4 Ways to Restore a Folder Windows 10

Sorting files into directories improves information management and Windows customization. Accidental or purposeful folder deletion can delete all files. Windows 10 has various techniques to restore lost folders, but they’re not interesting. We’ll discuss the finest methods to restore a folder windows 10 in this article.

When you delete a folder in Windows 10, it may end up in one of two situations. The first situation is when the folder is sent to the recycling box. This usually happens when you remove the folder by right-clicking and choosing “Delete” or by using the “Remove” button on your keyboard. The second situation occurs when you use the “Shift + Delete” command, which avoids the recycle box and makes the folder inaccessible in Windows. It feels like it has been completely deleted from your hard drive. However, in both cases, the folder information will remain on the storage device until new data closes it.

Regardless of the method used to delete folders, there are four tested methods that can help you recover deleted files. These methods take advantage of Windows’ built-in features and tools, and we also incorporate a third-party solution as an optional backup.

Method #1: Update previous versions of folders

Recovering lost folders needs different procedures than using CTRL+Z in Microsoft Office to undo adjustments. Previous folder versions can be recovered. Except that Windows recently backed up your PC, and you know where the file is before removing it. How to do it:

• Use the search bar to open “This PC.”.
• Move removed files to the root folder
• Right-click the root folder and choose “Restore the previous version”.
• Double-click in the destroyed root folder.
• Transfer restored folders to another folder or desktop.

This approach requires activating “file history” and creating the most recent recovery point, which includes the desired information. 

Method #2: Backup and Restore

Windows 10 no longer has backup and restore, yet it still exists. You may recover deleted folders and files this way. How to use:

• Find “Backup and Restore” in the Control Panel.
• Click “Restore My Files” and follow the instructions.
• Choose the files and folders you want to recover.
• Choose where to save recovered files and folders.
• Backup/recovery helper complete

Without Windows backup, this procedure won’t work. Steps to set up automatic backup on Windows 10: 

• To back up, go to Settings > Update & Security > Back Up.
• Press “Go to backup and recover.”
• Pick where you want the regular backup to be saved.
• Pick out Windows. Pick the file or do it by hand.
• Pick out the thing you want to save and click on “Integrate System Drive: Stored System, (C:)”.
• Set up the backup plan.
• The settings for the backup are done.

Method #3: Recycle the tank.

The recycling cistern feature introduced by Microsoft in 1995 is used as a temporary storage space for deleted files and folders. It lets you permanently remove or retrieve objects for convenience. The trash bag will not include “Shift + Delete” files or files with a capacity greater than the garbage. To recover trashed files. Follow these steps:

• Click Start and type “Recycle Tank.”
• Recycle tank open.
• Choose the recoverable folder.
• Select “Restore selected list”. 

The recovered folder will be returned to its original location.

Method #4: Data Recovery Software

In December 2021, WinfrGUI introduced a simple graphical interface version for Windows File Recovery without complicated instructions. This free program simplifies the procedure for all skill levels, makes it easier to recover permanently deleted files windows 10.

A quick guide to recovering deleted folders with WinfrGUI:

1. Download and install the latest version of WinfrGUI on your Windows PC.

1. Launch WinfrGUI and navigate to the location of your lost folder within its intuitive interface.
2. Initiate the recovery process with a simple click, and let WinfrGUI scan your storage device for salvageable files and folders.
3. Once the scan is complete, select your desired folder from the list of recoverable items.
4. Choose a suitable destination for your recovered files, ensuring they’re on a different device to avoid data overwriting.
5. With a final click, let WinfrGUI execute the recovery process, granting you access to your resurrected files and folders.

Here are four main ways to recover deleted folders from your Windows 10 computer. In some cases, some folders, such as Downloads and My Documents, may require additional steps for recovery.

Recovering my downloaded files and document folders

The Download Folder is the default storage location for files downloaded from browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, and Internet Explorer. My Document Folders is a recommended saving location for various types of documents. If these folders are missing, you can try the following:

Using data recovery software:

• Use tools like WinfrGUI to recover deleted folders.
• Search the “Download” or “My Documents” folders using the search function.
• Follow the same steps mentioned earlier to restore the file.

Use the desktop.ini file to restore the default icon.

• Open the appropriate folder by typing “Download” or “Document” in the File Explorer.
• Replace the “desktop.ini” file in the folder associated with the deleted file
• Upgrade folder options to show hidden files, and uncheck to hide protected operating system files.
• Download the “desktop.zip” file that contains the “desk.ini” file and remove it.
• Right-click on the desktop.  ini file to the property. Click on “Unblock” and replace the existing file.
• Open the added command and enter the command to specify the reset folder.
• Restart your PC to complete the process

Please note that this method can be applied to all user folders except the username field. It allows you to restore my document icons using the same technique.

Conclusion

In conclusion, don’t be afraid if you accidentally delete folders in Windows 10. You have some basic recovery methods, such as recovering previous versions, using backups, and using recycling tanks. Also, third-party data recovery software such as Disk Drill may be a reliable solution. Even special folders, such as downloads and my documents, can be recovered by following specific steps.