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Last updated: Jan 26, 2024

How to Recover Deleted Files on Windows 11

Data is one of the most valuable assets anyone can possess. It can be incredibly frustrating and potentially disastrous to lose important files due to accidental deletion or system errors.

Fortunately, with Windows 11, the latest and most advanced operating system from Microsoft as of 2024, there are several built-in features and external tools available that can help you recover deleted files. In this article, we will guide you through various methods and step-by-step procedures to recover deleted files on Windows 11.

Whether you have accidentally deleted a file, emptied your recycle bin, or lost data due to a system crash, this article will help you recover your important files and get you back on track.

Let's dive in and learn how to retrieve those lost files on Windows 11.

What Leads to Windows 11 Data Loss

Data loss in Windows 11 can occur due to various reasons, some of which are listed below:

  1. 1. Accidental Deletion: This is one of the most common reasons for data loss. It includes accidentally deleting files or folders and then emptying the Recycle Bin.

  2. 2. System Crash: A sudden system failure or crash can lead to loss of unsaved data or even corruption of existing files.

  3. 3. Malware and Virus Attacks: Malware and viruses can corrupt files, delete data, or cause system crashes, leading to data loss.

  4. 4. Software Conflicts: Conflicting software or applications can sometimes cause files to become corrupt or inaccessible.

  5. 5. Hard Drive Failure: Physical damage or failure of the hard drive can lead to a significant loss of data stored on the drive.

  6. 6. Power Outages: Unexpected power outages can lead to unsaved data loss or, in worse cases, file corruption.

  7. 7. Human Error: This includes mistakes such as accidentally formatting a drive or partition, incorrect installation of the operating system, or accidental deletion of system files.

  8. 8. Hardware Conflicts: Conflicts between different hardware components, such as between the motherboard and the hard drive, can lead to data loss.

  9. 9. File Corruption: Files can get corrupted due to various reasons such as software conflicts, malware attacks, or system crashes.

  10. 10. Operating System Upgrades: Sometimes, upgrading the operating system can lead to data loss if not done properly or if there is an issue during the upgrade process.

How to Search for Files and Folders on Windows 11

Searching for files and folders on Windows 11 is quite easy and intuitive. Here are some methods you can use to search for files and folders on Windows 11:

  1. 1. Using Windows Search:

  • Click on the magnifying glass icon in the taskbar or simply press Win + S keys to open Windows Search.
  • Type the name of the file or folder you are looking for in the search box.
  • As you type, Windows will start showing you suggestions. You can either continue typing the full name or select the file from the suggestions.
  • You can also filter your search by clicking on the 'Filters' dropdown menu and selecting the type of file you are looking for (Documents, Photos, Videos, etc.).
  1. 2. Using File Explorer:

  • Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or press Win + E keys.
  • Navigate to the location where you think your file or folder might be.
  • In the top-right corner of the File Explorer, there is a search box. Type the name of the file or folder you are looking for.
  • As you type, the File Explorer will show the files and folders that match your search query.
  1. 3. Using Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt:

  • Open Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.
  • Use the cd command to navigate to the location where you think your file or folder might be.
  • Use the dir command followed by the name of the file or folder you are looking for. For example, dir filename.ext or dir foldername.
  1. 4. Using the Indexing Options:

  • Windows 11 indexes files and folders to make them quicker to find. If you can't find a file or folder using the above methods, it's possible it's not indexed.
  • To add a location to the index, open the Control Panel and navigate to 'Indexing Options'.
  • Click on 'Modify' and then select the locations you want to index.
  • Click 'OK' and then 'Close'. Windows will start indexing the selected locations.

Remember, if you can't find a file or folder, it's possible that it has been deleted or moved to a different location. Make sure to check your Recycle Bin and also try using a file recovery tool if you suspect the file has been deleted.

How to Recover Deleted Files/Folders in Windows 11

Fortunately, Windows 11 has several built-in features and external tools that can help you recover your lost data. In the upcoming section, we will guide you through different methods to recover deleted files and folders in Windows 11, from using the built-in tools like Recycle Bin and File History, to utilizing third-party recovery tools. With these methods, you will be able to retrieve your lost files and folders, even if you have emptied the Recycle Bin or lost files due to a system crash. Stay tuned for a detailed step-by-step guide on how to recover your deleted files and folders on Windows 11.

Method 1: Recover Deleted Files from a Recycle Bin in Windows 11

The Recycle Bin is a special folder in Windows that stores deleted files and folders temporarily. When you delete a file or folder, it is moved to the Recycle Bin rather than being permanently deleted. This allows you to recover accidentally deleted files easily. Here's how you can recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin in Windows 11:

  1. 1. Locate the Recycle Bin:

  • Find the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and double-click it to open.
  1. 2. Search for the Deleted Files:

  • Browse through the list of deleted files and folders or use the search box in the top-right corner to find the file or folder you want to recover.
  1. 3. Restore the Files:

  • Right-click on the file or folder you want to restore and select 'Restore' from the context menu. This will restore the file or folder to its original location before it was deleted.
  1. 4. Check the Original Location:

  • Go to the original location of the file or folder to make sure it has been restored.
  1. 5. Empty the Recycle Bin:

  • If you are sure that you have recovered all the necessary files, you can empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking on the Recycle Bin icon and selecting 'Empty Recycle Bin'. This will permanently delete all the files in the Recycle Bin.

Note: If you have emptied the Recycle Bin or the file you are trying to recover is not in the Recycle Bin, you will need to use a different method to recover the file.

Remember, it is always a good practice to regularly backup your files and be careful when deleting files or emptying the Recycle Bin. Also, keep in mind that the Recycle Bin has a size limit, and once it is full, Windows will start permanently deleting the oldest files. If you can't find the file you are looking for in the Recycle Bin, it may have been permanently deleted, and you will need to use a file recovery tool.

Method 2: Recover Files using Undo Delete

Another quick way to recover deleted files in Windows 11 is to use the 'Undo Delete' feature. This method is useful if you have just deleted a file or folder and want to recover it quickly. Here's how you can do it:

  1. 1. Immediately After Deletion:

  • Right after you delete a file or folder, either by pressing the 'Delete' key or by right-clicking and selecting 'Delete', do not perform any other actions.
  1. 2. Use Undo Delete:

  • Right-click on an empty space in the folder where the file or folder was deleted and select 'Undo Delete'. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Z on your keyboard.
  1. 3. Check the File or Folder:

  • The file or folder should reappear in its original location.

Note: The 'Undo Delete' feature only works immediately after the file or folder has been deleted. If you have performed any other actions, such as copying or moving other files or folders, the 'Undo Delete' option will not work, and you will need to use another method to recover the deleted file or folder.

Remember, the 'Undo Delete' feature only works for files and folders deleted from the file system. If you have deleted a file or folder from the Recycle Bin, this method will not work, and you will need to use a file recovery tool.

Method 3: Restore Files Using the File History Feature

The File History feature in Windows 11 is a very useful tool that automatically backs up your files and folders at regular intervals. This feature needs to be enabled and set up before you can use it to restore files. If you have already set up File History, you can use it to restore deleted or modified files. Here's how you can do it:

  1. 1. Open File History:

  • Go to 'Settings' by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting 'Settings'.
  • Click on 'System' and then 'Storage' on the left sidebar.
  • Scroll down and click on 'Advanced storage settings', then click on 'Backup options'.
  • Under 'Backup', click on 'Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)'.
  • Click on 'Restore my files'.
  1. 2. Search for Files:

  • Click on 'Browse for files' or 'Browse for folders' to search for the deleted or modified files you want to restore. You can select multiple files or folders.
  1. 3. Select the Files:

  • Select the file or folder you want to restore. If you want to restore the file to a previous version, click on the file and then click on the green round arrow button to see all the available versions. Select the version you want to restore.
  1. 4. Restore the Files:

  • Click on the 'Restore' button to restore the selected files or folders to their original location. If you want to restore the files or folders to a different location, click on the 'Browse' button to select a different location.

Note: The File History feature needs to be enabled and set up before you can use it to restore files. If you have not set up File History, this method will not work, and you will need to use a different method to recover your files.

Remember to regularly backup your files using the File History feature or any other backup tool to ensure you can easily recover your files in case of accidental deletion or modification.

Method 4: Recover without Third-Party Software using Command Prompt

Recovering deleted files using the Command Prompt involves using the attrib command. This method can help you recover files that have been deleted or hidden by viruses or malware. Here's how you can do it:

  1. 1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

  • Right-click on the Start button and select 'Windows Terminal (Admin)' to open the Windows Terminal with administrative privileges.
  • In the Windows Terminal, select 'Command Prompt' from the dropdown menu in the tab.
  1. 2. Use the attrib Command:

  • Type the following command and press Enter:
    bash
    attrib -h -r -s /s /d drive_letter:\*.*
  • Replace drive_letter with the letter of the drive where the deleted files were located. For example, if the deleted files were in the C drive, the command would be:
    bash
    attrib -h -r -s /s /d c:\*.*
  1. 3. Check the Files:

  • Open the drive and check if the deleted files have been recovered.

Note: The attrib command changes the attributes of a file or folder. The -h option removes the 'hidden' attribute, the -r option removes the 'read-only' attribute, and the -s option removes the 'system' attribute. The /s option processes matching files in the current folder and all subfolders, and the /d option processes folders as well.

Remember, the attrib command will only recover files that have been hidden by viruses or malware. If the files have been permanently deleted, this method will not work, and you will need to use a file recovery tool. Additionally, this method may not work for all types of files or if the files have been overwritten.

Method 5: Restore from Your Previous Backup

Restoring from a previous backup is one of the safest and most effective ways to recover deleted files or folders. It's crucial to have a backup strategy in place and regularly backup your data to an external drive, cloud storage, or another safe location. If you have a backup of your files, you can easily restore them when needed. Here’s how you can restore your files from a previous backup:

  1. 1. Connect Your Backup Device:

  • Connect the external drive, USB drive, or any other device where you have stored your backup to your computer.
  1. 2. Locate Your Backup:

  • Open the device and locate the backup folder or file. If you have used a backup software, open the software, and locate your backup.
  1. 3. Restore Your Files:

  • If you have manually copied your files to the backup device, simply copy the files or folders you want to restore and paste them into the desired location on your computer.
  • If you have used backup software, follow the software's instructions to restore your files.

Note: The steps to restore your files may vary depending on the backup software you have used. Refer to the software's user manual or support website for detailed instructions on how to restore your files.

Method 6: Use DiskInternals Partition Recovery Software

DiskInternals Partition Recovery software is a tool designed to help recover lost or damaged partitions on your hard drive. It can be used to recover data from both internal and external drives, including USB drives, memory cards, and other types of storage media.

To use DiskInternals Partition Recovery software, you can follow these steps:

  1. 1. Download and install the software on your computer.
  2. 2. Launch the software and select the drive you want to recover data from.
  3. 3. Click on the "Scan" button to start the scanning process.
  4. 4. Once the scan is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files and folders.
  5. 5. Select the files and folders you want to recover and click on the "Recover" button.
  6. 6. Choose a location to save the recovered files to.

It's important to note that using any data recovery software carries a risk of further data loss or damage. To minimize this risk, it's recommended that you avoid writing any new data to the drive you're trying to recover data from until the recovery process is complete. Additionally, if you're not comfortable using the best partition recovery software, you may want to consider hiring a professional data recovery service to help you recover your lost data.

Method 7: Use Microsoft's Windows File Recovery Tool

Microsoft's Windows File Recovery Tool is a free app available from the Microsoft Store that can help you recover deleted files. It's a command-line app that can recover a variety of file types from most storage media.

Here's how you can use the Windows File Recovery Tool to recover your deleted files:

  1. 1. Install Windows File Recovery Tool:

  • Go to the Microsoft Store and search for 'Windows File Recovery'.
  • Click on 'Get' or 'Install' to download and install the app.
  1. 2. Open Windows File Recovery Tool:

  • Open the Start menu and type 'Windows File Recovery' and click on the app to open it.
  1. 3. Select Recovery Mode:

The app offers three recovery modes: Default, Segment, and Signature.

  • Default: This mode is for recently deleted files and uses the Master File Table (MFT) to locate lost files.
  • Segment: This mode is for files that were deleted a while ago and does not use the MFT but searches for segments belonging to lost files.
  • Signature: This mode is for recovering specific types of files across the disk and is used for external storage devices.
  1. 4. Run the Command:

    • Open Windows Terminal as an administrator.
    • Type the command for the recovery mode you want to use:
      • For Default mode:
        bash
        winfr source-drive: destination-folder /r /n *.*
      • For Segment mode:
        bash
        winfr source-drive: destination-folder /r /seg /n *.*
      • For Signature mode:
        bash
        winfr source-drive: destination-folder /x /y: /n *.*
    • Replace source-drive with the drive letter of the drive where the deleted files were located, destination-folder with the folder where you want to recover the files, and file-types with the file types you want to recover (e.g., jpg, png, docx, etc.).
  2. 5. Check the Recovered Files:

  • Go to the destination folder and check if the deleted files have been recovered.

Note: The Windows File Recovery Tool is a powerful utility, but it may not recover all deleted files, especially if the files have been overwritten or the disk is damaged. It is recommended to use this tool as soon as possible after deleting the files to increase the chances of successful recovery.

Remember, it is always a good practice to regularly backup your files and be careful when deleting files or formatting disks. If you have lost important files, the Windows File Recovery Tool can be a helpful option for recovering your data.

Method 8: Retrieve Lost Data from a Cloud Backup Using OneDrive

OneDrive, Microsoft's cloud storage service, automatically saves deleted files in its Recycle Bin for 30 days, providing another layer of backup. If you have OneDrive set up on your Windows 11 computer, you can recover deleted files from its online Recycle Bin. Here's how you can do it:

  1. 1. Open OneDrive:

  • Go to the OneDrive website and sign in with your Microsoft account.
  1. 2. Go to the Recycle Bin:

  • In the navigation pane on the left side, click on 'Recycle Bin'.
  1. 3. Select the Files:

  • Browse through the list of deleted files and select the ones you want to restore. You can select multiple files by holding down the 'Ctrl' key while clicking on the files.
  1. 4. Restore the Files:

  • Click on the 'Restore' button at the top of the page to restore the selected files.
  1. 5. Check the Files:

  • Go to your OneDrive folder on your computer or on the OneDrive website and check if the files have been restored.

Note: Files deleted from your OneDrive folder on your computer will also be moved to the computer's Recycle Bin. You can restore the files from either the computer's Recycle Bin or the OneDrive online Recycle Bin.

Remember, OneDrive only keeps deleted files in the Recycle Bin for 30 days. After 30 days, the files will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. Make sure to regularly check the Recycle Bin and restore any important files before they are permanently deleted.

OneDrive is a convenient way to backup your files and folders and provides an easy way to recover deleted files. Make sure to set up OneDrive on your computer and regularly backup your important files to ensure they can be recovered in case of accidental deletion or any other data loss situation.

Method 9: Undo Deletion in Windows 11

The "Undo Delete" option is a quick and simple way to recover files that you have just deleted. This method only works if you haven't performed any other actions like copying, moving, or deleting other files or folders after the deletion. Here's how you can use the "Undo Delete" option in Windows 11:

  1. 1. Immediately After Deletion:

  • Right after you delete a file or folder, either by pressing the 'Delete' key or by right-clicking and selecting 'Delete', do not perform any other actions.
  1. 2. Use Undo Delete:

  • Right-click on an empty space in the folder where the file or folder was deleted and select 'Undo Delete'. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Z on your keyboard.
  1. 3. Check the File or Folder:

  • The file or folder should reappear in its original location.

Note: The "Undo Delete" feature only works immediately after the file or folder has been deleted. If you have performed any other actions, such as copying or moving other files or folders, the "Undo Delete" option will not work, and you will need to use another method to recover the deleted file or folder.

Remember, the "Undo Delete" feature only works for files and folders deleted from the file system. If you have deleted a file or folder from the Recycle Bin, this method will not work, and you will need to use a file recovery tool.

How to recover files on Windows 11 after an upgrade

Method 1: Dealing with a temporary profile

When you upgrade your operating system to Windows 11, your files and settings should transfer over. However, sometimes a new temporary profile is created during the upgrade, and it might seem like your files are missing. But don't worry, your files are most likely still on your computer, and you can access them by following these steps:

  1. 1. Identify the Temporary Profile:

    • If you have logged in with a temporary profile, you will see a notification that says "You've been signed in with a temporary profile".
  2. 2. Locate Your Original User Profile:

    • Go to 'This PC' and open the 'Users' folder on the drive where Windows is installed. Here you will see folders for each user profile on your computer. The folder with your original profile will have your user name.
  3. 3. Access Your Files:

    • Open your original user profile folder and locate your files. They should be in the same folders as they were before the upgrade, such as 'Documents', 'Pictures', 'Desktop', etc.
  4. 4. Copy Your Files to the New Profile:

    • If you want to continue using the new profile, you can copy your files from your original profile folder to the corresponding folders in the new profile folder. For example, copy files from 'Documents' in your original profile to 'Documents' in the new profile.
  5. 5. Set up Your New Profile:

    • If you copied your files to the new profile, make sure to set up your settings, install your apps, and configure everything the way you like it.

Note: If you prefer to use your original profile, you can try to fix the temporary profile issue by following the troubleshooting steps in the Microsoft support article or contact Microsoft Support for help.

Method 2: Enable administrator account

Sometimes after upgrading to Windows 11, your user account may lose its administrator privileges, which could make it seem like some files are missing or inaccessible. Enabling the administrator account can help you recover these files. Here's how you can enable the administrator account in Windows 11:

  1. 1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

    • Right-click on the Start button and select 'Windows Terminal (Admin)' to open the Windows Terminal with administrative privileges.
    • In the Windows Terminal, select 'Command Prompt' from the dropdown menu in the tab.
  2. 2. Enable the Administrator Account:

    • Type the following command and press Enter:
      bash
      net user administrator /active:yes
    • This command will enable the built-in administrator account.
  3. 3. Log Out and Log In as Administrator:

    • Log out of your current account and log in as the administrator. The administrator account should now be available as an option on the login screen.
  4. 4. Access Your Files:

    • Once logged in as the administrator, you should be able to access all files and folders on your computer. Locate your files and copy them to a safe location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage.
  5. 5. Disable the Administrator Account:

    • After recovering your files, it is recommended to disable the administrator account for security reasons. To do this, open the Command Prompt as an administrator again and type the following command:
      bash
      net user administrator /active:no
    • This command will disable the built-in administrator account.

Note: Enabling the administrator account should be done with caution, as it has full access to all files and settings on your computer. Make sure to disable the administrator account after recovering your files to keep your computer secure.

Remember, it is always a good idea to have a backup of your files before making any significant changes to your computer, such as upgrading your operating system or enabling the administrator account.

Method 3: Troubleshooting Windows 11 Search

The search index is a list of all the files and content on your computer, and Windows uses this index to quickly find files when you perform a search. If the index is not working correctly, you may have trouble finding your files even though they are still on your computer. Here's how you can troubleshoot Windows 11 search to recover your files:

  1. 1. Check the Search Index:

    • Open the Control Panel and go to 'Indexing Options'.
    • Here, you can see a list of all the locations that are included in the search index. Make sure that the folders where your files are located are included in the index. If they are not, click on 'Modify' and add the folders to the index.
  2. 2. Rebuild the Index:

    • If your folders are included in the index but you still cannot find your files, you may need to rebuild the index.
    • In the 'Indexing Options' window, click on 'Advanced', then click on 'Rebuild' under the 'Troubleshooting' section. Rebuilding the index may take some time, but it can help Windows find your files.
  3. 3. Use Windows Troubleshooter:

    • Open the Settings app and go to 'System' -> 'Troubleshoot' -> 'Additional troubleshooters'.
    • Run the 'Search and Indexing' troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.
  4. 4. Check File Permissions:

    • Make sure that you have the necessary permissions to access the files and folders.
    • Right-click on the folder where your files are located, select 'Properties', then go to the 'Security' tab. Make sure your user account has the necessary permissions to access the files.
  5. 5. Check File Location:

    • Sometimes files may be moved to a different location during the upgrade.
    • Use the File Explorer to manually check common folders like 'Documents', 'Pictures', 'Desktop', etc., to see if your files have been moved.

Note: Rebuilding the search index may take some time, and it will make your computer work harder during the process. It is recommended to leave your computer on and plugged in until the rebuild is complete.

Method 4: Recover files after Windows 11 upgrade with native backup

Recovering files using a native backup is always a good option if you have created a backup before upgrading to Windows 11. Windows includes several backup tools, including File History and Windows Backup and Restore. Here's how you can recover your files using these tools:

a) File History:

File History is a feature that automatically saves copies of your files over time. If you had File History turned on before the upgrade, you can use it to restore your files.

  1. 1. Open File History:

    • Open the Settings app and go to 'System' -> 'Backup' -> 'More options' to open the File History settings.
  2. 2. Restore Your Files:

    • In the File History settings, click on 'Restore files from a current backup'.
    • This will open a window where you can browse and restore your files.

b) Windows Backup and Restore:

Windows Backup and Restore is a feature that creates a backup of your entire system, including your files and settings.

  1. 1. Open Backup and Restore:

    • Open the Control Panel and go to 'System and Security' -> 'Backup and Restore (Windows 7)'.
  2. 2. Restore Your Files:

    • Click on 'Restore my files' and follow the on-screen instructions to restore your files.

Note: Restoring your files from a backup will replace the current versions of the files with the versions from the backup. Make sure to save any changes to your files before restoring from a backup.

Remember, it is always a good idea to have a backup of your files before making any significant changes to your computer, such as upgrading your operating system. If you didn't have a backup before the upgrade, make sure to create one as soon as possible to protect your files in the future.

Method 5: Restoring to a previous version to recover your deleted files

Restoring your system to a previous version is another way to recover deleted files on Windows 11. This method involves using a System Restore Point, which is a snapshot of your system files and settings taken at a particular point in time. Here's how you can restore your system to a previous version:

  1. 1. Check if System Restore is Enabled:

    • Open the Control Panel and go to 'System' -> 'System Protection'.
    • Here, you can see if System Protection is enabled for your system drive (usually C:). If it is not enabled, you will not be able to restore your system to a previous version.
  2. 2. Create a Restore Point:

    • Before restoring your system, it is a good idea to create a new restore point. This way, if something goes wrong, you can always go back to your current system state.
    • In the 'System Protection' tab, click on 'Create' and follow the on-screen instructions to create a new restore point.
  3. 3. Restore Your System:

    • In the 'System Protection' tab, click on 'System Restore' and follow the on-screen instructions.
    • You will be able to select a restore point from a list of available restore points. Choose a restore point from a time before your files were deleted.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore process.

Note: Restoring your system to a previous version will remove any changes made to your system files, settings, and programs since the selected restore point. Make sure to backup any important files and note down any important settings before proceeding.

Do you lose your files when upgrading to Windows 11?

When upgrading to Windows 11, your files and personal data should not be lost or deleted. The upgrade process is designed to preserve your files, settings, and applications. However, it's always recommended to have a backup of your important files before any major system upgrade or changes, just as a precautionary measure.

During the upgrade process, Windows typically migrates your files, documents, photos, and other user data to the new operating system. It preserves the contents of your user folders such as Documents, Pictures, Music, and Videos, as well as the data in other locations on your hard drive.

However, it's important to note that unexpected issues can occur during any software upgrade, and there is always a slight risk of data loss. Therefore, it's advisable to make sure you have a recent backup of your important files stored in a separate location, such as an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another computer, to ensure their safety.

By taking proper precautions, such as backing up your files, you can minimize the risk of data loss and have peace of mind when upgrading to Windows 11 or any other operating system.

In conclusion, losing data can be a frustrating experience, but with the right tools and knowledge, it is often possible to recover the lost information. In this article, we have covered nine different methods for data recovery on Windows 11. From using file history and system restore to accessing the Recycle Bin and using DiskInternals Partition Recovery, there are several options to choose from depending on the situation.

It's important to remember that prevention is the best way to avoid data loss. Regularly backing up important files to multiple locations, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage service, can help ensure that your data is protected in case of a hardware failure or other issue.

FAQ

  • How to recover permanently deleted files in Windows 11?

    To recover permanently deleted files in Windows 11, you can try the following methods:

    • Check the Recycle Bin: Files deleted from your computer are moved to the Recycle Bin and are not permanently deleted until the Recycle Bin is emptied. Make sure to check the Recycle Bin for your deleted files and restore them if they are there.
    • Restore from a Backup: If you have a backup of your files, you can restore them from the backup. Windows 11 has built-in backup features like File History and Windows Backup and Restore, or you can use a third-party backup software.
    • Use File Recovery Software: There are several third-party file recovery software available that can help you recover permanently deleted files. These tools scan your hard drive for deleted files and allow you to recover them.
    • Use Windows File Recovery Tool: Microsoft provides a file recovery tool called 'Windows File Recovery' that you can download from the Microsoft Store. This tool can help you recover permanently deleted files from your local storage, USB drives, and SD cards.
    • Restore from Cloud Backup: If you have stored your files in a cloud storage service like OneDrive, you can recover deleted files from the cloud backup.

    Remember, the sooner you try to recover your files, the better the chances of success. When you delete a file, the space it occupied on your hard drive is marked as available for use, but the file is not actually overwritten until new data is written to that space. Over time, the chances of the file being overwritten increase, so it is important to act quickly. Additionally, it is always a good idea to have a backup of your files to prevent data loss in the future.

  • Is there free data recovery software for Windows 11?

    Yes, there are several free data recovery software available for Windows 11. One popular option is DiskInternals Partition Recovery. This software allows you to recover deleted files from your computer, USB drives, SD cards, and other storage devices. It can recover all types of files, including documents, photos, videos, and more. DiskInternals Partition Recovery offers a free version that allows you to preview recoverable files. However, to actually recover and save the files, you will need to purchase the full version of the software.

  • How can I recover deleted files in Windows 11 without software?

    1. 1. Check the Recycle Bin: This is the first and most obvious step. When you delete a file, it is usually moved to the Recycle Bin and is not permanently deleted until the Recycle Bin is emptied. Open the Recycle Bin, locate your file, right-click on it, and select 'Restore'.

    2. 2. Use File History: File History is a built-in feature of Windows 11 that automatically backs up your files. If you had File History enabled before the file was deleted, you can restore the file from a previous version.

      • Open the folder where the deleted file was located.
      • Right-click on the folder and select 'Restore previous versions'.
      • Select a previous version of the folder from the list and click 'Restore'.
    3. 3. Use Windows Backup and Restore: If you created a backup of your files using the Windows Backup and Restore feature, you can restore the files from the backup.

      • Open the Control Panel and go to 'System and Security' -> 'Backup and Restore (Windows 7)'.
      • Click on 'Restore my files' and follow the on-screen instructions.
    4. 4. Use the Windows File Recovery Tool: This is a command-line tool provided by Microsoft that can recover deleted files from your local storage, USB drives, and SD cards. You can download it from the Microsoft Store and use it without any additional software.

  • Where are deleted files in Windows 11?

    Here is what happens to a file when you delete it in Windows 11:

    • Deleted to Recycle Bin: When you delete a file by right-clicking and selecting 'Delete' or by pressing the 'Delete' key on your keyboard, the file is moved to the Recycle Bin. It will stay there until you either restore it or empty the Recycle Bin.
    • Permanently Deleted: If you delete a file by pressing 'Shift + Delete' on your keyboard, it will be permanently deleted and will not go to the Recycle Bin. Similarly, if you empty the Recycle Bin, all the files in it will be permanently deleted.
    • Large Files: Files that are too large for the Recycle Bin will be permanently deleted without going to the Recycle Bin. The maximum size of the Recycle Bin depends on your settings and the size of your hard drive.
  • Are deleted files gone forever in Windows 11?

    Not necessarily. When you delete a file in Windows 11, it usually goes to the Recycle Bin, where it remains until the Recycle Bin is emptied or the file is manually removed from the Recycle Bin. Once the file is removed from the Recycle Bin or directly permanently deleted (e.g., using Shift + Delete), it is no longer accessible from the file system.

    However, the actual data of the file remains on the storage device (hard drive, SSD, etc.) until it is overwritten by new data. This means that it may still be possible to recover the file using specialized data recovery software or services. However, the chances of successful recovery decrease over time as the storage device continues to be used and new data is written to it.

    It is always recommended to regularly backup your data to prevent data loss and use secure deletion methods (e.g., file shredding) to permanently erase sensitive data.

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