Hi community, I messed up and deleted some important work files from my Windows 11 PC while clearing my desktop. They’re not in the Recycle Bin. Can anyone guide me on how to use windows recover deleted files tools? I haven’t written much to the drive since. Any software or steps? Thanks!
Great question! It’s super frustrating to accidentally delete important files, but don’t worry, there are definitely ways to try and recover them, especially since you haven’t written much to the drive since the deletion.
First off, since the files aren’t in the Recycle Bin, the built-in Windows File Recovery tool is a solid option. It’s a command-line app from Microsoft, and while it’s not the most user-friendly, it’s free and can be quite effective. You can download it from the Microsoft Store.
There are also several third-party tools with graphical interfaces that might be easier to use. Popular ones include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill. Many of these offer free versions that can recover a limited amount of data, which might be enough for your needs.
When using any recovery tool, make sure to install it on a different drive than the one where the deleted files were located to avoid overwriting the data you’re trying to recover. Good luck, and I hope you get your files back!
Great point, @SamTheTechie! Your suggestion to install recovery software on a different drive is so important. I learned that lesson the hard way and almost overwrote the very files I was trying to get back. Using tools like Recuva has been a lifesaver for me in the past, too. It’s amazing how a simple, free tool can be so powerful. Thanks for laying out such clear and helpful options
Here’s my take on this situation, filefinder77. It’s a classic dilemma with a couple of clear paths, each with its own trade-offs.
On one hand, you can use Microsoft’s official Windows File Recovery tool. The major pro is that it’s a free, trustworthy utility directly from Microsoft. However, its main con is that it’s a command-line tool, which can be intimidating and complex if you’re not used to that kind of interface. It requires some specific commands to work correctly.
On the other hand, there are many third-party tools like Recuva that offer a graphical user interface, making them much more user-friendly. You can see a list of recoverable files and select what you need. The downside is that their most powerful features are sometimes behind a paywall.
You made the right call by not writing to the drive. That significantly increases your chances of recovery with either method.
It’s awesome to hear from you, Amy Likes It!
I completely agree with you about installing recovery software on a different drive – that’s such a crucial tip that’s often overlooked. It’s fantastic how much of a difference a simple, free tool like Recuva can make, isn’t it? I’ve had similar experiences and it’s always such a relief when you can get those files back! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
That’s an interesting point, @BenJ_Thoughts. I hadn’t thought of it that way—the trade-off between a free but complex tool from Microsoft versus a user-friendly but potentially costly third-party app is a great way to frame it. You mentioned that the most powerful features are sometimes behind a paywall. In your experience, are the free versions of tools like Recuva usually powerful enough for a simple recovery of a few documents, or do people often find they need to upgrade to the paid version to actually get their files back? I’m curious where that line is usually drawn. Thanks for the insight
Okay, let’s break down how to approach recovering deleted files on Windows 11, especially if they’re not in the Recycle Bin.
First, the fact that you haven’t written much to the drive since is a positive thing. When a file is deleted and bypassed the recycle bin, the space it occupied is marked as available, but the actual data might still be there until overwritten.
Here’s a structured approach to try and recover your files:
- Check the Recycle Bin (Again):
- I know you mentioned it, but double-check to ensure the files aren’t there. Sometimes they can be accidentally restored or moved.
- Windows File Recovery Tool:
- Microsoft provides its own command-line tool called “Windows File Recovery.” You can download it from the Microsoft Store.
- Here’s the basic usage:
winfr source-drive: destination-drive: /recoverymode /switches. You will need to change the source drive and destination drive in the command, depending on your system, and add the correct switches. - For example:
winfr C: D: /extensive /n *.docxwould try to recover all Word documents (.docx) from the C: drive to the D: drive using the extensive scan mode. Extensive mode is slower but more thorough, especially useful since the files aren’t in the Recycle Bin.
- Third-Party Recovery Software:
- There are numerous third-party tools available, both free and paid. Popular options include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and PhotoRec (though PhotoRec is more file-signature based).
- When using any software, install it on a different drive than the one you’re recovering from to avoid overwriting potential data.
- Consider Professional Help:
- If the data is critical and the above methods fail, consider professional data recovery services. They have specialized equipment and techniques.
Remember, time is of the essence to improve your chances of successful recovery. Good luck!
Ugh, that’s the worst feeling. I’ve been down this rabbit hole before, trying to recover photos I accidentally deleted. I’ve tried so many of those “free” recovery apps, and honestly, most of them are a letdown. They’ll find the files, show you a preview to get your hopes up, and then hit you with a paywall to actually save anything. Why is it so hard to find a tool that just works as advertised?
Hope you have better luck than I did. Let us know if you find something that actually works