Accidentally losing important files can be stressful — whether it’s a work document, family photos, or essential projects. But good news: Windows 11 includes several built-in tools and methods that make it possible to recover deleted files, even when they seem gone forever. In this guide, we’ll walk you through How to Recover Deleted Files step-by-step so you can restore your data with confidence.
Why File Recovery Is Possible in Windows 11
Even after you delete a file, it isn’t always gone immediately from your storage drive. Windows 11 doesn’t instantly wipe away the data; instead, it often marks space on the disk as available while leaving the actual file data intact until it’s overwritten by new data. That’s why recovery tools can often retrieve deleted files — the data still exists below the surface until overwritten.
What Happens When Files Are Deleted in Windows 11?
Soft Delete vs. Permanent Delete
When you delete a file normally, Windows moves it to the Recycle Bin — this is a soft delete because the file still exists and can easily be restored from the bin. However, deleting with Shift + Delete or emptying the Recycle Bin results in a permanent delete — making recovery more complex.
Does Windows 11 Really Erase Files Immediately?
Not always. Even when a file is permanently deleted, the content often remains on your drive until new data overwrites that space. This gives recovery tools and methods a window of opportunity to retrieve the file.
Things to Do Immediately After Deleting Files
Stop Using the Drive
Your best chance to recover deleted files is to stop using the device right away. Any new data written to the disk increases the chance that deleted file data gets overwritten beyond recovery.
Why Overwriting Reduces Recovery Chances
When new files are saved to the same drive, they might replace the sectors where your deleted file is stored. Once overwritten, the original data is usually unrecoverable. This is especially true on SSDs with TRIM enabled, which proactively wipes deleted data.
Method 1: Recover Deleted Files from Recycle Bin
Step-by-Step Guide
- Open the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
- Find the file you accidentally deleted.
- Right-click the file and choose Restore.
The file will return to its original location.
When This Method Works Best
This is your first and easiest solution — but it only works if the file was deleted without bypassing the Recycle Bin.
Method 2: Restore Files Using File History
What Is File History in Windows 11?
File History is a backup feature in Windows 11 that regularly saves copies of files and folders to another drive. If it’s enabled before your file is deleted, you can use it to roll back to earlier versions.
How to Recover Previous Versions of Files
- Search for Restore your files with File History in the Start menu.
- Browse available backups for the file or folder you need.
- Select it and click Restore to recover it.
Method 3: Recover Deleted Files Using Windows Backup
Windows 11 still supports the older Backup and Restore (Windows 7) tool, which lets you restore data from full backups if you’ve set them up previously.
Restore from Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
- Open Control Panel and go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
- Choose Restore my files.
- Browse backup sets to find and restore your deleted data.
Requirements for This Method
You must have created a backup with this tool before losing your files — otherwise, no data will be available to restore.
Method 4: Use Windows File Recovery Tool (Microsoft Tool)
What Is Windows File Recovery?
Windows File Recovery is a free command-line tool from Microsoft designed to help retrieve deleted files that can’t be restored from the Recycle Bin or backups.
How to Use It with Command Prompt
- Install Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Enter a recovery command using the syntax:
Supported File Systems
This tool supports NTFS, FAT, exFAT, and is useful for internal and external drives.
Method 5: Recover Deleted Files Using Third-Party Software
When to Use Recovery Software
If the built-in methods don’t find your files or they were permanently deleted before backups were set up, third-party tools can offer deeper scanning and recovery options.
Popular and Trusted Recovery Tools
Some trusted recovery tools include Recuva, Disk Drill, and EaseUS Data Recovery — each offering free or paid options depending on your needs and depth of recovery.
Free vs. Paid Recovery Tools
Free tools are great for simple recoveries, but paid versions often deliver better deep scans and higher success rates, especially on larger or complex losses.
How to Recover Files Deleted Using Shift + Delete
Why Shift + Delete Bypasses Recycle Bin
Using Shift + Delete forces Windows to delete the file permanently without storing it in the Recycle Bin, so the simple restore option won’t work.
Best Recovery Methods for Permanently Deleted Files
When files are gone this way, use File History, Windows File Recovery, or third-party recovery tools to increase your chances of retrieving data before it’s overwritten.
Recover Deleted Files from External Drives and USBs
Recovery from Pen Drives
Deleted files on USB flash drives don’t always go through the Recycle Bin on Windows. Use File Recovery tools or third-party software to scan USB drives for lost files.
Recovery from External Hard Disks
External HDDs and SSDs can also be scanned with Windows File Recovery or third-party apps — just choose the correct drive when you start the scan.
Can You Recover Files After Windows 11 Reset or Crash?
Recovery Possibilities After System Reset
If a reset was done without saving files or backups, recovery is significantly harder. Sometimes Windows File Recovery or advanced recovery tools may help, but there’s no guarantee after a full reset.
Limitations and Risks
System crashes can corrupt data. The sooner you attempt recovery — before adding new files — the better your chances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During File Recovery
- Using the same drive after deletion — this can overwrite deleted data.
- Installing recovery tools on the affected drive.
- Delaying recovery attempts, which reduces success rates.
Tips to Prevent File Loss in Windows 11
- Enable File History backups.
- Use cloud storage like OneDrive.
- Regularly back up with Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
- Manage Recycle Bin settings to maximize storage.
Final Thoughts
Knowing How to Recover Deleted Files on Windows 11 can save you time, stress, and lost data. Whether it’s a file in the Recycle Bin or a permanently deleted document, the right steps can often restore what you thought was gone — especially if you act quickly and use the correct tools.
