How to retrieve shift deleted files

For many users, the Shift + Delete keyboard combination is a powerful tool a way to permanently delete files without having them clutter the Recycle Bin. But with great power comes great risk. What happens when you accidentally delete an important document, photo, or video using Shift + Delete?

Unlike regular deletions that send files to the Recycle Bin, using Shift + Delete immediately removes the files from plain sight. It’s as if the file has vanished into thin air. Fortunately, it hasn’t. While these files are no longer visible, they are still present on your hard drive  at least temporarily. With the right tools and techniques, you can retrieve Shift-deleted files and bring back data that seemed gone for good.

Chapter 1: Shift + Delete

1.1 What Is Shift + Delete?

Shift + Delete is a keyboard shortcut in Windows used to permanently delete a file or folder, bypassing the Recycle Bin. Unlike regular deletion, these files aren’t stored temporarily for retrieval.

1.2 What Happens Internally?

When a file is Shift-deleted, Windows doesn’t erase the data. Instead, it removes the pointer that tells the system where the file is stored. The data remains on the disk but is marked as available space. Until it’s overwritten, the file is recoverable.

Chapter 2: Important First Steps After Deletion

2.1 Stop Using the Affected Drive

The most critical step is to stop using the drive where the file was stored. Any write operation can overwrite the deleted file’s data, making recovery harder or impossible.

2.2 Don’t Install Recovery Tools on the Same Drive

If you’re downloading recovery software, install it on a different partition or an external drive to avoid overwriting the deleted files.

2.3 Take Note of File Details

Try to remember the file’s name, type, approximate size, and the folder location. This will help during the recovery process.

Chapter 3: Recovery Options Overview

3.1 Methods to Retrieve Shift-Deleted Files

File Recovery Software: Use data recovery tools to scan for deleted files.

File History: Restore files using built-in backup features if previously enabled.

System Restore: Revert system files to an earlier state.

Professional Data Recovery Services: For severe cases or physical damage.

Chapter 4: Using Panda Assistant to Recover Shift-Deleted Files

Panda Assistant is an intuitive and powerful tool that specializes in recovering deleted, formatted, or corrupted files — including Shift-deleted files.

4.1 Why Choose Panda Assistant?

Easy-to-use interface

Supports deep scan for thoroughly deleted files

Compatible with NTFS, FAT32. and exFAT

Recovers documents, photos, videos, emails, and more

4.2 Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Install Panda Assistant

Download Panda Assistant from the official website and install it on a different drive than the one containing the deleted files.

Step 2: Launch the Program

Open the program and choose the drive from which files were deleted.

Step 3: Select Scan Type

Choose:

Quick Scan for recently deleted files

Deep Scan for files deleted long ago or after multiple disk operations

Step 4: Scan the Drive

Panda Assistant will begin scanning the selected drive. The time varies based on drive size and scan type.

Step 5: Preview and Recover

Once the scan completes, you’ll see a list of recoverable files. Use the preview function to confirm the file’s contents, then click Recover to save them to a secure location (not the same drive).

Chapter 5: Alternative File Recovery Tools

In addition to Panda Assistant, there are other file recovery software options:

5.1 Recuva

Free and simple

Works well for basic recovery

Lacks deep scan precision of paid tools

5.2 Disk Drill

Modern UI

Offers filtering by file type

Paid version unlocks full recovery

5.3 EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

Comprehensive scans

Supports formatted, deleted, and lost partition recovery

5.4 Stellar Data Recovery

Ideal for enterprise use

Recovers files, photos, and even email data

Chapter 6: Use Windows File History (If Enabled)

If you’ve activated File History, you may restore files even if they were Shift-deleted.

6.1 How to Check File History

Open Control Panel → System and Security → File History

Click Restore personal files

Browse through the backed-up versions

Select the version you need and click Restore

Note: This only works if File History was set up before deletion occurred.

Chapter 7: Restore from Backup (System Image or External)

If you regularly back up your system or important files using Windows Backup or third-party software, recovery is simple.

7.1 Steps:

Connect your backup drive

Open Settings → Update & Security → Backup

Select Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

Choose the file version and restore

Chapter 8: Recover Previous Versions (Shadow Copy)

Windows sometimes stores previous versions of files or folders using System Protection.

8.1 To Use Previous Versions:

Navigate to the folder where the file was stored

Right-click the folder → Restore previous versions

Choose from the list of available restore points

Click Restore or Open to recover the file

Limitations:

Requires System Protection enabled beforehand

Not guaranteed to work for all file types

Chapter 9: System Restore (For System Files Only)

This method won’t recover personal files like photos or Word documents but can help retrieve deleted system files or configurations.

9.1 To Use System Restore:

Press Windows + R and type rstrui

Follow the wizard to choose a restore point

Complete the restoration process

Chapter 10: Recovery via Command Prompt (Advanced)

For advanced users, Command Prompt can be used to attempt recovery, especially in hidden or lost partitions.

10.1 Use the CHKDSK Tool

bash

CopyEdit

chkdsk D: /f

Replace D: with your actual drive letter. This will attempt to fix file system issues that might reveal lost files.

10.2 Use ATTRIB to Reveal Hidden Files

bash

CopyEdit

attrib -h -r -s /s /d D:\*.*

Useful for finding hidden or system-protected files.

Chapter 11: When to Use Professional Data Recovery Services

If your deleted file is extremely valuable and cannot be recovered using software (due to overwriting or drive damage), consider professional services.

Signs You Need Expert Help:

Drive makes clicking sounds

Not recognized by BIOS

Physically damaged drive

No files found after multiple deep scans

Services like Ontrack, DriveSavers, or Gillware specialize in advanced recovery but can be expensive.

Chapter 12: Tips to Avoid Future Shift-Delete Disasters

12.1 Enable Recycle Bin for All Drives

In some configurations, secondary drives bypass the Recycle Bin. Right-click Recycle Bin → Properties → Configure each drive accordingly.

12.2 Use File Recovery Tools Proactively

Install a recovery tool now, not after you lose data. This reduces installation risks.

12.3 Regular Backups

Use tools like:

Windows File History

OneDrive / Google Drive

External hard drives

System imaging software

12.4 Use Confirmation Prompts

You can re-enable confirmation prompts before permanent deletion:

Right-click Recycle Bin → Properties

Check Display delete confirmation dialog