We’ve all been there—you delete a file and a second later, regret kicks in. Whether it’s an important work document, a school project, or personal photos, losing files can be frustrating. The good news? If you’re on Windows 11, there are several ways to recover deleted files.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through simple and effective methods to get your files back, step by step.
Understanding How File Deletion Works in Windows 11
Before we dive into recovery methods, let’s quickly understand what happens when you delete a file:
- Recycle Bin: By default, deleted files go here first.
- Permanent Deletion (Shift + Delete): Files bypass the Recycle Bin and seem gone.
- Still Recoverable: Even if permanently deleted, the data often stays on your drive until overwritten.
👉 This means recovery is often possible—if you act quickly.
Method 1: Recover Files from the Recycle Bin
This is the easiest and most common way.
Steps:
- Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
- Browse for the file you want.
- Right-click it and select Restore.
✅ The file will return to its original location.
Method 2: Use File History Backup
If you’ve enabled File History in Windows 11, restoring files is simple.
Steps:
- Press Windows + S, type File History, and open it.
- Click Restore personal files.
- Navigate through versions of your files and select the one you want.
- Click the green Restore button.
Method 3: Restore Files from OneDrive
If your files were saved in OneDrive, you might be able to restore them from the cloud.
Steps:
- Open OneDrive from the taskbar or via browser at onedrive.com.
- Log in with your Microsoft account.
- Browse for your file in the Recycle Bin or folders.
- Right-click and choose Restore or Download.
Method 4: Use Windows 11’s Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
Yes, Windows 11 still has this classic tool.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → System → Storage → Advanced storage settings.
- Select Backup options.
- If you set up Backup and Restore, choose Restore my files.
Method 5: Recover Deleted Files via Command Prompt
This method is more technical but can sometimes work.
Steps:
- Press Windows + S, type cmd, and run it as Administrator.
- Enter this command:
chkdsk X: /f(Replace X with your drive letter.) - Then type:
ATTRIB -H -R -S /S /D X:\*.*
⚠️ This method is best for external drives or USBs.
Method 6: Use Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery Tool
Microsoft offers a free recovery app.
Steps:
- Download Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.
- Open it (Command-line tool).
- Run a command like:
winfr C: D: /n \Users\YourName\Documents\myfile.docxC:→ source drive.D:→ destination drive.
It scans and recovers files directly.
Method 7: Try Third-Party Recovery Software
If built-in options don’t work, third-party tools can help:
- Recuva
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
- Disk Drill
These apps can recover permanently deleted files, even from formatted drives.
Tips to Improve File Recovery Success
- Stop using the drive immediately to avoid overwriting deleted data.
- Act fast—the longer you wait, the less likely recovery will work.
- Enable backups (OneDrive, File History, or third-party tools) for the future.
Conclusion
Losing files in Windows 11 can feel like a disaster, but recovery is often possible. Whether it’s a quick restore from the Recycle Bin, a backup via File History or OneDrive, or using recovery software, you have plenty of options to get your data back.
The key takeaway? Act quickly and set up backups now to avoid headaches later.
FAQs
1. Can I recover permanently deleted files in Windows 11?
Yes, using tools like Windows File Recovery or third-party recovery software.
2. How do I restore files deleted from the Recycle Bin?
Use File History, OneDrive, backups, or recovery software.
3. Is Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery tool free?
Yes, it’s free from the Microsoft Store, but it’s command-line based.
4. Can I recover files from an external hard drive?
Yes, you can use chkdsk, Windows File Recovery, or third-party tools.
5. What’s the best way to prevent file loss in the future?
Enable OneDrive sync or File History to keep automatic backups.