If you’ve found that the Recycle Bin deleted files automatically, this article will explain the possible causes, provide solutions to fix the issue, and show you how to restore files deleted from the Recycle Bin.
“Running Windows 8.1 - How do I stop the Recycle Bin from automatically deleting the items in case I want to restore a deleted file? The deleted files used to stay in the Recycle Bin until I deleted them. Now, a deleted file doesn't even make it to the Recycle Bin, it just disappears!” – Microsoft Community
Most computer users are familiar with the Recycle Bin. When files are accidentally deleted or a deletion is regretted, the Recycle Bin is typically the first place to check. It serves as a temporary storage for removed items, making it easy to restore deleted files whenever needed.
However, there are instances where files are missing from the Recycle Bin—often because it automatically deletes them. If this happens, users are left wondering why their files vanished. In this article, we will cover the following:
- Why does the Recycle Bin automatically delete files?
- How to recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin
- How to prevent the Recycle Bin from automatically deleting files
Have you ever noticed the Recycle Bin deleting files on its own? There are a few potential reasons behind this:
¤ Storage Sense is enabled. This feature automatically deletes temporary files and items in the Recycle Bin to free up disk space.
¤ Auto-deletion tasks are set up. Through Task Manager, users can configure automatic tasks, such as emptying the Recycle Bin at scheduled intervals.
¤ Files bypassed the Recycle Bin. This often happens with large files or data stored on external devices, which don’t go through the Recycle Bin.
¤ Hidden files. Files may be hidden by viruses or mistakenly hidden by the user themselves.
If you've accidentally deleted important data from the Recycle Bin, it's crucial to restore those files immediately. Any further action on the disk may overwrite the deleted files, making recovery impossible. So, how can you restore files deleted from the Recycle Bin?
1. Use File History or System Restore. If these features are enabled, you can attempt to restore previous versions of the files or folders. 2. Restore from a backup. If you have a Windows backup, you can retrieve your deleted files from there. 3. Use data recovery software. If neither of the above options is available, consider using professional recovery tools like AOMEI FastRecovery, a top choice for Windows users.
Here’s an overview of AOMEI FastRecovery how to use it to restore deleted files from the Recycle Bin:
✦ Utilizes advanced algorithms to recover deleted and lost data quickly and accurately. ✦ Recovers files deleted from the Recycle Bin and other data loss scenarios, such as accidental deletion, disk formatting, or virus infections. ✦ Supports over 1000 file formats, including Word documents, Excel, PowerPoint, JPG, PNG, SVG, MP4, ZIP, and more. ✦ Allows filtering, previewing, and recovering files during the scanning process while preserving their original name, format, path, and quality. ✦ Compatible with most Windows systems, including Windows 11/10/8/7 and various Windows servers.
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 for finding 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.
After successfully recovering permanently deleted files, you can take steps to prevent the Recycle Bin from automatically deleting files in the future.
Sometimes, files may be hidden due to accidental actions or virus infections, making them invisible and seemingly deleted.
In cases of virus infections, files might appear deleted, missing, or even encrypted. You can use the Command Prompt (CMD) to remove viruses and potentially restore access to these files.
Step 1. Open the Recycle Bin.
Step 2. Click View in the toolbar.
Step 3. Toggle Hidden files to make hidden files visible.
Step 4. Check if your "deleted" files are now visible.
If the files are still not in the Recycle Bin, they may have been permanently deleted. In this case, proceed to the next recovery methods.
Task Scheduler is a built-in Windows tool that automates tasks, allowing users to set up routines to run daily, weekly, or monthly. While convenient, it may be configured to automatically delete or empty the Recycle Bin. If this is the case, you can disable the task to prevent files from being deleted in the future.
Step 1. Type Task Scheduler in the Windows search box and open the application.
Step 2. Locate the task responsible for auto-deleting or emptying the Recycle Bin.
Step 3. Select the task, then click Disable in the Selected Item section.
By disabling this task, you stop the automatic deletion and prevent your files in the Recycle Bin from being removed without notice.
While modern computers have large hard drives, managing disk space is still important for optimal performance. Windows includes a feature called Storage Sense, which automatically clears disk space, including files in the Recycle Bin.
If Storage Sense is enabled, it may be responsible for the automatic deletion of Recycle Bin files.
Step 1. Open the Start menu, go to Windows Settings, and click System.
Step 2. Select Storage and then click Configure Storage Sense or run it now.
Step 3. Toggle off Storage Sense. You can also adjust settings to manage temporary files according to your needs.
Once Storage Sense is disabled, files in the Recycle Bin will no longer be removed automatically.
If you’ve noticed that the Recycle Bin is automatically deleting files, this article offers solutions to address the issue. To resolve it effectively, start by understanding the causes and then apply the appropriate fixes.
Begin by checking for hidden files in the Recycle Bin, disabling Task Scheduler, and turning off Storage Sense. However, it’s crucial to restore any deleted files first to avoid permanent data loss. If recovery is needed, consider using a reliable data recovery tool like AOMEI FastRecovery.