How to recover files that were deleted from recycle bin

​Despite this, in many cases, it is still possible to recover files deleted from the Recycle Bin using various techniques and tools. This comprehensive guide will explore the inner workings of the Recycle Bin, explain why recovery is possible after emptying it, and offer step-by-step methods for recovering deleted files. It will also discuss recovery software, professional recovery options, and tips for avoiding data loss in the future.

Normal Deletion: When you delete a file in Windows (using the Delete key or context menu), the file moves to the Recycle Bin folder, which is a hidden system folder on your drive.

Recycle Bin Storage: Each drive has its own Recycle Bin folder (called $Recycle.Bin) that stores deleted files temporarily.

Marked as Deleted: The file data remains on the disk until overwritten, but file pointers are removed from the file system directory.

Emptying the Bin: When the Recycle Bin is emptied, the files’ space is marked as free, allowing new data to overwrite it.

Shift + Delete: Bypasses the Recycle Bin and immediately marks files as deleted.

Since the data isn’t immediately erased but marked as free space, recovery is possible if the data hasn’t been overwritten.

Why Are Files Recoverable After Emptying the Recycle Bin?

The key reason is how file deletion works on modern operating systems:

When you delete a file, the system removes the file’s directory entry but does not erase the file’s data.

The space occupied by the file is marked as available for new data.

Until the space is overwritten, recovery software can locate and restore the deleted data.

This “logical deletion” allows file recovery to succeed if performed promptly.

Step 1: Stop Using the Affected Drive Immediately

Once you realize files were deleted from the Recycle Bin, stop using the drive or partition where the files were stored. Every new file written or program installed increases the risk of overwriting the deleted data, reducing recovery chances.

Step 2: Check for Backups or Cloud Copies

Before attempting recovery, check if backups exist:

Windows File History: Windows may have backed up files automatically if File History is enabled.

OneDrive or Other Cloud Storage: Check the Recycle Bin or Trash folder of your cloud service.

External Backup Drives: Restore from any manual or scheduled backups.

If backups are available, restoring from them is the easiest and safest option.

Step 3: Use Built-in Windows Recovery Options

Windows offers some built-in recovery features that can help restore previous versions of files:

Previous Versions / Shadow Copies:

Navigate to the folder where the deleted files were stored.

Right-click the folder and select Properties.

Go to the Previous Versions tab.

If available, select a version before deletion and click Restore.

Windows File History:

Open Settings > Update & Security > Backup.

If File History is turned on, browse backed-up versions of your files and restore them.

Step 4: Use Data Recovery Software to Recover Files Deleted from the Recycle Bin

If built-in Windows features cannot help, use specialized data recovery software designed to scan your disk for deleted files.

How Data Recovery Software Works

Scans the disk for files that have been deleted but whose data is still intact.

Uses file signatures to identify recoverable files.

Can recover files that have been emptied from the Recycle Bin, deleted with Shift + Delete, or lost due to formatting.

Popular Recovery Software Options

Panda Assistant

Panda Assistant is a powerful data recovery software designed to help users recover files that were deleted from the Recycle Bin. Normally, when you delete a file on Windows, it is moved to the Recycle Bin, giving you a chance to restore it if needed. However, if you empty the Recycle Bin or delete files using methods like Shift + Delete, those files seem permanently lost. Panda Assistant steps in to recover these “permanently” deleted files by scanning your storage device for recoverable data that has not yet been overwritten.

Using advanced scanning algorithms, Panda Assistant can detect files deleted from the Recycle Bin on various storage devices, including internal hard drives, external drives, USB flash drives, and memory cards. It supports a wide range of file types such as documents, photos, videos, and audio files, making it suitable for different recovery needs.

The recovery process is simple and user-friendly. Users start by selecting the drive or partition to scan. Panda Assistant offers quick and deep scan modes, with the deep scan providing more thorough detection of deleted files. After scanning, the software displays a list of recoverable files along with preview options, allowing users to select the exact files they want to restore.

To maximize recovery success, it is crucial to stop using the storage device immediately after deleting files to avoid overwriting the lost data. Panda Assistant works on both Windows and Mac platforms, providing flexible recovery solutions.

Step-by-Step Recovery Using Software

Stop using the affected drive immediately to prevent overwriting.

Download and install recovery software on a different drive than the one you want to recover files from.

Run the software and select the drive or partition where files were deleted.

Choose Deep Scan or Full Scan for the most thorough search.

Preview found files (most software allows you to preview files).

Select files to recover and save them to a different drive or partition.

Verify recovered files for completeness.

Step 5: Recover Files from Formatted or Corrupted Drives

Files emptied from the Recycle Bin can coincide with a corrupted or formatted drive. Many recovery tools support recovery from formatted drives.

Quick format resets the file system but leaves data intact until overwritten.

Full format overwrites the data, reducing recovery chances.

Recovery software can help if a quick format was performed accidentally.

Step 6: Professional Data Recovery Services

If recovery software fails or the drive is physically damaged, professional recovery services are the best option.

Professionals use specialized tools and cleanroom environments.

They can recover data from physically damaged disks, severe corruption, or encrypted data.

This service is costly but effective for critical data recovery.

Tips to Maximize Recovery Success

Stop using the drive immediately after deletion.

Use recovery software on a different drive or computer.

Perform deep or thorough scans.

Save recovered files to a new location.

Avoid writing new files to the affected drive.

Preventing Future Data Loss

Regular Backups: Use Windows Backup, File History, or third-party backup tools.

Cloud Storage: Sync important files to services like OneDrive or Google Drive.

Careful Deletion: Double-check files before deleting or emptying the Recycle Bin.

Enable System Restore Points and File History.

Use Antivirus Software to prevent malware causing data loss.

Accidental deletion of files, even from the Recycle Bin, is not necessarily permanent. By understanding how file deletion works, stopping usage of the drive, using Windows built-in recovery options, employing data recovery software, and seeking professional help when necessary, most deleted files can be successfully restored.

Taking proactive measures like regular backups and careful file management can prevent future data loss and ensure you never lose important files again.