Windows 11 restore permanently deleted files after shift delete​

When you delete a file in Windows 11 using the standard Delete key, the file is moved to the Recycle Bin. This allows you to easily restore the file if you realize you made a mistake. But when you use Shift + Delete, the file is immediately marked for deletion and is removed from the file system without going through the Recycle Bin. The space that the file occupied on the hard drive is then marked as available for reuse. However, the actual data of the file remains on the disk until it is overwritten by new data.

Methods to Restore Permanently Deleted Files

Using Previous Versions

Windows 11 has a feature called Previous Versions, which can be a lifesaver in cases of accidental deletion. This feature allows you to access and restore previous versions of files and folders that Windows has automatically saved as part of its system protection.

To use this method, right-click on the folder where the deleted file was located and select “Properties”. In the Properties window, go to the “Previous Versions” tab. Here, you will see a list of available previous versions of the folder. Select the version that contains the file you want to restore and click on the “Restore” button.

Recovering from a Backup

If you have been regularly backing up your files, either using Windows Backup or a third-party backup solution, recovering deleted files is relatively straightforward.

For Windows Backup, go to the “Settings” app in Windows 11. then navigate to “System” > “Backup”. From here, you can manage your backups and restore files from a previous backup. If you used a third-party backup tool, such as Acronis or Carbonite, you would need to follow the specific procedures provided by that tool to restore the deleted files.

Using File Recovery Software

Panda Assistant for Data Recovery

Recovery Functions: It can recover lost, deleted or corrupted data from various storage devices like hard drives, SSDs and USB drives. It specializes in deleted file recovery and format recovery, analyzing damaged files to restore them to their original or a usable state.

User Experience: It has an intuitive user interface, guiding users through the recovery process step by step. It allows users to preview recoverable files before recovery, ensuring the accuracy of recovery and filtering out unwanted files.

Technical Advantages: Equipped with advanced algorithms, it has a high success rate in data recovery, ensuring the safety and security of data during the process.

These tools work by scanning the hard drive for deleted files and attempting to recover them. To use Recuva, for example, you would download and install the software. Then, launch Recuva and select the type of file you want to recover (such as documents, photos, videos, etc.). Next, choose the drive or location where the file was deleted from and start the scan. After the scan is complete, Recuva will display a list of recoverable files. You can then select the files you want to restore and save them to a different location.

Command Prompt (CMD) and PowerShell Methods

Advanced users can also try using Command Prompt or PowerShell to recover deleted files. The “attrib” command in CMD can be used to restore hidden or system files that may have been accidentally deleted. For example, if you have a file named “important.txt” that was deleted and you suspect it may have been marked as hidden or system file, you can use the command “attrib -h -r -s /s /d important.txt” in the directory where the file was located.

In PowerShell, you can use the “Get-ChildItem -Recurse -Force” command to list all files, including hidden and deleted ones. This can help you locate the deleted file and then take further steps to recover it.

Factors Affecting File Recovery Success

Several factors can influence the success rate of recovering permanently deleted files in Windows 11.

Time Since Deletion

The longer the time that has passed since the file was deleted, the lower the chances of successful recovery. This is because the more time that passes, the more likely it is that the space occupied by the deleted file has been overwritten by new data.

Disk Activity

If there has been a lot of disk activity after the file was deleted, such as installing new programs, saving new files, or updating the system, the chances of recovery are reduced. Disk activity increases the likelihood of the deleted file’s data being overwritten.

Type of Storage Media

The type of storage media also plays a role. Recovery is generally more successful on traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) compared to solid-state drives (SSDs). This is because SSDs use a different technology for storing and managing data, and the process of overwriting data on an SSD is different from that on an HDD.

Precautions to Prevent Data Loss

To avoid the need to recover permanently deleted files in the first place, it is important to take some preventive measures.

Regular Backups

As mentioned earlier, regularly backing up your files is one of the most effective ways to prevent data loss. You can set up automatic backups using Windows Backup or a third-party backup tool to ensure that your important files are always protected.

Be Cautious When Deleting Files

Always double-check before using Shift + Delete. If possible, get into the habit of using the regular Delete key and then emptying the Recycle Bin only when you are sure that you no longer need the files.

Use Cloud Storage

Storing important files in the cloud, such as on Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, provides an additional layer of protection. Even if you accidentally delete a file on your local computer, you can still access it from the cloud.

Advanced Considerations for File Recovery

Data Integrity and Corruption

When recovering files, there is a possibility that the recovered data may be corrupted or incomplete. This can happen if the file was partially overwritten or if there were errors during the recovery process. In such cases, you may need to use specialized software to repair the corrupted files. For example, if you recover a corrupted Word document, you can try using the built-in repair features in Microsoft Word or third-party document repair tools.

Recovery from External Drives

The methods discussed above also apply to external drives such as USB flash drives and external hard drives. However, when recovering files from external drives, you need to make sure that the drive is properly connected and recognized by Windows 11. Some file recovery software may have specific options for scanning and recovering files from external drives.

Professional Data Recovery Services

If all else fails, and the deleted files are extremely important, you may consider using professional data recovery services. These companies have specialized equipment and expertise to recover data from damaged or corrupted drives. However, professional data recovery can be expensive and time-consuming.