Windows 10 Restore Deleted Files: Simple Solutions 2025

alison-d
By  
windows-10-restore-deleted-files

Accidentally deleting important files on your Windows 10 PC can feel like a disaster 😱. Whether it’s a crucial project, an important photo, or a business document, the panic sets in fast. But don’t worry, there are several ways to Windows 10 restore deleted files. In 2025, recovering deleted files on Windows 10 has never been easier. Whether you’re dealing with a simple mistake or a more complex issue like a system crash, there are effective recovery methods available. Here’s your go-to guide for getting your files back, no matter the situation!

Why Files Get Deleted on Windows 10

Before diving into recovery methods, it’s helpful to understand the reasons behind file deletion. It could happen due to a variety of factors:

distribution-of-reasons-for-file-deletion-on-windows-10-(2025)
  • Accidental Deletion: Oops, it happens. You click the wrong button or select the wrong files. If this happens, don’t worry—there are ways to restore deleted files in Windows 10.
  • Shift + Delete: This combo deletes files directly, bypassing the Recycle Bin. But you can still restore deleted files in Windows 10 with the right tools.
  • System Crashes or Power Failures: Sometimes, your PC suddenly shuts down or crashes, and files get lost in the process. Luckily, there are recovery methods to restore deleted files in Windows 10 after such incidents.
  • Malware or Virus Attacks: These nasty programs can corrupt or delete your files, leaving them seemingly unrecoverable. Even in these situations, you can still try to restore deleted files in Windows 10.

You don’t need fancy software right away. Windows 10 offers a couple of great tools right out of the box that you can use to restore deleted files.

Windows 10 Built-in Recovery Options

✅1. Recycle Bin: The First Stop

If you’ve accidentally deleted a file, the Recycle Bin is your best bet for recovery. Files don’t immediately disappear—they’re first placed in the Recycle Bin, where you can restore them with just a few clicks.

windows-recycle-bin

Here’s how:

  1. Open the Recycle Bin: Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop or find it in File Explorer.
  2. Select Your Files: Browse through the list of files and find the ones you need to restore.
  3. Restore: Right-click on the file(s) and choose Restore. The files will be returned to their original location.

If your files are still there, this method will work like a charm!

✅2. File History: Restoring from Backups

If you’ve set up File History on your Windows 10 PC, you’ve got a handy backup system that automatically saves versions of your files. This is a fantastic option for how to recover deleted files windows 10, whether they were deleted or altered.

file-history

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Go to Settings: Click on the Start menu, then navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
  2. Restore Your Files: If you’ve set up File History, you’ll see an option to restore files. Browse through the available backups to find the version you want to recover.
  3. Click Restore: Once you find the right file, select it and click Restore. Your file will be returned to its original location.

If you regularly back up your files, File History can save the day!

When Built-in Options Aren’t Enough: Third-Party Recovery Tools

These tools specialize in finding and restoring files that Windows couldn’t recover on its own. Here are two great options, including WinfrGUI, that you can use to restore your lost data:

✅1. WinfrGUI: User-Friendly and Powerful

WinfrGUI is an excellent choice for recovering deleted files. What sets it apart is its user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate even for beginners. It works with Windows 10 and can recover files from formatted drives, deleted partitions, and more.

winfrgui-free

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Download and Install WinfrGUI: Install the software on a different drive than the one you’re recovering from (to avoid overwriting data).
  2. Choose the Drive to Scan: Select the drive from which you want to recover files. WinfrGUI will scan the drive for deleted files.
  3. Preview and Recover Files: Once the scan is complete, you can preview the recoverable files. Select the ones you want to restore and click Recover.

WinfrGUI is free, straightforward, and an effective option for anyone looking to restore lost files without hassle!

✅2. Recuva: Fast and Free

Recuva is another popular, free tool that specializes in recovering files that have been deleted from your Recycle Bin or even those that were erased from the Shift + Delete process.

recuva

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Download Recuva: Get the tool from the official website and install it.
  2. Run a Scan: Launch Recuva and select the type of file you want to recover (documents, images, videos, etc.).
  3. Recover Files: Once the scan is finished, Recuva will list all the recoverable files. You can preview the files and select which ones to restore.

Recuva’s fast scanning and simple interface make it a great option for quick file recovery! ⚡

Real User Experiences: What Reddit Users Are Saying

reddit

When it comes to data recovery, it helps to hear from those who have been through the process themselves. Here are a couple of Reddit user experiences:

  • “TechyTom” shares, “I accidentally deleted a project folder and didn’t notice until after I emptied my Recycle Bin. I used WinfrGUI, and it worked perfectly—restored everything! Highly recommend giving it a try.” 🙌
  • “DataSaver77” had this to say: “After a system crash, I thought I lost an important file for good. I tried Recuva, and though it took some time, the file came back! It wasn’t perfect, but I’m grateful it worked.” 🤔

These user stories show that data recovery tools like WinfrGUI and Recuva can make a big difference when trying to restore lost files.

Preventing Future Data Loss on Windows 10

Once you’ve successfully recovered your files, it’s time to think about how to prevent future data loss. Here are some tips:

  1. Back Up Your Files Regularly: Use Windows 10’s File History or an external backup tool to make regular copies of important files. Consider cloud services like OneDrive or Google Drive for automatic backups. ☁️
  2. Enable System Restore Points: By creating restore points, you can revert your system back to a previous state if something goes wrong.
  3. Use Antivirus Software: Protect your system from malware that could lead to file deletion by keeping your antivirus software up-to-date.

The best way to recover lost data is to prevent it from happening in the first place, so make sure you’re taking these proactive steps to protect your files.

Conclusion: Get Back Your Files and Keep Them Safe!

When dealing with file loss, it’s crucial to act quickly! Windows 10 offers a variety of ways to restore deleted files, from the built-in Recycle Bin and File History to third-party tools like WinfrGUI and Recuva. By understanding your options and following the right steps, you can get your precious files back with ease.

Remember to back up your files regularly to avoid future panic and ensure your data is safe.

If you’ve had success with any of these methods or have additional tips to share, drop a comment below. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Also Read👉Recover Permanently Deleted Files Windows 11 Free Tools

What’s Your Recovery Story?
Join the conversation and share your file recovery tips!