Windows 10: Recover Files from the Recycle Bin

What is Windows 10 Recycle Bin?

Windows 10 Recycle Bin is a special folder that stores items that have been removed for a short time. You can quickly navigate it by checking File Explorer or double-clicking the icon on the desktop. How does it work? When you delete a file, it goes to the Recycle Bin folder and stays there until you empty the bin or the system deletes older files automatically to free up space. During this time, you can effortlessly move the file back to its original location if you change your mind or realize you made a mistake.

If you've accidentally deleted important files, you can use the built-in options in Windows 10 to recover them from the Recycle Bin. Continue reading this post to discover the steps for restoring your lost data.

How to Recover Deleted Files from Windows 10 Recycle Bin

Recovering deleted files from the Recycle Bin is a straightforward process, provided the files haven’t been permanently removed. This section offers three ways to recover files from the Recycle Bin on Windows 10:

Fix 1. Recover Files from the Recycle Bin

The Windows Recycle Bin folder makes it easy to get back data that you accidentally deleted. Most users prefer to recover files from the Recycle Bin interface. Here’s how to recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin on Windows 10:

Step 1. To open the Recycle Bin, double-click on its icon on the desktop.

Step 2. All recently deleted items are listed here. You can find the files that you want to restore using the search bar.

Step 3. Choose the file you want to recover. Or hold down the control key to select multiple files at once.

Step 4. Right-click on the chosen items and choose the Restore option. Then your files will return to their original locations.

Fix 2. Drag Files from the Recycle Bin

Another simple approach is to manually drag the files from the Recycle Bin to their original destinations:

Step 1. Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop to open it.

Step 2. Find the files that you want to restore.

Step 3. Select one or more files using the control key for multi-selection.

Step 4. Drag the files from the Recycle Bin and drop them onto the desktop or their original locations. 

Fix 3. Undo Deletion Using Ctrl + Z

When you delete an important file or folder, Windows will remember what you did and let you undo the most recent change. Press Ctrl + Z immediately after deleting a file, which can help you recover files without needing to access the Recycle Bin.

How to Recover Deleted Files After Emptying Windows 10 Recycle Bin?

“Why Can’t I Recover Files from the Recycle Bin on Windows 10?” It's easy to get back deleted files from the Recycle Bin as long as the folder hasn't been cleared. However, if the files have been permanently deleted or the Recycle Bin has been emptied, the process becomes more challenging.

The good news is that the data will still be on your device even after the files are permanently removed. If you act quickly, you can get them back as long as they haven't been overwritten by new data. In this case, you have two main options for getting the files back: recovering from a backup, if you have one, or using special data recovery software.

Fix 1. Recover Deleted Files After Emptying the Recycle Bin Using Software

It can be not easy to recover files that you have deleted from the Recycle Bin, especially if you don't have any backups. Professional data recovery software, such as AOMEI FastRecovery, can help fix this tough problem and get back any lost data. 

This tool includes a user-friendly interface, making it easy for users with little experience to use. You don't have to worry about data leaks because it keeps your data 100% safe during the recovery process. To get the tool and try it out, click on the link below:

Here’s how to recover permanently deleted files using AOMEI FastRecovery:

Step 1: Download AOMEI FastRecovery and install it; then choose the partition or disk where your files were saved.

Step 2: Scan your disk for the deleted files. It has two modes, Quick Scan and Deep Scan, that let you look for lost data in great detail.

Step 3: Once the scan is complete, all the missing files will be displayed. Pick out the files you want to get back and click Recover. It is advised to preview the files before recovery.

Step 4: Choose a location to save the recovered files and wait for the process to finish.

Restore lost, deleted, or corrupted files from various devices, including HDDs, SSDs, SD cards, and USBs.

The system accommodates over 1,000 different types of data, like photos, movies, and office files.

Recover files that have been deleted while maintaining their original format, filename, and path.

Support NTFS/FAT32/exFAT/ReFS, as well as all Windows 11, 10, 8, 8.1, 7, and Servers.

Fix 2. Recover Permanently Deleted Files from Backups

Recovering deleted files via backups is a great alternative to using third-party recovery software. Windows 7 and subsequent versions include the Backup and Restore feature to back up your important files or entire system. When your files are accidentally overwritten or lost due to system failure, consider restoring them using previously created backups. If you have already enabled this feature, follow these instructions to retrieve files deleted from the Recycle Bin on Windows 10:

Step 1: Go to the Control Panel, and select System and Security > Backup and Restore.

Step 2: Click Restore my files.

Step 3: Click Browse for files to choose the file you want to recover, then click Next.

Step 4: Specify the saving path for your recovered file, and click Restore.

Fix 3. Recover Permanently Deleted Files from File History

In addition to Backup and Restore, you can recover deleted files from File History. This feature automatically creates backups of your files, allowing you to recover data when necessary. Here's how to recover files deleted from the recycle bin after emptying it:

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

Step 2: Click Restore personal files.

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

Tips for Safely Deleting Files from the Recycle Bin

▶ Before deleting multiple files, make sure no crucial files have been inadvertently included.

▶ Use tools like File History, cloud storage services, or external drives to regularly back up important files.

▶ If you're unsure about certain files, restore them to their original location before deciding to delete them permanently.

▶ Turn on the deletion confirmation dialog to lower the chance of inadvertent deletion by receiving a prompt before permanently removing files.

Final Words

After reading this post, you should know how to recover deleted files from Windows 10 Recycle Bin. If your files have been permanently deleted or the Recycle Bin has been emptied, direct recovery is not possible. In such cases, consider using professional data recovery software or retrieving the files from backups. Hope you can successfully recover deleted files.