusted
file recovery software like:
✔ Recuva – Free &
user-friendly.
✔ EaseUS Data Recovery –
Advanced scanning for deep recovery.
✔ Disk Drill – Great for lost
partitions & USB recovery.
How
to Recover Files Using Recuva:
- Download & install Recuva.
- Select the file type &
location (e.g., Documents, USB, External Drive).
- Click Scan and let the
tool find recoverable files.
- Select the files you need and
click Recover.
Note: Install recovery software on a
different drive to avoid overwriting lost files.
6. Recover Files from OneDrive (If
Synced)
If your files were stored in OneDrive,
you can restore them from the cloud.
How
to Recover Deleted OneDrive Files:
- Open OneDrive on your
browser (onedrive.live.com).
- Go to the Recycle Bin.
- Select your file and click Restore.
Note: OneDrive keeps deleted files for up
to 30 days.
Final
Thoughts
Best Quick
Fix → Recycle Bin
If File History is On → Restore Previous Versions
For Permanent Deletion → Windows File Recovery or Recuva
For Cloud Files → OneDrive Restore
Prevention
Tip: Enable File History &
OneDrive Backup to avoid future data loss!
Which method worked for you? Let us know in the comments! Also, check out our video about How to create and userestore points.