The Recycle Bin in Windows 10 is a built-in feature where files that are deleted are stored. However, there are instances where important files are accidentally deleted and users immediately regret it. Fortunately, there are ways to recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin in Windows 10. This blog will discuss different methods to help you successfully recover your lost files.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Recovering Deleted Files from the Recycle Bin in Windows 10
Recovering deleted files from the Recycle Bin in Windows 10 is not always successful. Oftentimes, the files are permanently deleted or the Recycle Bin was emptied before the user had a chance to recover the files. Other reasons why recovering deleted files is challenging are:
- If the files were deleted using Shift + Delete or if the file size is bigger than the Recycle Bin limit, the files will not be stored in the Recycle Bin.
- If there is a corruption in the file system, it could make it difficult to recover deleted files.
- If the hard drive has bad sectors, it could also affect the ability to recover deleted files.
The good news is that there are several methods you can try that could help you recover your deleted files.
Method 1: Use the Restore Previous Versions Feature
The Restore Previous Versions feature is a built-in feature of Windows 10 that allows you to recover previous versions of your files. This method can only work if you had turned on the System Protection feature before the files were deleted.
Before proceeding with the steps below, please make sure that System Protection is turned on.
Step 1: Right-click on the folder that contained the deleted file and choose Properties.
Step 2: Click on the Previous Versions tab.
Step 3: Choose the version of the file you want to recover and click on the Restore button.
Pros:
- Quick and easy to use
- No need for third-party software
Cons:
- May not work if System Protection was not turned on
- The file may not be available in previous versions
Method 2: Use the File History Feature
The File History feature is a backup feature of Windows 10 that saves previous versions of your files. This method can only work if you had turned on the File History feature before the files were deleted.
Before proceeding with the steps below, please make sure that File History is turned on.
Step 1: Type "File History" in the search box and select the File History option.
Step 2: Click on the Restore your files with File History option.
Step 3: Choose the version of the file you want to recover and click on the Restore button.
Pros:
- Quick and easy to use
- No need for third-party software
Cons:
- May not work if File History was not turned on
- The file may not be available in previous versions
Method 3: Use a Data Recovery Software
If the two methods above do not work or if you had not turned on System Protection or File History, using a data recovery software is your best option. There are several data recovery software available in the market and some of them come with a free trial period.
Step 1: Download and install the data recovery software of your choice.
Step 2: Open the software and select the drive where the deleted file was located.
Step 3: Scan the drive for deleted files.
Step 4: Choose the file you want to recover and click on the Recover button.
Pros:
- Can recover files even if System Protection or File History was not turned on
- Can recover files that were deleted using Shift + Delete
Cons:
- May take some time to scan the drive
- Some data recovery software may be expensive
Method 4: Contact a Professional Data Recovery Service
If the three methods above do not work or if you are not comfortable using data recovery software, contacting a professional data recovery service should be your last resort. These services come with a cost but they are often successful in recovering lost data.
Pros:
- High success rate
- Can recover data from severely damaged drives
Cons:
- Expensive
- May take some time to recover the data
Why Failed to Recover Deleted Files from the Recycle Bin in Windows 10?
There are several reasons why you may have failed to recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin in Windows 10. Some of these reasons are:
- The files were permanently deleted.
- The Recycle Bin was emptied before you had a chance to recover the files.
- The files were deleted using Shift + Delete.
- The file size is bigger than the Recycle Bin limit.
- There is a corruption in the file system.
- The hard drive has bad sectors.
To fix these issues, make sure to turn on System Protection and File History so you have a backup of your files. It is also a good idea to regularly backup your files to an external hard drive or cloud storage to prevent permanent data loss.
FAQs
Q: Can I recover files if the Recycle Bin has been emptied?
A: Yes, you can still recover files even if the Recycle Bin has been emptied. You can either use the Restore Previous Versions or File History feature if they were turned on before the files were deleted, or use a data recovery software.
Q: Can I recover files if they were deleted using Shift + Delete?
A: Yes, you can still recover files that were deleted using Shift + Delete. You will need to use a data recovery software to do this.
Q: How long should I wait for the data recovery software to finish scanning the drive?
A: The time it takes to scan the drive depends on several factors such as the size of the drive, the number of files on the drive, and the performance of your computer. It could take several minutes to several hours. It is recommended to let the scanning process finish even if it takes a long time.
Q: How can I prevent permanent data loss?
A: To prevent permanent data loss, make sure to turn on System Protection and File History. It is also a good idea to regularly backup your important files to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
Q: How much does a professional data recovery service cost?
A: The cost of a professional data recovery service depends on several factors such as the severity of the data loss and the amount of data that needs to be recovered. The cost could range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.
Q: What can I do if my hard drive has bad sectors?
A: If your hard drive has bad sectors, it is recommended to replace the hard drive as soon as possible. You can try using a data recovery software but there is no guarantee that it will be successful in recovering your data. It is also a good idea to regularly backup your data to prevent permanent data loss.
Q: Can I use multiple data recovery software to improve the chances of recovering my data?
A: It is not recommended to use multiple data recovery software as it could cause further damage to your hard drive and make it more difficult to recover your data. It is best to choose one data recovery software and stick to it until the scanning process is finished.
Conclusion
These are the different methods to recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin in Windows 10. Remember to turn on System Protection and File History, and regularly backup your important files to prevent permanent data loss. If all else fails, contacting a professional data recovery service may be your best option.