How to Recover Deleted Files on Windows 10/11

Deleting files by mistake can be nerve‑wracking—especially if they’re important documents, irreplaceable photos or work presentations. But don’t panic just yet. On Windows 10 and 11, there are several methods you can try to get your deleted files back before they’re gone for good.

Why You Still Have a Good Chance to Recover Files

When you delete a file on Windows, it often goes to the Windows File Recovery Recycle Bin first—and if it’s emptied, the file’s space on the disk is simply marked as available. Until new data overwrites that space, recovery tools can often retrieve the data. Intel+1 Additionally, Windows includes built‑in features like File History or system backups that already keep copies of earlier versions. Lenovo The key is stop writing new data to the drive as soon as you notice the deletion, because new files can overwrite the space where your lost data resides. Microsoft Support+1

Step‑by‑Step: Recover Deleted Files

1. Check the Recycle Bin

First stop: On your desktop, double‑click the Recycle Bin. If you see your file there:

• Right‑click → Restore.

• The file will return to its original location. Lenovo
  If it’s not there, move on to the next steps.

2. Use File History or Previous Versions

If you had File History enabled or have backups:

• Go to the folder where the file used to be.

• Right‑click → Restore previous versions or Properties → Previous Versions.

• Choose a date version and tap Restore. Lenovo
  This method works best if the file was part of a backup or a snapshot before deletion.

3. Use Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery Tool

When the file is permanently deleted (or the Recycle Bin is empty), try the official Windows utility:

• Download Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store. Microsoft Support

• Open command prompt and run: winfr C: D: /regular /n *.docx (for example) meaning recover all .docx files from C: to D:.

• Use /extensive mode if file system is corrupted or you need deep recovery. Microsoft Support
  Important: Use a different destination drive than the source to prevent data overwrites.

4. Try Third‑Party Recovery Software

If the above methods don’t work, you can try trusted recovery tools like Recuva (free) or paid versions like EaseUS. SanDisk Forums+1
Install on a different drive (not the one you lost files from) and perform a deep scan. Preview found files and recover them to a new location.

5. Back Up Your Files & Drive Now

Once your files are recovered (or if they’re gone), set up a backup strategy:

• Use an external drive or cloud service.

• Toggle on File History or Windows Backup.

• Regularly review critical files.
  Prevention is the best protection against future data loss. Intel

Pro Tips & Best Practices

• Stop using the drive immediately after noticing deletion to avoid overwrites.

• Act fast: The sooner you attempt recovery, the higher the chance. Wikipedia

• Use a secondary drive for recovery output — never restore to the same partition you lost data from.

• Avoid “free driver/optimizer” utilities that claim to recover files automatically — some may be scams.

• Enable backups: It’s far easier to restore from a backup than recover with software.

• On SSDs, deleted files may be unrecoverable if TRIM ran — that means backups are even more important.

Losing files doesn’t always mean you’ve lost everything. Whether the file is still in the Recycle Bin, backed up via File History, or recoverable with Microsoft’s or third‑party tools, you’ve got options. The most important things to remember: stop writing new data, act quickly, and once you’re back on your feet, set up a backup system. Your future self will thank you.