[Fixed] How to Recover Large Permanently Deleted Files?

User Case: Can’t recover large permanently deleted files from Recycle Bin

“I just deleted an important file from my device. Maybe because the file is too large, I can't recover it from the recycle bin. I’ve tried to get it back but failed. Does anyone know how to recover large, permanently deleted files?”

Accidental file deletion occurs frequently in our daily lives, especially when cleaning up storage devices or organizing files. Over time, it’s easy to forget the names and purposes of certain important files, leading to inadvertent deletions that we come to regret.

When a file is accidentally deleted, it can often be recovered from the Recycle Bin. However, as mentioned in the user case above, this method is not applicable in all cases. The Recycle Bin doesn’t support restoring permanently deleted files or folders.

To better resolve this issue, it’s crucial to understand why some files are permanently deleted in the first place.

Why Some Files Are Deleted Permanently?

Normally, most deleted files are temporarily stored in the Recycle Bin, which can be recovered in a few simple steps. However, sometimes files may be deleted permanently for various reasons, including:

• Files will be removed permanently if you select the permanent delete option or use Shift + Delete command while dealing with them.
• When the Recycle Bin is emptied manually or automatically, the files stored in it will also be permanently deleted.
• By default, the size of the Recycle Bin is limited to around 5-10% of the drive's total space. Files that exceed the size, either individually or cumulatively, may bypass the Recycle Bin and be permanently deleted. 

Where Do Permanently Deleted Files Go?

Are permanently deleted files gone forever? 

In reality, when a file is marked for permanent deletion, it does not vanish instantly. The file’s data still remains on the hard disk, though we cannot access it through normal means. The system will update the file system, indicating that the space previously occupied by the file is available to store new data now. In other words, while the file is no longer visible or accessible for us, its underlying data persists on the disk until it is overwritten by new data.

How to Recover Large Permanently Deleted Files?

As mentioned earlier, while the deleted file is no longer visible or accessible for us, its data still remains on the disk until it is overwritten by new data. So, if we choose the right method or a reliable tool, we can also easily recover these files that seem to be lost forever.

In this section, 3 practical methods to recover deleted files will be introduced.

Recover Files Using Recycle Bin

Files are usually stored in the Recycle Bin after being deleted. We can effortlessly restore them to their original location by the following steps:

Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin first.

Step 2: Search for the missing files within the search bar.

Step 3: Right-click on the search result and select Restore to return it to its original location.

It is worth noting that the Recycle Bin cannot recover large deleted files due to its size limitation. Files that exceed the limit will bypass the Recycle Bin and be permanently deleted. Additionally, files deleted using the Shift + Delete command or by emptying the Recycle Bin are also permanently removed and cannot be restored through the Recycle Bin, too. To recover such files, it is advisable to use the File History feature or data recovery tools.

Recover Files via File History

Recovering permanently deleted files with the help of the File History feature is also an excellent solution if you have enabled it before. It is also beneficial for retrieving older versions of files that may have been modified or overwritten.

Please follow these steps to recover files using File History:

Step 1: Go to the Control Panel, and select System and Security > File History in turn.

Step 2: Click Restore personal files.

Step 3: Choose the files you want to recover, and then click the Recover button.

File History can only save copies of files stored on the C: drive by default. If you store important files outside of these default locations, you need to manually add those files to the File History backup.

Recover Large Permanently Deleted Files with Data Recovery Software

In addition to the methods above, we can also recover large deleted files or permanently missing files with a reliable data recovery tool.

I would like to recommend a fantastic data recovery software for you—AOMEI FastRecovery. It is a professional data recovery software, designed to assist users in effortlessly retrieving lost or deleted files. Whether due to accidental permanent deletion or files being too large to recover through the Recycle Bin, AOMEI FastRecovery will handle it with ease. With its advanced data scanning and recovery technology, you are allowed to retrieve a variety of file formats from a wide range of storage devices, including PCs, hard drives, SD cards, and USB drives.

A step-by-step guide of how to use AOMEI FastRecovery to recover large permanently deleted files.

Step 1: Download and install AOMEI FastRecovery, and then choose the exact partition or disk where your files are located.

Step 2: Scan your disk to find the deleted files. It offers two modes, "Quick Scan" and "Deep Scan", which are designed to find lost content comprehensively.

Step 3: Upon scanning completion, missing files will be displayed. Kindly choose the one you want to restore, and then click Recover . You are able to preview it before recovery.

Step 4: Specify a path for your recovered files.

FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between a common deletion and a permanent deletion?

Files are usually moved to the Recycle Bin after deletion. Users can recover them at any time until the Recycle Bin is emptied. However, once a file is permanently deleted, we can't restore it through the Recycle Bin. More specialized methods or tools are required to recover lost files.

Q2: Can files be recovered after being permanently deleted?

Yes, of course. You are able to recover permanently deleted files by using the File History feature or professional data software, such as AOMEI FastRecovery.

Q3: Is there any preventive measure I can take to avoid accidentally deleting files again?

It is advisable to implement a regular data backup, which can significantly reduce the risk of losing critical content. AOMEI Backupper Standard, a totally free data backup software, supports backing up files, folders, systems, partitions, and entire disks, protecting everything valuable to you.

Conclusion

While many deleted files can be easily recovered from the Recycle Bin, how to recover large permanently deleted files presents a greater challenge for many of us. This post covers the reasons why some files are deleted permanently and effective ways of restoring them. AOMEI FastRecovery, one of the best tools to recover permanently deleted files, offers reliable data recovery, ensuring that your data remains safe and accessible. To avoid accidental deletion, it is also advisable to use AOMEI Backupper Standard to backup your important content regularly, further protecting your data security.