How to Recover Something from Recycle Bin [7 Easy Ways]

5 mins read

Updated on 2024-12-13 11:01:22 to Data Recovery

The Recycle Bin on Windows is designed to protect you from data loss. But how to recover something from the Recycle Bin if you have emptied it accidentally? Is there still a chance to restore deleted files from the recycle bin? We understand deleting important files accidentally can cause significant problems. Luckily, the Recycle Bin on the Windows operating system tends to save all deleted folders and files for a certain period. So, you can go to Recycle Bin and recover deleted files without losing any information or data.

how to recover something from recycle bin

Part 1: How to Recover Something from Recycle Bin

I’ve deleted something from Recycle Bin, how to I recover it? Remember, the deleted files only disappear from your system when manually erased or replaced by new files. So, act quickly and follow these simplest ways to restore something deleted from Recycle Bin:

Way 1: Restore Something from Recycle Bin Directly

You might have already tried this method because it is the easiest one. However, some users forget to check if the files have actually been deleted from the Recycle Bin or not. So, perform your restoration from the Recycle Bin directly with the following procedure:

  • Navigate to the Recycle Bin by double-clicking on its icon.
  • Locate the folders/files you want to restore.
  • Right-click and press the “Restore” button to recover your desired data.

    Data restoration from the recycle bin directly

Way 2: Restore Something from Recycle Bin with a Keyboard Shortcut

Do you know the Windows operating system remembers your actions to help undo some recent changes? So, if you’re wondering how to recover something from Recycle Bin using the keyboard shortcut, here is the procedure to follow:

  • Select the File Explorer or any file manager
  • Hold the “CTRL” key and the “Z” key
  • Press both keys to undo the deletion of your recent files or folders

    CTRL + Z shortcut to recover data

It is worth mentioning that this shortcut won’t help you to retrieve files permanently deleted from the Recycle Bin. So, it is only applicable when you implement it immediately after deleting your files without restarting your device.

Part 2: How to Recover Something Deleted from Recycle Bin

Just because you have accidentally emptied the Recycle Bin does not mean you can’t restore your essential data. So, if you’re wondering how to retrieve something deleted from Recycle Bin, here are some proven ways to follow:

Way 1: Restore Something from Recycle Bin with Recycle Bin Software

For the purpose of restoring deleted files from the Recycle Bin, 4DDiG Data Recovery software that make it one of the top choices for restoring your important files and folders:

  • With free scan and preview features, you can ensure that the information you’re looking for is still recoverable from the Recycle Bin.
  • Amazing photo and video repair feature lets you recover and repair unplayable video files from the Recycle Bin.
  • Retrieve various types of files, including documents, photos, videos, audio files, emails, and more from the Recycle Bin.
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  • Download and install the software and launch it on your computer. Select Recycle Bin from where you want to restore files. Then click on “Start” to proceed further.

    nas recovery
  • During the scanning process, the software lets you pause or stop searching immediately when you identify the file or folder you want to get back. Moreover, you can switch to “File View” to check file types.

    4DDiG data recovery home screen
  • Now, you can select your desired file and preview it. After selecting your desired files, click “Restore” and recover your data to a secure location.

    4DDiG data recovery scanning
FREE DOWNLOAD

Secure Download

FREE DOWNLOAD

Secure Download

Way 2: Restore Something from Recycle Bin from Previous Versions

This is how to recover things deleted from Recycle Bin from previous versions:

  • Go to “File Explorer” and open the folder where deleted files are stored.
  • Right-click anywhere inside the folder and choose “Properties.”
  • Now, go to “Previous Versions,” choose the file you like to recover and click “Restore.”

    Recover data with previous versions

Way 3: Restore Something from Recycle Bin with the Prompt Command

Luckily, prompt commands help you to explore the hidden folders that might contain your lost data. So, type the following command line on your system to get back deleted files:

  • Enter “Command Prompt” in the search box and open it.
  • Type “chkdsk E:/f” and press enter. Here, E represents your drive letter; if you’re using a file for this volume, press “Y” to display the command line.
  • Now type your drive letter, press “Enter,” and enter the command “ ATTRIB -H -R -S /S /D D:*. *.”

    Recover data with prompt command

Way 4: Restore Something from Recycle Bin with Backup Media

The Windows operating system has a backup feature to enable you to recover your deleted data with just a few simple clicks. Remember, different methods are used to restore your deleted files with backup media depending on the Windows version your system has.

For example, if your system is running on Windows 10 or 11, here is how to recover something from Recycle Bin:

  • Open the “Control Panel” on your system
  • Now open “Settings” and go to “System and Security.”
  • Navigate to “File History” and click on “Restore Personal Files.”
  • Open the folder containing the data you want to retrieve and select the files or items you wish to get back.
  • Choose the location of the external storage device and complete the restoration process by following the on-screen instructions.

    Recover data with backup media

Way 5: Restore Something from Recycle Bin via Windows File Recovery

You can use Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery tool to restore something deleted from Recycle Bin. Since this tool can be used to recover an unlimited amount of data, you must give it a try.

  • Download the Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store and launch Windows Terminal.
  • Enter the command “winfr C: E /regular /n \Users\your-username\Downloads\” to recover your files to an external drive.

    Recover data with windows file recovery

Conclusion

So that sums up our today’s guide to how to recover something from Recycle Bin. You can implement any of the methods explained in this guide to get back your important files and folders. Furthermore, we encourage you to use 4DDiG Data Recovery to recover your deleted, lost, or corrupted data. With its deep scanning, amazing compatibility, and intuitive interface, the software can make the data restoration process fun!

William Bollson (senior editor)

William Bollson, the editor-in-chief of 4DDiG, devotes to providing the best solutions for Windows and Mac related issues, including data recovery, repair, error fixes.

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