How to Recover Deleted PDF Files in Windows 10: 4 Easy Methods

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Accidentally deleting important PDF files is a common issue for Windows 10 users. Whether it’s a work document, a cherished family photo album, or an important legal form, losing PDFs can be frustrating. The good news? It’s often possible to recover them with the right steps.

If you’re wondering how to recover deleted PDF files in Windows 10, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through four simple methods to recover deleted PDFs, including how to use the beginner-friendly WinfrGUI tool. With the right approach, you can restore your valuable files and prevent future data loss.

Method 1: Restore from the Recycle Bin

If you’ve deleted a PDF recently, the Recycle Bin might be your best first stop.

windows-recycle-bin

Here’s how to check:

  1. Open the Recycle Bin from your desktop.
  2. Look through the deleted files for the PDF.
  3. Right-click on the file and select Restore to recover it.

🔍 Note: This method only works if the PDF was deleted using Delete (not Shift + Delete) or if you haven’t emptied the Recycle Bin yet.

Method 2: Recover Using File History

If you’ve enabled File History on your Windows 10 system, recovering a deleted PDF file can be a breeze. This feature allows you to restore previous versions of files and folders, making it one of the easiest ways to recover a deleted PDF.

restore-pdf-file-from-file-history

Here’s how to recover a deleted PDF file in Windows 10 using File History:

  1. Navigate to the folder where the PDF was originally stored.
  2. Right-click the folder and select Restore previous versions.
  3. A list of previous versions will appear. Select the version that contains the PDF file.
  4. Click Restore to recover the file.

🔍 Note: This method requires that File History was turned on before the PDF was deleted. If you haven’t set it up yet, it won’t be able to help with previous deletions, but other methods may still work.

Method 3: Use WinfrGUI – A Free and Easy-to-Use Recovery Tool

If you’ve permanently deleted the PDF (like through Shift + Delete), or if it’s not in the Recycle Bin, you might need a third-party recovery tool. WinfrGUI is a powerful, yet beginner-friendly tool for recovering lost PDFs and other files from your hard drive.

Why WinfrGUI?

  • It’s free to use.
  • No technical knowledge needed — it’s a graphical interface for Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery.
  • 2025 Update: It’s been rated one of the top recovery tools of 2025 for its efficiency and ease of use.

Here’s how to recover PDFs using WinfrGUI:

  1. Download and install WinfrGUI.
  2. Launch the app and choose the drive where the PDF was deleted.
  3. Select Quick Scan or Deep Scan, then set the file type filter to .pdf.
  4. Hit Start Recovery and wait for the scan to finish.
  5. Preview and recover the files you need, saving them to a new location.
Download WinfrGUI Free

🔍 Pro Tip: Deep Scan takes longer but finds more files that may have been overwritten or deleted a while ago.

Method 4: Check Cloud Backups and Email Attachments

one-drive

In the age of cloud storage and online backups, your deleted PDF might still be accessible.

Here’s what to check:

  1. Log into your cloud storage accounts (e.g., OneDrive, Google Drive) and check the Trash or Deleted Files folder.
  2. Search through your emails for any attachments that might contain the PDF.

🔍 Note: Cloud services typically keep deleted files for a limited time, so the sooner you check, the better!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I recover a PDF file that was deleted over a month ago?
Yes, as long as the file hasn’t been overwritten. Using tools like WinfrGUI can greatly improve your chances of recovery, even for older files.

Q2: Is WinfrGUI safe to use?
Absolutely! WinfrGUI is a trusted, legitimate recovery tool. It’s simply a graphical front-end for Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery, so there’s no risk of unwanted malware.

Q3: What if my PDF file is corrupted after recovery?
If the PDF file is corrupted, there are PDF repair tools available online. Some recovery tools also attempt to repair damaged files during the recovery process.

Q4: Do I need technical skills to use WinfrGUI?
Not at all! WinfrGUI is designed for all users, even those with no technical background. Its simple interface makes it easy to navigate and recover files.

Conclusion

Now you know how to recover deleted PDF files in Windows 10. Whether your file was accidentally deleted, lost after a system crash, or permanently erased, there are several ways to get it back. Start with simple solutions like checking the Recycle Bin or using File History. If that doesn’t work, tools like WinfrGUI provide a reliable and easy method to recover your lost files.

Don’t forget to back up your files regularly and consider using cloud storage to prevent future data loss. Stay proactive, and you won’t have to worry about losing your important PDFs again.

Also Related: How to Recover an Unreadable PDF File in Easy Steps?