How to Restore Deleted Files From Recycle Bin
If you have deleted files from the recycling tank but have not removed them, then recovering those files is quite easy. However, if you have already cleared the tank or permanently removed files, this process becomes even more challenging. In such a case, you have two main options for data recovery: using a backup if you do have or use a recovery software.
Data recovery software such as WinfrGUI takes advantage of the fact that when Windows deletes data, it means the area where the file is used as new data. So you can recover the original file using a recovery program until it is saved by new information. Quick action is crucial in increasing your chances of successful recovery.
If you haven’t backed up your files before losing them, you can proceed directly with the recovery manual. Another way you can explore how to rely on backups to recover files from empty recycling tanks without the need for software.
Recovering data from the recycling tank before it becomes empty
The easiest way to recover lost data is to do so before removing the recyclable tank. If you haven’t tried any recovery methods yet, we recommend trying out the following two simple methods. There are chances that you may recover all lost files without having to download and use third-party data recovery software.
Method 1: Try CTRL+Z Shortcut
Windows operating systemins your actions. It allows you to cancel recent changes such as deleting important files or folders. You can press short keys CTRL + Z to get this.
Unfortunately, your action history is automatically deleted when you restart your computer. So this method is only useful if you use it immediately when you realize that important files are missing.
Method 2: Check the last recycled tank.
Although you may have already done so, it is common for users to forget to check the repository to confirm whether the file has actually been deleted. To recover data directly from the recycling repositorys:
- Double-click the Recycle Tank icon to open it.
- Find the file you want to recover.
- Select the files or folders you want to receive by selecting their side boxes.
- Right-click and select Restore option to restore items to their original location.
Method 3: Check your OneDrive
OneDrive is smoothly integrated with Windows, providing backup and recovery features that are accessible. If you have a backup of deleted files in your OneDrives account, you can access it and proceed with the recovery process by logging in to yourOneDrive account.
You can access your OneDrive account online or through the extension file > Undrive – Personal. Then find the file you want to recover and download or copy to your local drive.
Is it possible to recover the recycled tank?
If you haven’t been lucky so far, you might be wondering whether it is possible to recover files from the repository after empty. The good news is that it’s possible since files that have been deleted from storage remains physically on the storage device until new information is rewritten.
However, Windows does not come with a built-in recovery program to permanently restore access to deleted files unless you count the Windows File Recovery tool, which is not really a basic tool. So you usually rely on third-party recovery software.
Here is a brief description of the process:
- Data recovery software analyzes your storage device to find recoverable files.
- The software allows you to specify which files you want to recover.
- The recovered files will be moved to a secure location and the original link to them will be restored.
While this process seems simple in theory, there are several factors that can affect your recovery success rate. These factors include the cause of data loss. The quality of the data recovery application selects the time that has passed since the data loss event and the type of storage device that stores the deleted files.
To get the best results, it is recommended to start a quick recovery process using the best recovery tool.
Note: It is important to mention that in 2023/2024, a significant percentage of new laptops and PCs use solid-state drives (SSDs) as their system disks. If you use SSDs as your system disk (where the recycling tank is located), your chances of recovering your data may be reduced due to TRIM. However, we also recommend using the methods described below to scan all the drives and devices where your files were previously located before they are moved to the trash.
How to recover deleted files from the repository after empty
Even if you’ve already washed the tray, your files may not be permanently lost. By acting quickly and following the instructions below, you can restore them soon.
For the purposes of this article, we recommend using WinfrGUI as the desired data recovery software for Recycle Bin Recovery. There are several reliable reasons for this choice, all of which will be listed below. Personally, I am a huge fan of Winfr GUI and thought it was my software for most of my data recovering work. Please see my review of the tool for more information. (link provided).
Step 1: Download install and enable WinfrGUI to start recovery of recyclable tanks.
To start the recovery process, download WinfrGUI installed on your computer (avoid installing it on system drives that are being recycled) and double-click the icon on your desktop to activate the program.
Step 2: Select a location and start scanning for missing files.
WinfrGUI’s main window displays all existing disks for recovery. Select the disk where the recyclable bag is stored (usually the main internal drive of your computer) and click on the “Find Lost Information” button to start the scanning process. The software will use all available scanning methods in the most appropriate order by default, which is recommended.
Step 3: View sample and select file for recovery.
After WinfrGUI scans your disk, you can view the existing files for recovery in the recovery panel. The files are categorized by type (such as images or documents) to make navigation easier. To view all files in the folders and their folder. Hold the ALT button and click on the file above. Scroll to the file to view the sample, then click on a sample icon (little eye) to see the file. Generally speaking, the file that can be viewed can still be recovered successfully. Note that sample view features support Windows-compatible file formats and view third-party files or open devices installed on your system.
When you find a file or folder you want to recover, check its side box to add to the rescue line.
Step 4: Click on ‘Recover’ to start the recovery process.
Once you have made your selection, click on the “Recover” button, you will be notified to select a recovery target for the selected file. To minimize the risk of file damage during recovery. Avoid saving recovered files to the same disk. WinfrGUI will check that you have selected a suitable target. Click on “Next” to proceed.
Step 5: View recovered files
WinfrGUI will quickly recover your files and display the “Data recovery complete” text to view the recovered files. Click on the “Show recovering data in Explorer” button.
If you are not satisfied with the recovery results, you can go back to the list of existing disks for recovery and try a new disc scan or another disk scan. You can also try other software solutions, but according to our experience, WinfrGUI has the highest recovery rate on the market if not the most.
This is why we believe that WinfrGUI is a great software to start your data recovery too:
- Easy to use: WinfrGUI has an easy-to-use and coated user interface that makes the entire recovery process easier with just one click of the “Recover” button.
- Efficient: It supports hundreds of file formats and can recover data from various storage devices and file systems. This professional data recovery solution has been trusted by over 500,000 PRO customers and is used by many reputable companies.
- Quick: Quick Scan allows you to discover all files that have been deleted from the recycling tank in no time. While Deep Scan can search for files that may be missing their original names and locations.
- Secure: WinfrGUI will restore your files in the most secure way possible, using precautions to avoid further damage. It warns against restoring files to the same storage device where they were originally.
- 100% Free: WinfrGUI is completely free and will still be.
- Recover Original Names: WinfrGUI uses an advanced algorithm to recover files with original names and directory structures by analyzing file system information and other related information. This is possible until metadata is not deleted or damaged during data loss events.
Recover deleted files from the repository without software.
If you enable the built-in Windows backup feature before the data is lost, you do not need to download and install third-party software to recover deleted files from the repository.
Method 1: Update the previous version from the file history
The latest version of Windows comes with a backup feature called File History. This feature automatically creates backups of files stored in specific folders such as documents, songs, pictures, videos, and desktops.
To restore previous version files from the file history, follow these steps:
- Right-click the folder containing the deleted file.
- Select “Restore previous version” from the menu
- Select the version you want to return and click on the “Restore” button.
Method 2: Recover files from Windows Backup and Recover
Windows 7 offers a backup feature called Switch and Restore, which allows users to switch information, libraries, folders, and selected system information easily. This feature has two main backup options:
- Let Windows choose: Windows will back up files stored in your desktop library and in Windows folders. It will also generate a system image that can restore your computer if it stops working. These items are regularly backed up by schedule.
- Let me choose: You can select specific libraries and folders and decide whether or not to include the system image in the backup. The selected items will be backed up according to the normal schedule.
Whatever option you choose, you can recover your data with minimal effort.
For Windows 7:
- Open Control Panel
- Select System and Security
- Select Backup and Recovery
- Click on “Restore My Files” and follow the instructions given.
For Windows 10 users:
- Open Settings
- Select Updates and Security
- Select Backup
- Click on the “go backup and restore (Windows 7)” option.
- Select the backup to recover from and follow the instructions.
For Windows 11 users:
- Connect an external storage device to your backup file
- Enter “Control Panel” in the taskbar search box
- Select Control Panel from Search Results
- Select Backup and Recovery (Windows 7).
- Select the backup you want to recover files from.
- Configure the location of your external storage device
- Follow the instructions provided to complete your file recovery.
That summarizes the manual on how to recover deleted files from recycling tanks. If you follow the recommended methods and act quickly, you have a good chance of successfully recovering lost files.
>>Also Read: How to Recover A Lost Word Document