How to Restore Deleted Files in Windows (Even After Emptying the Recycle Bin)

 

How to Restore Deleted Files in Windows (Even After Emptying the Recycle Bin)

Accidentally deleted an important file? Emptied the Recycle Bin and now you’re panicking? Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through how to recover permanently deleted files in Windows, even after they’re gone from the trash.

Whether you're looking for free file recovery software or trying to restore documents from a backup, here are your best options.

1. Check the Recycle Bin First (Just in Case)

Before diving into deep recovery methods, always check the Recycle Bin:

  • How to find deleted files in Windows

  • Double-click the Recycle Bin icon.

  • Search or sort by date deleted.

  • Right-click > Restore to return the file to its original location.

Helpful phrase: “Restore deleted files from Recycle Bin Windows 10”

2. Use File History or Backup and Restore (Windows Built-in Options)

If you've enabled File History or created a Windows Backup, you can restore older versions of your files:

How to recover files using File History:

  • Go to the folder where the file was located.

  • Right-click inside the folder > Properties > Previous Versions.

  • Select the version you want and click Restore.

Helpful phrase: “Restore files from previous versions Windows 10/11”

How to restore files using Backup and Restore:

  • Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

  • Click Restore my files and follow the wizard.

3. Restore Deleted Files with Windows File Recovery (Official Microsoft Tool)

Microsoft offers a free command-line utility called Windows File Recovery:

How to use Windows File Recovery:

  1. Download from the Microsoft Store.

  2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

  3. Use the command:

winfr C: D: /regular /n \Users\YourName\Documents\filename.docx

Helpful phrase: “Windows File Recovery restore permanently deleted files”

Note: This tool is powerful but not user-friendly. Make sure you understand basic command line usage before trying it.

4. Use Third-Party Recovery Software (Simple and Effective)

If the file isn’t in your backups or File History, try data recovery software. These tools scan your drive for recoverable data:

Best free file recovery software:

  • Recuva (by CCleaner)

  • EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

  • Disk Drill for Windows

  • PhotoRec (open-source)

Helpful phrases:

  • “Best free file recovery software for Windows”

  • “Recover files after emptying Recycle Bin Windows 10”

Steps with Recuva:

  1. Install and launch Recuva.

  2. Choose the file type and scan location.

  3. Let it search for recoverable files.

  4. Select and click Recover.

5. Check Cloud Backups (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox)

If your files were synced to a cloud storage service, they may still be recoverable:

For OneDrive:

  • Log in to your OneDrive account online.

  • Go to Recycle Bin (yes, it has its own).

  • Select files and click Restore.

Helpful phrase: “Recover deleted files from OneDrive recycle bin”

6. Contact Data Recovery Professionals (Last Resort)

If you’ve tried everything and the files are critical—like business documents or family photos—you may want to contact a professional data recovery service.

Helpful phrase: “Professional file recovery services near me”

They can recover data from failing hard drives, formatted partitions, or corrupted SSDs—but it's expensive.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Recovery

  • Stop using the affected drive immediately after deletion to prevent overwriting data.

  • Install recovery tools on a different drive or USB stick.

  • Always back up important data using cloud sync or an external hard drive.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can recover deleted files after emptying the Recycle Bin—but speed matters. The sooner you act, the better your chances of success. From built-in Windows options to third-party recovery software, there’s hope even when things seem lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I recover files deleted a month ago?
A: If they haven’t been overwritten, yes—using recovery software or backups.

Q: Is file recovery software safe?
A: Reputable ones like Recuva and EaseUS are generally safe—avoid unknown downloads.

Q: How do I prevent file loss in the future?
A: Use OneDrive, Google Drive, or backup tools like Macrium Reflect or Acronis.

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