[Fixed] Downloaded Files Deleted Automatically on Windows PC

Why does Windows delete files automatically?

Are you experiencing the same problem as Windows Defender, which is eliminating files such as downloaded videos, documents, or.exe programs? Is your Windows system automatically deleting obtained files and data without requesting confirmation? Even though it may appear absurd, it is accurate. The new storage sense feature in Windows or the Defender may cause Windows to continue purging programs and documents after a restart.

Some of the reasons that cause downloaded files deleted automatically are:
1. When Windows 10 is faced with insufficient disk space, it may eliminate certain files to free up additional space.
2. Your system may be at risk if you obtain files from an unverified source. Consequently, Windows eliminates them to safeguard your system.
3. The issue is caused by any update.
4. Malware or infections have infiltrated your computer.

Quickly restore automatically deleted files

Knowing the most common causes of automatic file deletion, it is now necessary to employ a data restoration tool to retrieve deleted files from your computer.

The software that is most highly recommended for the recovery of files from 1000+ file storage devices, including internal hard drives, external hard drives, USB disks, SSDs, and CDs/DVDs, is AOMEI FastRecovery, the finest data recovery utility. It also can retrieve data from inaccessible partitions and formatted USB flash drives.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI FastRecovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your data lost and click Scan.

Step 2. Then, the recovery tool start to scan and search. lt will execute the “Quickly Scan" first to find your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching other lost data.

Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted files, recycle bins and other missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".

Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.

Step 5. Wait patiently for this process of recovering ends.

Fix downloaded files deleted automatically error

Now, let's see how to thoroughly stop Windows automatically deleted downloaded files on Windows.

Method 1. Stop Windows Defender from deleting files without permission

Step 1. Open "Windows Defender" > Click on "Virus & threat protection".

Step 2. Scroll down and click "Virus & threat protection" settings.

Step 3. Select "Exclusions" and select "Add or remove exclusions" by scrolling down.

Step 4. To add an exclusion, click the + plus icon and select File, Folder, File Type, or Process. Then, specify the specific files, folders, or file types that you do not wish to be deleted or removed by Windows Defender.

Method 2. Turn off Storage Sense to stop Windows deleting files automatically

Storage Sense is a novel feature of Windows 10. Windows will automatically delete unused files when the computer is limited on disk space when it is enabled. For example, it can automatically delete files from the Recycle Bin that are older than 30 or 60 days or eliminate temporary files to free up space. It is also capable of deleting files that are older than the current version in the Downloads folder.

Step 1. Open the "Settings" app. Click the "System" > "Storage". You can flip the Storage Sense switch to "Off".

But, if you don't want to disable this feature totally, you can re-configure Storage Sense by clicking "Change how we free up space automatically".

Method 3. Uninstall damaged updates on Windows

We are all aware that the newly installed Windows system may occasionally delete or remove files from the computer without requesting your permission. It appears that the data on your PC will be deleted or removed if you have installed an incompatible or faulty Windows update. Therefore, the most straightforward approach is to uninstall the flawed updates that delete files from your Windows computer.

Step 1. Press Windows + X keys and select "Control Panel".

Step 2. Click "Programs and Features" and select "View Installed Updates".

Step 3. Click the "Installed On" column header to sort the updates by dates.

Step 4. Locate and right-click on the large-sized, significant updates you've recently downloaded, and select "Uninstall".

Ending lines

To provide its customers with an improved user experience, Windows has included some truly remarkable new features. On the other hand, to enhance the level of security, Windows may occasionally delete files automatically. The aforementioned guide contains a discussion of the many approaches that can be taken to resolve this issue. Ensure the safety of your files according to the precise instructions. AOMEI FastRecovery, on the other hand, makes it simple to retrieve lost data if it is lost accidentally.