How to Recover Deleted Files from the Recycle Bin

Restoring recently deleted files from the Recycle Bin usually takes just a few clicks. But what if the files are no longer there? Maybe you emptied the Recycle Bin by mistake, or it happened automatically. That’s a different situation altogether.

To get straight to the point—you have two main options:

Check for backups if you have them.
Use data recovery software if no backups are available.

Fortunately, many data recovery software can help recover permanently deleted files, provided they haven’t been overwritten. This blog will explain how to recover deleted files using built-in Windows features and using a free data recovery software.

Is It Possible to Recover Data from the Recycle Bin?

You might wonder whether recovering files is possible after emptying the Recycle Bin. The short answer is yes—files deleted from the Recycle Bin can still be recovered because they remain on the storage device until new data overwrites them.

Windows does offer the Windows File Recovery tool, but it’s a command-line utility with limited usability. But many users prefer third-party data recovery software for a more efficient and user-friendly experience.

For a simpler solution, Stellar Data Recovery Software provides a free and easy way to scan for and restore lost files.

However, successful recovery depends on several factors, such as:

The cause of data loss.
The quality of the recovery tool used.
The time elapsed since the deletion.
The type of storage device.

To maximize your chances, start the recovery process as soon as possible and use the best available tool.

Manual Methods for Data Recovery

Before using data recovery software, check if Windows’ built-in backup options can restore your files.

1. Restore Previous Versions (File History)

If File History was enabled before deletion, follow these steps:

Right-click the folder where the deleted file was stored.
Select Restore previous versions from the menu.
Choose the version you want and click Restore.

2. Restore Files from Windows Backup & Restore

If Windows Backup & Restore was set up, follow these steps:

For Windows 10 Users:

Open Settings and go to Update & Security > Backup.
Under Looking for an older backup?, click Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
Click Restore my files and follow the on-screen instructions.

For Windows 11 Users:

Open Control Panel (Press Windows + R, type Control Panel, and press Enter).
Go to System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
Select Restore my files or Select another backup to restore files from.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

If these methods don’t work, using DIY recovery software is your best option.

Recover Deleted Files with Stellar Data Recovery Software

If you don’t have a backup, free data recovery software of Stellar is your best bet. It allows you to recover up to 1 GB of deleted files for free.

How to Recover Files Using the Best DIY software

Download and install the data recovery software from the official website.
Launch the software and select the file types to restore (documents, photos, videos, etc.).
Choose the location where the files were originally stored.
Click Scan to start searching for recoverable files.
Once the scan is complete, preview and select the files you want to restore.
Click Restore and save the files to a different drive to prevent overwriting.

Why Choose Stellar?

Stellar stands out as one of the best tools for recovering lost files, thanks to its powerful features:

User-Friendly Interface – Simple and intuitive, making data recovery effortless.
Support for Multiple File Types – Recovers documents, photos, videos, emails, and more.
Fast & Deep Scanning Modes – Quickly finds recently deleted files, while Deep Scan helps recover more complex data losses.
Supports Various Storage Devices – Works with HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, and memory cards.
Free Recovery Up to 1 GB – Ideal for small recoveries without needing a paid license.

Conclusion

Emptying the Recycle Bin doesn’t mean your files are lost forever. You can attempt recovery using Windows’ built-in tools like File History and Backup & Restore.

However, if those methods don’t work, free data recovery software from Stellar provides an easy and reliable solution to recover up to 1 GB of lost files for free.

Key Takeaways for Successful Data Recovery:

Act quickly to prevent data from being overwritten.
Avoid saving new files on the same drive.
Use a reliable data recovery tool like Stellar for the best results.