Some tried-and-true ways exist to recover deleted photos in Windows 11. These work even if the deleted files are not in the Recycle Bin.
Microsoft mostly protects its users against common ways to lose data, like deleting files. So, if you delete the pictures by accident, you can undo them or find them in the Recycle Bin. If that's not possible, check to see if you can get the data back from the backup files and folders. You can get back deleted pictures from Windows File History, OneDrive, or other backup drives you may have made.
Besides deletion, other cases may cause your photos or pictures lost: 1. Software malfunctions, including the inability of a document editor to save or update files, the collapse of an application during data processing, or the malfunction of backup software.
2. Hardware malfunctions, including firmware corruption, read/write mechanical failure, or damaged hard drives. These malfunctions are caused by a variety of factors, including negligence, sudden power failures/surges, and aging equipment.
3. Malware, ransomware, and other cybersecurity exploits that have the potential to block, steal, or damage data assets.
4. In some cases, files may be lost during upgrades to Windows 11, and the Windows operating system can be unreliable.
If you remove files and then look for them in the Recycle Bin, they may be gone for good. Or the Recycle Bin folder is cleared out. If you have backup software like Backup and Restore, you can use it to help you in this case. If not, the best way to recover deleted pictures on Windows 11 is to use professional Windows data recovery software.
In this part, you can learn 6 ways to retrieve deleted photos in Windows 11.
If you inadvertently deleted photos in Windows 11, but have not yet closed the photo editor or picture folder, press Ctrl + Z to rapidly undo the deletion action. An alternative method is to right-click on the space within the folder and select "Undo Delete" to retrieve deleted photos in Windows 11.
Additionally, it is advisable to retrieve deleted files from the Recycle Bin, including photographs. Unless the device is emptied, the deleted images will be retained for 30 days.
Step1. Start by accessing the Recycle Bin through either the Desktop or File Explorer. Locate the photos that you inadvertently deleted from Windows 11.
Step 2. Right-click on the deleted photos and select "Restore." It will be returned to its original location. Additionally, it is possible to select multiple photos simultaneously.
AOMEI FastRecovery, a trustworthy data recovery software, offers an advanced scanning method for Windows, enabling users to quickly and easily locate deleted or missing files. This robust tool supports the recovery of a wide range of image formats, including PNG, JPG/JPEG, TIF, GIF, PSD, X3F, SVG, ARW, and many others. This software allows users to filter specific image formats or entire picture folders, ensuring that all important memories are efficiently restored.
Moreover, the software is optimized for recovering deleted photos on Windows 11, as well as Windows 10, 8, 7, and Windows Server 2025/2022/2019/2016/2012. During the scanning process, it saves valuable time while maintaining the original filenames, formats, quality, and file paths.
Step 1: Install and launch AOMEI FastRecovery on your computer.
Step 2: Select a location to scan first to find the lost data on your Windows.
Step 3: It Will take some time to scan and find the lost data. Wait patiently.
Note: AOMEI FastRecovery provides two scan modes, Quickly Scan and Deep Scan. The Quickly Scan will search for your deleted data in the fastest way. The Deep Scan will make further search for other missing data.
Step 4: After the scan is complete, here you can preview the recovered files, and select the ones you want to restore. Click "Recover".
Step 5. Select a folder path to store the recovered items and click "Select Folder".
Then the recovered files will be saved in the specified location.
The previous backup software, Backup and Restore (Windows 7), is also included in Windows 11. This software is responsible for backing up all user files and other confidential data, including pictures. It is worth attempting to restore photographs from a backup image if you establish a backup task using this software.
Step 1: Connect the backup drive containing copies of your files including your precious pictures. Search for Control Panel in the start menu and select System and Maintenance > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
Step 2: Choose Restore my files.
Step 3: Click Browse for files or Browse for folders and select the target files. Then, click Next.
Step 4: Choose the location to restore your photos - original location or new location. Then, click Restore to retrieve deleted photos in Windows 11.
Documents, Pictures, and Desktop are some of the folders that may be backed up using the File History software that is included in Windows 11. This software is meant to back up specific folders. In addition to that, it allows you to create a folder and back up any files that you want to. This is something you might want to try out if you have previously enabled the File History feature.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel from the Start menu. Navigate to System and Security and File History.
Step 2: In the left pane, click Restore personal files.
Step 3. It will take you to the File History window and show you the most recent backup. To locate the backup version that you are looking for based on the dates, you can either click the left or right arrow. Finally, to retrieve your images, you will need to click the green restore option. We will return the photos to the location where they were originally kept.
In Windows 11, you can try to recover deleted images by using File History. Alternatively, you can try to recover deleted photos using earlier versions. This will save a copy of your files from the backup of your File History.
Step 1: Right-click on the folder containing deleted photos and select Show more options > Restore previous versions.
Step 2. It will direct you to a previous version window and display all the available previous versions of files and folders. Select the desired previous version based on the backup date.
Step 3: Click Open to confirm it is the desired version. Then, click Restore to restore deleted photos in Windows 11. You can save the deleted photos either at the original location or at a new location.
AOMEI FastRecovery is the most secure method for recovering deleted photos on a Windows 11 computer if they are removed from the Recycle Bin and there is no backup. The software is both secure and efficient, and it can retrieve an infinite quantity of images in any file format, irrespective of their loss. However, it is always advisable to utilize the free trial version of the tool to commence, as it can provide a preview of the photo and files that can be recovered.