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How to Restore Deleted Files in Windows 10 (Now 11)
Dwight Pavlovic
|
March 2, 2026
If you accidentally deleted a file on Windows, you can usually recover it. The fastest method is to check the Recycle Bin, which stores deleted files until you empty it. If the file is no longer in the Recycle Bin, you can use Microsoft's free Windows File Recovery tool, restore from a File History backup, or use a third-party recovery service. These methods work on both Windows 11 and Windows 10.
This guide walks through each recovery option, from the simplest to the most advanced, so you can get your files back as quickly as possible.
Important: The sooner you act, the better your chances. When Windows deletes a file, it marks the storage space as available but does not immediately erase the data. If new files are written to that space, the deleted file may become unrecoverable. Minimize use of your computer until you have attempted recovery.
1. How Do You Restore Files from the Recycle Bin?
If you have not emptied your Recycle Bin since deleting the file, this is the fastest and easiest recovery method.
- Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking its icon on your desktop, or by typing "Recycle Bin" in the Windows search bar
- Locate your file. If the Recycle Bin contains many items, use the search field in the upper-right corner to find it by name
- Right-click the file and select Restore
The file will be returned to its original location. You can also select multiple files and use the Restore the selected items option in the toolbar.
2. How Do You Recover Files with Windows File Recovery?
If the file is no longer in the Recycle Bin — because you emptied it, used Shift + Delete, or the file was deleted a while ago — Microsoft's Windows File Recovery tool can help. It is free, available from the Microsoft Store, and works on both Windows 11 and Windows 10 (version 2004 and later).
The one drawback is that Windows File Recovery uses a command-line interface rather than a graphical window. If you are not familiar with command-line tools, the syntax takes a few minutes to learn. If you prefer a simpler approach, skip to the File History or third-party options below.
How to install and use Windows File Recovery
- Open the Microsoft Store and search for "Windows File Recovery"
- Click Get or Install to download the tool. If it is already installed, type "Windows File Recovery" in the Windows search bar to open it
- The app may request permission to make changes to your device. Click Yes to open the command-line interface
Understanding recovery modes
Windows File Recovery offers two modes:
Regular mode is the standard recovery option for recently deleted files on NTFS drives. It is fast and works well when a file was deleted recently and the drive has not been heavily used since.
Extensive mode is a thorough recovery option that supports all file systems (NTFS, FAT, exFAT). Use this when the file was deleted a long time ago, the drive has been formatted, or regular mode did not find your file.
Command syntax
Every recovery command follows this structure:
winfr source-drive: destination-folder /mode /n search-filter
Key components include the source drive (where the deleted file was stored, such as C:), the destination folder (where you want to save the recovered file — this must be on a different drive, such as D:\Recovery), the mode (/regular or /extensive), and the search filter (/n followed by the file path or file type).
Examples
Recover a specific file from the Downloads folder (regular mode):
winfr C: D:\Recovery /regular /n \Users\YourUsername\Downloads\report.docx
Replace "YourUsername" with your actual Windows username.
Recover all PDF files from the entire C: drive (extensive mode):
winfr C: D:\Recovery /extensive /n *.pdf
Recover all JPEG images from the Pictures folder:
winfr C: D:\Recovery /regular /n \Users\YourUsername\Pictures\*.jpg
If Windows File Recovery finds the deleted files, they will appear in a dated recovery folder on your destination drive.
Note: Windows File Recovery cannot recover files from cloud storage or network drives. It also has limited effectiveness on SSDs with TRIM enabled, as TRIM actively erases deleted data blocks.
3. How Do You Recover Files Using File History?
If you have the File History backup feature enabled, recovery is straightforward. File History automatically backs up files in your Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, and Desktop folders at regular intervals.
On Windows 11
- Open Settings
- Click System, then Storage, then Advanced storage settings
- Click Backup options
- Click Restore files from a current backup
- Use the search bar to find the file you want, or browse through the backup history
- Select the file and click the green Restore button to return it to its original location
On Windows 10
- Open Settings
- Click Update & Security
- Select Backup from the left sidebar
- Click More options
- Click Restore files from a current backup
- Search for or browse to the file you need and click Restore
If you have not previously enabled File History, this method will not be available. To set up File History for future protection, connect an external drive and enable it in Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Backup options (Windows 11) or Settings > Update & Security > Backup (Windows 10).
4. Can You Recover Files with a Third-Party Service?
If the methods above do not work — for example, the file was deleted long ago, the drive is damaged, or Windows File Recovery did not find it — third-party options are available.
Software tools like Recuva (free) offer a graphical interface that is easier to use than the command-line Windows File Recovery tool. These programs scan your drive for recoverable data and let you preview files before restoring them.
Professional data recovery services are available through local computer repair shops and retailers. This is typically the most expensive option, but it may be necessary for physically damaged drives, corrupted storage, or situations where software tools fail. Professional services can sometimes recover data from drives that no consumer tool can access.
Can System Restore Recover Deleted Files?
No. System Restore is designed to roll back system settings, drivers, and critical system files — not personal documents, photos, or other user files. Use System Restore when troubleshooting operating system or software issues, not for recovering accidentally deleted files.
How Do You Recover Deleted Files from Cloud Storage?
If the deleted file was stored in Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive, check the service's trash or recycle bin. Both platforms retain deleted files for approximately 30 days before permanently removing them.
For OneDrive, open onedrive.com, click Recycle bin in the left sidebar, find the file, and select Restore.
For Google Drive, open drive.google.com, click Trash in the left sidebar, right-click the file, and select Restore.
If more than 30 days have passed, contact OneDrive or Google Drive support — in some cases, they may be able to recover files beyond the standard retention period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a permanently deleted file on Windows?
Yes, in many cases. If you used Shift + Delete or emptied the Recycle Bin, the file may still be recoverable using the Windows File Recovery tool or third-party software, as long as the storage space has not been overwritten by new data. Act quickly for the best chance of recovery.
Does Windows File Recovery work on Windows 11?
Yes. Windows File Recovery works on both Windows 11 and Windows 10 (version 2004 and later). The command syntax and recovery modes are the same on both operating systems.
Can I recover files from an SSD?
Recovery from SSDs is more difficult than from traditional hard drives. Most modern SSDs use TRIM, a technology that actively erases data blocks after deletion to maintain performance. Once TRIM has processed a deleted file, recovery is usually not possible with any tool. For this reason, regular backups are especially important for SSD users.
What file types can Windows File Recovery restore?
Windows File Recovery can restore most common file types, including documents (DOCX, PDF, XLSX), images (JPEG, PNG), videos, audio files, and more. It supports NTFS, FAT, and exFAT file systems.
How can I prevent losing files in the future?
Enable File History to automatically back up your important folders to an external drive. Use OneDrive or another cloud storage service for an additional layer of protection. Together, these provide both local and cloud-based backup, significantly reducing the risk of permanent data loss.
About the Author: Dwight Pavlovic is a contributing writer for HP Tech Takes. Dwight is a music and technology writer based out of West Virginia.
