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

Oops, you emptied your Recycle Bin in Windows 11 and now your files are gone? Don’t stress—it’s not too late to get them back! When you delete something, it’s not really gone; the data is still sitting on your drive until new files overwrite it. So, if you’re wondering how to recover deleted files from Recycle Bin after empty Windows 11, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some simple and reliable ways to bring your lost files back, from built-in tools to powerful recovery software. Let’s get started!

Act Fast: Prevent Overwriting

If you’ve realized your files are gone, here’s what you need to do ASAP:

1. ❌Stop using the drive: Don’t save or download anything new to the drive where the deleted files were stored. New data could overwrite your files and make them unrecoverable.
2. ✔️Keep the drive idle: The more you use the drive, the greater the chance that deleted files will be overwritten. The sooner you stop using it, the better.
3. ❌Don’t install recovery software on the same drive: If you’re downloading recovery tools, make sure to install them on a different drive or external device.
4. ✔️Start recovery quickly: The longer you wait, the higher the risk that your files will be overwritten. Take action as soon as possible to maximize your chances.

By following these simple steps, you can increase your chances of successfully recovering your files!

Solution 1: Windows File Recovery (CLI)

1️⃣What It Is

Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery is a command-line tool designed for recovering permanently deleted files on Windows. It allows you to retrieve lost data from your hard drive, even after the Recycle Bin has been emptied.

You can download it from the Microsoft Store.

2️⃣Basic Commands

There are two main recovery modes:

• Default Mode: Use this for a general recovery of recently deleted files.
• Segment Mode: Ideal for deep scans and when you need to recover files that have been deleted for a long time.

Sample command: bash winfr C: D: /regular /n \Users\YourName\Documents\*.docx


⚠️Important Note

1. In this example, the tool scans the C: drive for .docx files and saves recovered files to the D: drive. little technical knowledge to get it right.
2. If this feels too complicated, don’t worry—we’ll cover simpler options next!

Solution 2: File History & Restore Points

1️⃣File History

If you had File History enabled before you deleted the files, it’s easy to restore them. File History automatically backs up your files to an external drive or network location.

How to restore👇

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
2. Click Restore files from a current backup.
3. Select the files you want to recover and restore them.

2️⃣System Restore Points

While System Restore is mainly for recovering system files, it may also restore some user data. However, it’s less reliable for non-system files.

Click Open System Restore and follow the prompts to restore from a previous point.

How to use👇

Open Control Panel > Recovery.

Solution 3: Third-Party Recovery Software

1️⃣ Recuva – Simple & Fast Recovery

• Great for: HDDs, SSDs, USB drives
• Key feature: Wizard-style interface that walks you through the process
• Bonus: It’s free for basic use and super beginner-friendly

2️⃣ WinfrGUI – No Coding Needed

• Great for: Anyone who wants to avoid command lines
• Key feature: A graphical version of Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery tool
• Bonus: Super easy, even for non-tech users

Quick steps👇

1. Install WinfrGUI (it’s free!)
2. Choose the source drive and file types
3. Click “Start Recovery” to begin scanning

3️⃣ Disk Drill – Deep Scan & Extra Protection

• Great for: Recovering files from almost any device
• Key features: Deep Scan/ Recovery Vault
• Limit: Free version lets you recover up to 500MB

Solution 4: Professional Data-Recovery Services

If your hard drive has suffered physical damage or the data is highly critical, a professional data-recovery service may be your best bet. These services specialize in recovering data from damaged hardware.

What to expect👇

• Cost: Can be expensive, ranging from $100 to $2,000+.
• Turnaround time: Recovery time can vary from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity.
• Success rates: High success rates, especially for hardware failures.

⚠️Tips:

1. Most professional recovery tools come with free trials that allow you to scan and preview recoverable files.
2. For hardware failures or critical data, services can retrieve data from damaged drives. Expect costs from $100–$2,000 and multi-day turnaround .
3. You only need to pay for the full version if you want to recover them.

Summary

So yeah, emptying the Recycle Bin by accident on Windows 11 isn’t the end of the world — even if it feels like it at first. With tools like Windows File Recovery or the much easier WinfrGUI, plus solid third-party options like Recuva and Disk Drill, you’ve got a real shot at getting your files back. The key? Don’t wait. The faster you try to recover, the better your chances.

And hey — future you will thank you if you turn on File History or use OneDrive to keep backups rolling. No more panic next time something goes missing. You’ve got this!

Also Read👉How to Recover Deleted PDF Files in Windows 10: 4 Ways