Generally, Windows 10 and 11 stores all the deleted files in a Recycle Bin. If you delete some files unintentionally, you will be in a position to restore them from the recycle bin. However, if you proceed to empty the recycle bin, getting back, your files may be a little bit difficult, especially if you have no idea what to do.
Thankfully, if you act fast, you will still be able to retrieve the files you emptied from the recycle bin too. This is because the files emptied from recycle bins remain in the hard drive as the files are not overwritten.
This article explains some of the most effective ways to recover deleted files from recycle bin after empty. Read on to find more details to help you recover files deleted from Windows 10 and 11.
Method 1: Recover Files From Recycle Bin With Disk Drill
Disk Drill developed by Cleverfiles is one of the best recovery apps used to recover lost data. It is fast and easy to use. Besides, it gives you up to 500MB free of data recovery that you can use to recover your emptied recycle bin.
Some of the standard features Disk Drill that make it a good software for restoring emptied recycle bins include:
- Supports many file formats, e.g., videos, music, documents, etc.
- Full support for variable file systems such as FAT, EXT4.
- Ability to mount scan results as a folder.
- A quick scan with the option to stop/resume.
In addition, the software supports data recovery for PC and backup for files in all major devices and can be used to cover all forms of media. To recover files from an emptied recycle bi, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Download and install Disk Drill.
Step 2: Open the application and click “Search for lost data.” When the process ends, you should see a list of files to be recovered.
Step 3: Select the files you intend to recover.
Step 4: Click the “Recover” button to initiate the recovery process.
Step 5: Click “Recover” to finish the recovery process.
Step 6: When the process ends, navigate to the new location and confirm that the files have been restored and used by your applications.
Method 2: Recover Files From Recycle Bin Via Windows Backup
This is the other method you can use to perform file recovery from your recycle bin without using data recovery software. If you previously set windows Backup on your computer, the system will do regular backups to your chosen storage space. To recover files from an older backup on your Windows 10 and 11, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Tap the start menu on your Windows 10 or 11 and type “Control Panel.”
Step 2: On the Control panel, select “System and Security.”
Step 3: Tap on “Backup and Restore.”
Step 4: Now go to choose “Backup and Restore” option.
Step 5: Click on the “Restore my files” option and select your preferred backup location.
Step 6: Click “Next” and follow the prompts to complete the file recovery process.
Method 3: Restore Deleted Files From Recycle Bin After Empty Via Previous Versions
Windows 10 and 11 come with the “Restore previous versions” feature that helps you restore previous versions of files deleted from your device. However, you will use this feature if you have previously activated it on your PC.
Here are the steps to follow.
Step 1: Find the folder where you originally stored the files before deletion.
Step 2: Right-click the folder and select “Restore previous versions” from the drop-down menu. Allow Windows to search for the previous versions of the items and list them according to their modification dates.
Step 3: Select the latest version and tap “Restore” to recover the files.
Method 4: Restore Deleted Files From Recycle Bin After Empty With Command Prompt
This recycle bin recovery method is often used when your PC is crashed or when some files have been deleted, and the computer cannot boost normally. However, this process is technical, and you need to read and understand clearly before trying a DIY.
Step 1: When the PC boots, press “F8” and select “Safe Mode with Command Prompt.”
Step 2: Type “cd $Recycle.Bin” (without the quotes, of course) and hit “Enter.”
Step 3: Tap “cd” and press the tab key. The directory name should appear. Pres “Enter.”
Step 4: Type “dir/a” to show all the files, followed by “copy [file name] [file location]” and then “cd../..” followed by “ren [file name.” Hit Enter, following each command carefully before you proceed to the next.
