How to get files back when deleted from recycle bin​?

The Recycle Bin is a feature in Windows that provides a safeguard against accidental deletion of files. When you delete a file from your computer, it doesn’t disappear permanently right away; instead, it is moved to the Recycle Bin, where it remains until you choose to empty it. This built-in feature allows users to recover files that were deleted by mistake. However, there are instances when you may inadvertently empty the Recycle Bin or the files may be deleted due to a system malfunction. In such cases, you might be wondering whether it’s still possible to recover the lost data.

The short answer is yes deleted files can often be recovered, even if they’ve been emptied from the Recycle Bin. However, the process becomes more challenging the longer you wait and the more you use the system after the deletion.

File Deletion in Windows

Before diving into the recovery process, it’s important to understand how Windows handles file deletion. When you delete a file from your computer, it isn’t immediately erased from your storage drive. Instead, the file is marked as “deleted” and is moved to a special location the Recycle Bin. The file remains in the Recycle Bin until it’s either restored or the bin is emptied. In most cases, the contents of the Recycle Bin are permanently deleted only when the bin is manually emptied or when the system needs space and overwrites the files.

The reason why it’s often possible to recover files from the Recycle Bin (or even after it’s emptied) is because the data itself isn’t truly gone until the operating system overwrites the sectors on the hard drive where the files were stored. Until that happens, the deleted files still exist on the disk and can potentially be recovered.

Common Scenarios for Deleting Files from the Recycle Bin

Accidental Deletion: This is the most common scenario—when a user accidentally deletes files from the Recycle Bin thinking they were no longer needed, only to realize later that they were important.

System Errors: A system crash or software malfunction might result in files being deleted or the Recycle Bin being emptied unintentionally.

Shifting to External Storage: In some cases, files may be moved to an external drive and deleted from the Recycle Bin, but later, the user may discover that they need these files back.

Manual Emptying: Some users prefer to manually empty their Recycle Bin regularly to save space on their hard drive. In such cases, the files they discard may be permanently deleted.

How File Recovery Works

When you delete a file, the operating system removes its entry from the file allocation table (FAT) or the Master File Table (MFT), and marks the space it occupied as available. However, until that space is overwritten with new data, the original file remains recoverable. This is why, in some cases, data recovery can be performed even after the Recycle Bin has been emptied. Specialized recovery software is able to scan the hard drive and locate the “orphaned” files that have not yet been overwritten.

It’s important to note that the more you use your computer after deleting files, the higher the likelihood that the data will be overwritten by new files, making recovery more difficult. Therefore, it is always best to attempt recovery as soon as possible after discovering that important files have been deleted.

Step-by-Step Guide to Recovering Files Deleted from the Recycle Bin

1. Check Backup Copies

The first thing you should do when looking to recover deleted files is check if you have a backup. Backup systems, such as Windows Backup, cloud services like OneDrive, or even manual backups, can save you from having to go through complicated recovery processes. If you regularly back up your files, this should be your first option.

To check if your files are backed up:

Open File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive or any other cloud storage service.

If you use Windows Backup, go to Control Panel > Backup and Restore and check for previous versions of the deleted files.

2. Use File History (Windows Feature)

If you have enabled the File History feature on your Windows machine, you may be able to recover previous versions of files, even if they’ve been deleted from the Recycle Bin.

To use File History:

Right-click on the folder where the deleted files were located (e.g., Desktop, Documents).

Select Restore previous versions.

Browse through the versions and look for the version of the file you want to restore.

3. Try System Restore

If the files were deleted recently and you can’t find a backup, you can try using System Restore. This will revert your system to an earlier state, potentially recovering the files that were deleted at the time.

To perform a System Restore:

Go to Control Panel > System and Security > System > System Protection.

Click on System Restore and follow the prompts to choose a restore point from a time before the files were deleted.

Be aware that System Restore will affect system settings, installed programs, and updates, so use this option carefully.

4. Use Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a user-friendly data recovery tool designed to help individuals and businesses recover lost or deleted files from a variety of storage devices. Whether files have been accidentally deleted, lost due to system crashes, or formatted, Panda Assistant provides an efficient solution to retrieve documents, photos, videos, and other important files. It supports recovery from hard drives, external drives, USB flash drives, memory cards, and more.

The software is equipped with a simple interface, making it accessible to both beginners and advanced users. Panda Assistant uses advanced algorithms to scan storage devices for traces of deleted files and restore them with minimal effort. It also allows for deep scans, which can locate files even after they’ve been permanently deleted from the Recycle Bin or when a drive has been formatted.

5. Professional Data Recovery Services

If all else fails and the files are critical, you may need to turn to professional data recovery services. These experts can often recover data from damaged or formatted drives, even if the files have been permanently deleted. However, this option can be expensive and is typically used as a last resort.

Important Tips for Successful File Recovery

Act Quickly: The sooner you attempt to recover deleted files, the higher the chances of success. The more you use your computer, the more likely it is that new data will overwrite the space previously occupied by the deleted files.

Avoid Saving New Files: Once you realize that files have been deleted, try to avoid saving or installing anything to the drive where the files were stored. This reduces the risk of overwriting the deleted data.

Use Reliable Software: Always opt for reputable data recovery software to ensure the safety and integrity of your files. Avoid using free or unverified tools that might do more harm than good.

While having files deleted from the Recycle Bin can be a stressful experience, there are several ways to recover your lost data. Whether you rely on backup systems, restore previous versions, or use third-party data recovery software, there’s a good chance that you can retrieve your important files. The key is to act quickly and use the right recovery methods for your situation. If all else fails, professional data recovery services can help you recover even the most difficult cases of data loss.