[2025] Recover Deleted Files from Recycle Bin Windows 10

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Want to know how to recover deleted files from Recycle Bin Windows 10 in just a few clicks? 😅 We’ve all been there—emptying the Bin by mistake and watching our important docs or photos vanish. Don’t sweat it! In this 2025 update, I’ll walk you through the quickest tricks—built-in restores, Previous Versions, File History—and even show you how free tools like WinfrGUI and Recuva can swoop in to save the day. Ready? Let’s get those files back! 🔄

How the Windows 10 Recycle Bin Works

Quick Snapshot: When you delete a file on Windows 10, it isn’t gone forever—yet. It lives in the Recycle Bin until you restore it or permanently remove it.

Soft-Delete vs. Permanent-Delete

ActionWhat HappensRecoverable?
Delete (🖱️ Delete key or right-click → Delete)File moves to Recycle Bin (soft-delete)✔ Yes, until Bin is emptied
Shift + Delete (⌨️ Shift + Delete)File bypasses Recycle Bin (permanent-delete)✖ Only with advanced tools

Why Files Stay Recoverable

  1. Metadata Remains Intact
    • File pointers and attributes aren’t wiped immediately—they stay on disk until overwritten.
  2. Space Isn’t Reused Right Away
    • Windows marks the sectors as “available,” but doesn’t instantly write new data there.

Pro Tip: The faster you attempt recovery, the less chance your data sectors get overwritten!

Built-In Quick Recovery Methods

Restore Directly from the Recycle Bin

windows-recycle-bin

If your file is still in the Recycle Bin, recovery is simple.

  1. Open the Recycle Bin by double-clicking its icon on the desktop.
  2. Browse through the files or search by name.
  3. Select the file(s) you want to restore.
  4. Right-click and select Restore, or drag them to a folder on your PC.

This method is the fastest and easiest way on how to restore deleted files from Recycle Bin. If you have many files, sorting them by “Date Deleted” can help you quickly locate what you need.

Use “Previous Versions”

Even if you’ve emptied the Recycle Bin, you may still have another option to recover your files using Windows’ built-in Previous Versions feature.

restore-previous-versions

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Navigate to the folder where your deleted file was stored.
  2. Right-click the folder and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Previous Versions tab.
  4. Browse through the available restore points and choose the version of the folder that contains your deleted file.
  5. Click Restore to bring the file back to its original location.

This method relies on the Volume Shadow Copy feature, which automatically saves copies of your files at different points in time. If you regularly create restore points, this can be a lifesaver when recovering deleted files.

Advanced Built-In Option: File History

For users who have enabled File History—a backup tool that automatically saves versions of your files—you have another option for quick recovery.

file-history

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
  2. Under Back up using File History, make sure it is turned on.
  3. To recover files, navigate to the folder where the deleted file was located.
  4. Right-click and select Restore previous versions.
  5. Browse through the timeline and select the version you want to restore.

I personally used File History to recover a month’s worth of draft documents when my Recycle Bin was accidentally emptied. It’s a great option if you back up files regularly and need a quick recovery solution.

Third-Party Recovery Tools

When the built-in options fall short—such as when the Recycle Bin is emptied or files were permanently deleted via Shift + Delete—third-party recovery tools can be a game-changer.

Tool #1: WinfrGUI

One of the best tools I’ve used for recovering deleted files from Windows 10 is WinfrGUI. This free, open-source tool is an excellent choice for recovering lost data, even if the Recycle Bin is already emptied.

winfrgui-free

Here’s how to use WinfrGUI:

  1. Download and install WinfrGUI on a separate drive to avoid overwriting your lost files.
  2. Select the drive where your deleted files were located.
  3. Run a deep scan to search for recoverable files.
  4. Preview the files and select the ones you want to restore.
  5. Click Recover and choose where to save the files.

I’ve used WinfrGUI myself to recover around 2 GB of lost photos, and it worked wonders. This tool is especially helpful for users who have emptied the Recycle Bin or used Shift + Delete.

Download WinfrGUI Free

Tool #2: Recuva

Another popular tool for recovering deleted files is Recuva. It’s user-friendly and offers both quick and deep scan options.

recuva

To use Recuva:

  1. Download and install the program.
  2. Select the drive where the deleted files were located.
  3. Choose between a quick or deep scan.
  4. Once the scan is complete, preview the files and select the ones you want to recover.
  5. Click Recover to restore them.

Recuva is another great option for users who need to recover files that are no longer in the Recycle Bin.

Real-World User Experiences

You’re not alone! Many people have successfully recovered deleted files, even after emptying their Recycle Bin.

techtalk

Here are a couple of inspiring stories:

💼 “DataRecoveryPro” on TechTalk

Problem: Accidentally emptied Recycle Bin with important work documents inside.
Solution: Used WinfrGUI for a deep scan.
Result: Successfully restored most of the files, saving crucial work.

📸 “PhotoRescueFan” on DigitalRecoveryForum

Problem: Empty Recycle Bin after losing precious family photos.
Solution: Turned to Recuva for file recovery.
Result: Recovered all the lost photos, bringing back treasured memories!

These stories show that with the right tools, like WinfrGUI or Recuva, recovery is often possible—even after the Recycle Bin is emptied. So don’t worry, your lost files might be closer to recovery than you think! 🙌

Quick Tips to Avoid Data Loss

  1. Stay Organized: Use clear filenames and folders.
  2. Back Up Regularly: Use OneDrive or an external drive.
  3. Enable File History: Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Add a drive.
  4. Create Restore Points: Control Panel > System > System Protection > Create.

Conclusion

Ready to recover deleted files from Recycle Bin Windows 10? Whether you use built-in tools or third-party software like WinfrGUI and Recuva, these methods make file recovery quick and stress-free. Act fast, choose the right tool, and get your files back today! 🙌

Also Read 👉How to Recover Deleted Files from Recycle Bin After Emptying It in Windows 11

What’s Your Recovery Story?
Share your experience recovering deleted files from Recycle Bin Windows 10 in the comments!