Have you ever accidentally deleted an important file on your Windows 11 PC? Maybe it was a school project, a work document, or even family photos. Don’t panic—you can often recover deleted files in Windows 11 if you act quickly.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through different methods to recover deleted files, from simple solutions like the Recycle Bin to advanced recovery tools.
Summary: Key Takeaways
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Check the Recycle Bin first—it’s the easiest recovery method.
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Use File History or Backup & Restore if you’ve set them up.
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Try the built-in Windows File Recovery tool for permanently deleted files.
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Third-party recovery software can help when built-in options fail.
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The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovery.
Why Do Files Get Deleted on Windows 11?
Files can be deleted intentionally or accidentally for many reasons:
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Pressing Shift + Delete (permanent delete).
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Emptying the Recycle Bin.
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A system crash or update.
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Malware or virus attack.
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Disk corruption or formatting.
Understanding the cause helps you pick the right recovery method.
Method 1: Recover Deleted Files from the Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin is your first stop. Deleted files usually stay here until you empty it.
Steps:
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Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
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Locate your deleted file.
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Right-click it → Restore.
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The file will reappear in its original location.
👉 If the file isn’t in the Recycle Bin, try other methods.
Method 2: Use Undo Delete (Shortcut Trick)
If you just deleted a file, you can undo it instantly.
Steps:
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Press Ctrl + Z on your keyboard.
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Or right-click anywhere in File Explorer → Undo Delete.
✅ Works only right after deletion.
Method 3: Restore Previous Versions (File History)
Windows 11’s File History feature can recover older versions of files.
Steps:
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Right-click the folder where the deleted file was located.
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Select Restore previous versions.
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Choose a version and click Restore.
⚠️ Works only if File History or a backup was enabled earlier.
Method 4: Recover from Backup & Restore (Windows 7 Feature)
Windows 11 still supports the classic Backup & Restore (Windows 7) tool.
Steps:
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Open Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
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Select Restore my files.
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Follow the wizard to recover lost files.
Method 5: Use Windows File Recovery Tool (Microsoft Official)
If the Recycle Bin and backups don’t help, try Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery app (free in Microsoft Store).
Steps:
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Download Windows File Recovery from Microsoft Store.
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Open it as Administrator.
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Use commands like:
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C:= source drive -
D:= recovery destination -
/n= file filter
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👉 Best for advanced users comfortable with command line.
Method 6: Restore Files from OneDrive
If your files were synced with OneDrive, you might restore them from the cloud.
Steps:
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Open OneDrive online.
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Go to Recycle Bin in OneDrive.
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Select files → Restore.
Method 7: Use Third-Party File Recovery Software
When built-in tools fail, data recovery software comes to the rescue.
Popular options include:
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Recuva
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EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
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Disk Drill
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Wondershare Recoverit
These tools can scan your drive and recover permanently deleted files.
⚠️ Some free versions have limitations.
Method 8: Recover Files from a System Restore Point
If a recent update or crash caused file loss, System Restore may help.
Steps:
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Search Create a restore point in Start menu.
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Open System Restore.
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Choose a restore point before the deletion happened.
👉 This restores system settings, not always personal files.
Method 9: Restore from a Drive Image Backup
If you created a system image earlier, you can restore files.
Steps:
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Open Control Panel > Recovery.
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Select Advanced recovery tools > Use a system image.
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Follow the instructions.
Method 10: Check Temporary Files and App Backups
Sometimes, apps like Microsoft Word or Photoshop save temporary versions.
For example:
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In Word, open File > Info > Manage Document > Recover Unsaved Documents.
Quick Comparison of File Recovery Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Recycle Bin | Easy | Recently deleted files |
| Undo Delete | Easy | Immediate accidental deletions |
| File History | Medium | Users with backups enabled |
| Windows File Recovery | Hard | Permanently deleted files |
| OneDrive | Easy | Cloud-synced files |
| Third-Party Tools | Medium | Deep recovery needs |
| System Restore | Medium | System-related issues |
| Drive Image Backup | Advanced | Full recovery from image |
Pro Tips to Avoid File Loss in Windows 11
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Always enable File History or cloud backup (OneDrive/Google Drive).
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Use an external hard drive for important files.
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Install a reliable antivirus to prevent malware attacks.
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Avoid writing new data to the drive after deletion (it overwrites lost files).
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Consider partitioning your drive for better data safety.
Conclusion
Accidentally deleting files in Windows 11 can be stressful, but with the right steps, recovery is often possible.
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Start with Recycle Bin and Undo Delete.
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If needed, use File History, Windows File Recovery, or third-party tools.
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For the best long-term solution, always keep regular backups.
By following this comprehensive guide, you can increase your chances of getting your valuable files back.
FAQs About Recovering Deleted Files on Windows 11
1. Can permanently deleted files be recovered in Windows 11?
Yes, using Windows File Recovery or third-party tools like Recuva.
2. Does Windows 11 have a built-in recovery tool?
Yes, the Windows File Recovery app is Microsoft’s official tool.
3. Can I recover files after emptying the Recycle Bin?
Yes, but you’ll need File History, backups, or recovery software.
4. How do I recover deleted Word documents?
Check Word’s AutoRecover feature or use recovery software.
5. Is data recovery 100% guaranteed?
No—if the data has been overwritten, it may be unrecoverable. Acting fast increases success.