How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files Windows 11 [3 Top Methods]

Accidental deletion, system breakdowns, and viruses cause Windows 11 data loss. One Reddit member said: Permanently deleting files you need can be difficult and upsetting.

“My laptop’s data were wiped by mistake. So that I wouldn’t have to empty my recycle bin after every deletion, I began using Shift+delete. Once I finished a bunch of tasks that weren’t necessary, I started employing this shortcut. Can someone tell me if files can be recovered?” From Reddit

We will discuss three ways to restore permanently deleted files in Windows 11 and offer advice to prevent data loss in the future.

3 Best Ways to Recover Permanently Deleted Files Windows 11

Here we will show you 3 recovery methods:

• Use professional Windows 11 data recovery software to restore lost files, including those erased with Shift+delete. 
• Files from previous versions can be restored. Use restore points or Windows backups to access older files. Enabling automatic backup in advance is crucial.
• Retrieving files with File History is effective, similar to undoing permanent deletion, if File History is activated before file loss.

Using WinfrGUI to recover permanently deleted Windows 11 files:

Emptying the Recycle Bin does not delete your files. The truth is different, despite appearances. The best way to recover permanently destroyed Windows 11 files is using WinfrGUI. WinfrGUI is completely free. This software scans the drive quickly and deeply to find permanently deleted files (like recover a lost word document) and directories. Multiple scenarios are supported by this data recovery application. It can recover erased files and incorrectly formatted drives.

Steps to retrieve permanently deleted Windows 11 files:

Firstly, choose the scan location

• Use Shift+delete or empty the recycle bin to select the device and disk where you deleted files. Click “Scan” to look for lost files.

Step 2: Review results

• Drive scanning begins automatically by the software. After scanning, pick “Deleted Files” and “Other Lost Files” from the left panel. Use “Filter” or “Search files or folders” to find deleted files easily.

Step 3: recover deleted files

• Select deleted files and click “Preview”. Finally, select “Recover” to save files to a safe location or device.
• Share this effective file recovery software with your friends on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
• For visual instructions, see the Windows 11 permanently deleted file restoration video below.

Restoring Permanently Deleted Files in Windows 11 from Previous Versions:

• Previous Versions can only be used after creating a Windows 11 File History backup or restore point. Restore deleted Windows 11 files with these steps:
• Select “Restore previous versions” from the file or folder where deleted files were saved. You’ll see prior versions of the deleted file or folder. If Windows backup is enabled, the list will show saved files and restoration points.
• Microsoft’s official sites explain how to recover lost or deleted files from prior versions.

File History lets you recover permanently deleted Windows 11 folders:

This method works if you activate “File History” before deleting files or directories. File History is a built-in tool for restoring files and directories. Steps to restore permanently deleted File History files in Windows 11:

• First, click the Task Bar search button, type “Restore Files”, and click “Open”.
• Step 2: Find the folder with your deleted files’ former addresses.
• Step 3: Right-click to preview files.
• Step 4: Select the files and click “Restore”. Returns removed files to their original location.

Windows 11 Permanently Deleted Files: Where?

In Windows 11, right-click and select “Delete” to delete recently deleted files from the Recycle Bin. This does not delete them permanently. You must click “Delete” and “empty Recycle Bin” to permanently erase a file.

Windows 11 removes file references when files are permanently deleted or the Recycle Bin is emptied. This makes the file invisible on the drive and unreadable by the computer.

However, erased files remain on the hard drive, SD card, or USB flash drive until fresh data is stored there. Thus, restoring permanently erased files requires immediate action. New data placed in the same location erases erased files forever, making recovery unlikely.

Fortunately, Windows 11 has three proven ways to recover permanently deleted information. In Windows 11, you may easily undo “Shift+Delete” operations that permanently destroy a folder or file.

Bonus Tip: Windows 11 Data & File Protection

Protecting files and folders in Windows 11 is crucial to avoiding inadvertent deletions and errors. One simple technique to protect data even when numerous people use the same account is to password-protect folders.

Folder password protection in Windows 11 has these benefits:

• Data loss prevention with several users on a PC.
• Protecting private folders.
• Folder passwords improve file security.

Windows 11 file backups are another data protection method. A backup makes file restoration straightforward no matter how you lose them.

Finally, Windows’ Recycle Bin can retrieve inadvertently deleted files and folders. You cannot retrieve permanently deleted files from the Recycle Bin. This article describes how to retrieve permanently deleted files.

WinfrGUI is recommended because it can recover numerous data formats even with limited technical understanding.

FAQs: Recover Permanently Deleted Files Windows 11

Restoring permanently deleted files in Windows 11: Common Questions Answer these typical questions briefly:

Q: Can permanently deleted files be recovered?

A: Permanently erased files can be recovered with the appropriate steps. Start by not using your smartphone to avoid data overwriting. Then, use expert erased file recovery software to restore your files quickly.

Q: How can CMD retrieve irreversibly deleted Windows 11 files?

A: The “chkdsk” command in Command Prompt checks the file system of the selected device. CMD lets you access the device and retrieve irreversibly destroyed Windows 11 files after file system repair.

Q: How do I recover a Windows 11 permanently deleted folder?

A: You can restore the folder from a backup. Try WinfrGUI to scan the HDD/SSD/USB/SD card for recoverable data. Preview and recover irreversibly deleted folders effortlessly.

Q: How can I restore Windows 11 laptop videos permanently deleted?

A: Use WinfrGUI to recover deleted videos from a Windows 11 laptop. This application searches the disk for recoverable files and restores them. As fresh files replace old ones, the odds of retrieving deleted videos decrease.