Where Are Recently Deleted Files in Windows?
Have you ever accidentally deleted a file on your Windows computer and wondered where the deleted files have gone? The “Where Are Recently Deleted Files in Windows” question is a common one among users who are not familiar with the file recovery process. In this article, we will explore the location of recently deleted files in Windows and provide you with steps to recover them if needed.
When you delete a file in Windows, it is initially moved to the Recycle Bin. The Recycle Bin acts as a temporary storage for deleted files, allowing you to restore them if needed. However, if you have emptied the Recycle Bin or deleted a file from a non-system drive, the file may not be in the Recycle Bin. Let’s dive into the details of where recently deleted files are stored in Windows and how to recover them.
1. The Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin is the most common place to find recently deleted files in Windows. To access the Recycle Bin, double-click on its icon on your desktop. Once inside, you will see a list of deleted files. To restore a file, simply right-click on it and select “Restore.” The file will be returned to its original location before deletion.
If you have emptied the Recycle Bin or deleted a file from a non-system drive, you can still attempt to recover it by following the next steps.
2. The Recycle Bin on External Drives
External drives, such as USB flash drives or external hard drives, also have a Recycle Bin. If you have deleted a file from an external drive, check the drive’s Recycle Bin for the file. The process for accessing and restoring files from the external drive’s Recycle Bin is similar to that of the internal drive’s Recycle Bin.
3. The Windows File Recovery Tool
If the deleted file is not in the Recycle Bin or the external drive’s Recycle Bin, you can use the Windows File Recovery tool to recover it. This tool is available on Windows 10 and later versions. To use the tool, follow these steps:
1. Open the Start menu and type “cmd” in the search bar.
2. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
“`
fsutil dirty query C:
“`
Replace “C:” with the drive letter of the drive where the file was deleted.
4. The tool will scan the drive for deleted files. Once the scan is complete, you will see a list of deleted files.
5. To recover a file, type the following command and press Enter:
“`
fsutil dirty clear C:
“`
Replace “C:” with the drive letter of the drive where the file was deleted.
Please note that using the Windows File Recovery tool can be complex and may require technical knowledge. If you are not comfortable using this tool, consider seeking assistance from a professional.
In conclusion, if you are wondering where recently deleted files are in Windows, the Recycle Bin is the first place to check. If the file is not there, you can explore the Recycle Bin on external drives or use the Windows File Recovery tool to recover the deleted file. Remember to act quickly, as the deleted file may be overwritten by new data if you wait too long.
