It can be frustrating and stressful if you accidentally delete important files on Windows. It makes sense that Microsoft has added several methods to PCs for recovering deleted files on Windows 11/10 and earlier, such as undoing deletion, the Recycle Bin folder, backup and restore, and more. They can be used in various situations. This article shares the proven methods and tells you the scenarios for each method.

Part 1: How to Undo a Deleted File on Windows with Buttons

The easiest way to recover Windows deleted files is the Undo Delete feature. This way is available once you accidentally delete a file or document on your PC. Here, you have two options:

Right-click on an empty area in the folder, and choose Undo Delete.

Or press Ctrl + Z keys on your keyboard together to undo file deletion.

Part 2: How to Recover Deleted Files from Windows Recycle Bin

The Recycle Bin is a native feature on all Windows. When you delete a file on your PC, it will go to the Recycle Bin folder. Before you empty the Recycle Bin, you can recover deleted files on Windows 11 at any time.

Step 1. Open the Recycle Bin folder on your desktop.

Step 2. Sort deleted files by name, date, and size.

Step 3. Select a file you want to recover. To recover multiple files, press the Ctrl key on your keyboard and click each file or folder.

Step 4. Restore deleted files:

Option 1: Right-click on a selected file and choose Restore.

Option 2: Open a new File Explorer and locate the destination folder.

Option 3: Drag and drop the desired files from the Recycle Bin to the destination.

Option 4: Expand the top ribbon, and click Restore the selected items in the Recycle Bin Tools tab.

Part 3: How to Retrieve Deleted Files on Windows by File History

File History is a handy feature on Windows. It protects personal files and folders from accidental loss or damage. Once you turn on this feature, it automatically saves copies of your files. As a result, you can recover recently deleted files on Windows.

Configure File History

Step 1. Open the Control Panel.

Step 2. Select Save backup copies of your files with File History under System and Security.

Step 3. Click Turn on to enable File History.

Retrieve Deleted Files on Windows

Step 1. Run a File Explorer and navigate to the folder that stores the deleted files.

Step 2. Right-click the folder and choose Properties.

Step 3. Switch to the Previous Versions tab.

Step 4. Select a version of the folder and click the Restore button. If you want to restore specific files on Windows, click the arrow button next to Open, and choose Open in File History.

Step 5. Select the desired files and click the Restore button.

Note: If you wish to keep the current version of the deleted files, expand the Restore button and choose Restore to. Then, select another location.

Part 4: How to Restore Deleted Files on Windows via Backup and Restore

The built-in backup and restore feature enables you to recover deleted files on PCs. It is even available to recover permanently deleted files from the Recycle Bin on Windows. The prerequisite is that you have created a backup.

Step 1. Press the Win and I keys on your keyboard to open the Settings app.

Step 2. Go to System on the sidebar, and choose Recovery.

Step 3. Click the Restart Now button under the Recovery options section.

Step 4. Navigate to Troubleshoot, and then Advanced options on the setup menu screen.

Step 5. Choose See more recovery options, and click System Image Recovery.

Part 5: How to Recover Deleted Files with Windows File Recovery

Windows File Recovery is an independent tool released by Microsoft for recovering deleted files on Windows 11/10. By default, it is not installed on Windows. You need to download it from the Microsoft Store. Moreover, it works with command lines and requires somewhat technical skills.

Step 1. Go to the Microsoft Store, search for Windows File Recovery, and install it.

Step 2. Run the deleted file recovery tool.

Step 3. Type the command below and hit Enter to execute it.

winfr C: D: /regular /n UsersScreenshots

Part 6: How to Restore Deleted Files on Windows Without Backup

Can you recover deleted files on Windows 11? Yes. If the pre-installed features are unavailable, you have to use a powerful data recovery tool, such as Apeaksoft Data Recovery. Plus, the user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate.

How to Restore Permanently Deleted Files on Windows

Step 1. Install the best data recovery tool
Start the best data recovery tool after installing it on your PC. Go to the Hard Drive Recovery tab, select the desired disk, and click the Start Scan button.

Step 2. Preview deleted files
After data scanning, all recoverable files are organized by type and location. Go to the Type List tab, check the data types you want to restore.

Step 3. Restore deleted files
Select the deleted files you want to recover, and click the Recover All button. Set an output folder and confirm file recovery. If a desktop folder is missing on Windows, you can also use this program to recover it.

Related Articles