How to Recover Files Deleted from Recycle Bin

Did you accidentally delete something from the Recycle Bin and now you’re freaking out? Don’t worry — you’re definitely not the first, and the good news is: there’s still hope. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin, even if you think they’re gone for good. We’ll go over simple built-in options like File History, show you how to use Windows commands like Windows File Recovery, and talk about recovery software that can bring those files back — step by step. You’ll also learn how backups and command line tools can come in clutch when things go wrong. And yep, even if you emptied the Recycle Bin, that doesn’t always mean the files are lost forever. As long as they haven’t been overwritten, there’s a good chance you can get them back. Let’s dive into your best options for getting your files back fast.

How to Recover Files Deleted from Recycle Bin

Method 1: Recover Files Directly from the Recycle Bin

This is by far the easiest and fastest way to recover deleted files — no extra software, no complicated steps. When you delete a file on Windows, it usually goes straight to the Recycle Bin, where it stays until you manually empty it. So if you’ve just deleted something by mistake, chances are it’s still sitting there, waiting to be restored.Follow these steps:

Step 1: Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop to open it.

Step 2: Browse through the list to locate the file or folder you want to recover. You can sort by date deleted or use the search bar if there are many items.
Step 3: Right-click the file and select Restore from the menu.

That’s it! Your file will instantly be returned to the original location where it was deleted — just like nothing ever happened.

Method 2: Recover Deleted Files from Recycle Box with WinfrGUI

Recycling tanks normally protect erased information, however sometimes files are irreversibly destroyed, making recovery impossible. WinfrGUI, a data recovery programme, helps to your “how to recover files deleted from recycle bin” problem. WinfrGUI is strong and simple, surpassing recyclable tanks. You can permanently retrieve lost files after eliminating recyclables. Data recovery gets violent with its simple UI. The scan results are presented in a clear type. In order to provide a quick identification of delete files. Also, the sample feature allows you check the integrity of recoverable files before starting the recovery process. To start recovering deleted files using WinfrGUI, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open WinfrGUI on your computer and select “Recycle Bin” as a position for recovery.

Step 2: WinfrGUI will thoroughly search your disc for missing data, which should take little time.

Step 3: The recovered photographs and videos will be visible after the scan.

Step 4: Select the files you want to recover, then click Start Recovery to save them to a safe location

Method 3: Recover Deleted Files from Recycle Bin Using File History

Windows File History is a built-in backup feature that automatically saves versions of your files from certain folders, like Documents, Pictures, and Desktop. If you’ve accidentally deleted a file—or overwritten something important—File History might just save the day. Here’s how to recover your files using File History:

Step 1: In the Windows search bar, type “file history” and click on “Restore your files with File History” from the results.

Step 2: Once it opens, navigate to the folder where your deleted file was originally located.

Step 3: Use the arrows at the bottom to browse through previous versions of that folder until you find the file you want.

Step 4: Select the file, then click the green “Restore” button to recover it. The file will be returned to its original location.

✅ Pro tip: You can right-click the file and choose “Restore to” if you want to save it elsewhere.

Method 4: Use System Restore to Recover Deleted Files from the Recycle Bin

System Restore is a built-in Windows feature that allows you to roll your system back to a previous state—before changes or issues occurred. While it doesn’t directly recover personal files like documents or photos, it can help restore system settings and sometimes recover files that were deleted due to software changes or system crashes. It’s especially helpful if other recovery options didn’t work. To try recovering files using System Restore:

Step 1: Type “System Restore” into the Windows search bar and click “Create a Restore Point.”

Step 2: In the new window, click the “System Restore” button.

Step 3: Choose a restore point that was created before you deleted the files.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore process.

📝 Note: This will restart your system, and any apps or updates installed after the restore point may be removed.

Method 5: Recover Deleted Files with Windows File Recovery (Command Line Tool)

Windows File Recovery is a free command-line tool developed by Microsoft that helps you retrieve deleted files from your hard drive, SSD, USB drive, or SD card. Whether you emptied your Recycle Bin or lost files due to formatting, this utility can scan for and recover them—even if they no longer appear in File Explorer. It’s a great option for users comfortable with basic commands and looking for a Microsoft-supported solution. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Go to the Microsoft Store, search for Windows File Recovery, and install it on your PC.

Step 2: Open Command Prompt as administrator.

Step 3: Run a basic recovery command. For example:

winfr C: D:\Recovered /regular /n *.docx

This command scans drive C: for deleted Word documents and restores them to D:\Recovered.

Step 4: Wait for the scan to complete, then check your destination folder for recovered files.

📝 Note: If this tool feels too technical, try using WinfrGUI, a free GUI version that makes recovery much easier—no command-line skills required.

Method 6: Recover Recycle Bin Files Using Command Prompt

If you’re comfortable with command-line tools, Command Prompt offers a direct way to access the Recycle Bin folder and manually recover deleted files. This method can be especially helpful when the Recycle Bin isn’t showing deleted files properly or if you want more control over the recovery process. Here’s how to recover deleted files using CMD:

Step 1: Click the Start menu, type cmd, and choose Run as administrator to open an elevated Command Prompt.

Step 2: Navigate to the hidden Recycle Bin system folder by typing:

cd $Recycle.Bin

Then press Enter.

Step 3: To list all deleted files and folders, run:

dir /s

This shows all directory structures inside the Recycle Bin, including file paths and names.

Step 4: To restore a specific file, use the move command to relocate it. For example:

move “C:\$Recycle.Bin\S-1-5-21\deletedfile.txt” “C:\Users\YourName\Desktop”

Replace the file name and destination path with your actual file and target folder.

📝 Note: If you’re having trouble identifying your file, use dir /s /b for a cleaner list view.

This method requires caution—be sure to enter paths and filenames accurately to avoid errors. If you prefer a simpler, safer option, tools like WinfrGUI provide a user-friendly way to recover Recycle Bin files without using the command line.

Method 7: Recover Deleted Files from Cloud Backup

If you’ve backed up your files to a cloud storage service like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox, recovering deleted files is usually quick and hassle-free. These platforms keep your files safe offsite, making it easy to restore lost data without relying solely on your local device. Here’s how to recover deleted files from your cloud backup:

Step 1: Log in to your cloud storage account (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.).

Step 2: Go to the Trash or Deleted Files folder—most cloud services keep deleted files for a certain period before permanent removal.

Step 3: Select the files or folders you want to recover.

Step 4: Click Restore or Download to bring the files back to your computer.

Using cloud backup recovery not only safeguards your data but also allows you to retrieve files from anywhere, giving you peace of mind even if your local storage fails.

FAQ for Successful Recovery of Recycled Tanks

Q1: What should I do immediately after accidentally deleting files from the Recycle Bin?

Avoid using your computer to prevent overwriting the deleted data, which can make recovery impossible.

Q2: Which software is best for recovering files deleted from the Recycle Bin?

Use reliable and well-reviewed data recovery software to maximize your chances of successfully restoring deleted files.

Q3: Can backups help in recovering deleted files from the Recycle Bin?

Yes! Always check external drives, cloud storage, or other backup devices for copies of your deleted files to speed up recovery.

Q4: Should I install new programs before recovering deleted files?

No. Installing new software or saving new data risks overwriting the deleted files, reducing the chance of recovery.

Q5: How can I prevent data loss from accidental deletion in the future?

Regularly back up your important files to external drives or cloud services to protect against accidental deletion or data loss.

Final Thoughts

Finally, with the correct tools and approaches, retrieving lost data from recycling tanks is straightforward. You can utilise a custom recycling box, WinfrGUI, file history, system recovery, command instructions, or cloud backup. Many options are available to retrieve deleted data. Following the guidelines and acting quickly can help you recover deleted information and prevent irreparable data loss.

🔗 Also Read: How to Recover Permanently Deleted Photos from Google Photos after 60 Days