Restore Deleted Files: Safe and Easy Recycle Bin Recovery Methods
An important file loss that you thought was safe in your Recycle Bin can feel like a mini crisis. Many assume that once a file is deleted from the Recycle Bin, it’s gone forever, but that’s not always the case. However, there are many tested ways to restore files deleted from the Recycle Bin, so you don’t have to start over.
Digital mishaps can happen to anyone, whether due to accidental deletion or system errors. All such issues are precisely addressed in the following guide with workable guidelines to execute Recycle Bin data recovery.
Part 1. Understanding How the Recycle Bin Works on Windows
On Windows, the Recycle Bin is a protective layer between “delete” and permanent removal. Once you delete a file from File Explorer, it moves to a hidden system folder associated with the Recycle Bin. This file can later be sorted, searched, or restored to its original folder. If the settings are changed to skip the bin, the files will not go into the Recycle Bin and will be treated as permanently deleted.
Part 2. Key Reasons Deleted Files Don’t Stay in the Recycle Bin
The reasons below explain why deleted files don’t stay in the bin, an important consideration when retrieving deleted files from the Recycle Bin:
- Files Exceed the Recycle Bin Limits: The folder has a storage limit set by your system settings, and when it reaches capacity, they’re permanently deleted. Even if smaller files remain, large ones disappear, creating an impression that the Recycle Bin is unreliable.
- Permanent Deletion Command: When commands such as “Shift + Delete” are used, they remove files directly from the system. This is common, which is why users find important files missing, assuming their files can be retrieved.
- Deletion from External or Network Drives: Files deleted from USB drives, external hard drives, or networked storage do not pass through the Recycle Bin. These storage devices often remove files immediately, leaving no trace behind in the Recycle Bin.
- Corrupted Recycle Bin Folder: When the folder itself becomes corrupted for any reason, files might not appear after deletion. Even if the files were initially there, you might not be able to see them in the usual way.
- Due to System Clean Processes: Operating systems or third-party cleanup programs often include automated features to free up disk space. Utilities such as Windows Disk Cleanup or storage optimization tools might clear the Recycle Bin without notifying users periodically,
Part 3. 5 Proven Ways to Restore Files Deleted from the Recycle Bin
For complete guidance on how to restore files deleted from the Recycle Bin, explore the following and get sorted within minutes:
Method 1: Use Permanent Recycle Bin Data Recovery Software (Recoverit)
With an average recovery rate of 99.5%, Wondershare Recoverit may be a professional Recycle Bin recovery software. All it needs is a total of 5 minutes to recover permanently deleted files from your Recycle Bin folder. It runs an all-in-one scanner at your selected location to retrieve all files after the scan completes. Besides this, you can choose a save location to store all recovered files in an organized manner.
Most importantly, it allows users to preview their files before downloading them on their devices. Either your files are manually deleted from the folder, or any disk errors made it disappear; you’re entirely sorted with Recoverit. Essentially, the program is 100% secure and doesn’t share your sensitive recovered files with other parties. It’s compatible with Windows and macOS, making it a convenient recovery software for any retrieval need.
Key Features
- Recover USB Data: The program can easily recover deleted data from all famous USB brands, including Kingston and Toshiba.
- Retrieve Lost Photos: It supports all major formats for photos and enables recovery from SD cards or USB drives.
- Linux Data Recovery: You can retrieve Linux data within a few minutes after a disk format, improper shutdown, or system crash.
Guidelines to Recover Files from the Recycle Bin
With the guided tutorial, anyone can smoothly restore files deleted from the Recycle Bin and prevent permanent data loss:
Step 1. Select a Location After Launching the Program
Once the program is launched, navigate to the “Hard Drives and Locations” tab and select the “Recycle Bin” folder.
Step 2. Run a Scanner and Restore All the Deleted Files
Doing so, the program will scan the Recycle Bin and restore all deleted files. After this, filter your files and press the “Recover” button to retrieve the selected ones.
Method 2: Restore Files Using the “Restore” Option in the Recycle Bin
If the files still appear in the Recycle Bin, a simple “restore” can return them to their original location. To retrieve deleted files from the Recycle Bin, this approach doesn’t require altering system settings or installing software. For more clarity, follow the tutorial and restore deleted files from the Recycle Bin:
Instructions. Access the “Recycle Bin” folder on your Windows, and right-click the deleted file you’re looking for. Here, press the “Restore” option from the menu to automatically retrieve the file to its previous location.
Method 3: Use Windows File History Backup to Recover
File History creates continuous backups of your files and folders, allowing you to access earlier versions or restore items. This recovery method provides version control, enabling you to recover older edits, previous drafts, and earlier file states. Adhere to the manual and learn how to retrieve deleted files through File History:
Step 1. Search for “File History” first and click the “Restore Personal Files” option from the left panel.
Step 2. Here, press the left and right buttons at the bottom to navigate the File History. Afterward, select your desired file and click the “Restore” button to retrieve it.
Method 4: Scan External Drives or USBs with Recovery Tools
All the files deleted from external drives, SD cards, or USBs usually bypass the Recycle Bin entirely. For the task of restoring files deleted from the Recycle Bin, you can even install a devoted recovery tool like Recoverit. This recovery tool will help you scan your drive, retrieve the necessary files, and secure them on your device.
Method 5: Recover from Cloud Backup (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox)
Cloud storage services automatically sync files and keep them in a cloud-based trash even after you delete them from the cloud folder on your PC. You can restore these files directly from your Google Drive or OneDrive after signing in to your account. To proceed, explore the manual and recover your deleted essentials through cloud backup services:
Instructions. Initially, sign in to your OneDrive account and open the “Recycle Bin” section from the panel. Afterward, locate the deleted file you need, right-click it, and select the “Restore” option from the drop-down menu.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the process to restore files deleted from the Recycle Bin becomes even more important when the files hold great value. When files aren’t visible in your Recycle Bin folder, the solutions discussed above should be applied immediately. Among all options, file recovery from any folder is much simpler when a program like Recoverit is used.
