AOMEI FastRecovery
(Solved) Accidentally Deleted File in File Explorer on Windows 10
Accidentally deleted file in File Explorer on Windwos 10? This article covers 5 simple and effective methods to recover deleted files step by step.
By Ivy / Updated on March 7, 2025
Where do deleted files from File Explorer go?
File Explorer allows users to view, access, and manage their files on hard drives. While processing, users may accidentally deleted files in File Explorer. Here's a real user case:
“In Windows 10, I have searched a folder for files containing a certain name and deleted it. Afterward, I reconsidered and wanted those files back; I then went looking into the recycle bin, but it was not there. Is there any way to recover a file that was deleted through the File Explorer search?”
As we all know, on your desktop, there is a Recycle Bin, which stores deleted files temporarily. So you can attempt to restore deleted files from Recycle Bin. If deleted files are not in the Recycle Bin, they may be permanently deleted. Luckily, it's possible to recover files deleted in File Explore.
No, File Explorer does not have an exclusive trash bin, but every hard disk has one. No matter what files are deleted from the disk, either C: drive or D: drive, E: drive, etc., they will be displayed in the desktop Recycle Bin. Note this folder is invisible in File Explorer for safety.
In the next part, we will walk you through the 5 methods on how to retrieve deleted files on PC. Keep reading below to learn the stepwise guide.
How to recover an accidentally deleted file in File Explorer
Whether your files were recently or permanently removed, they are recoverable with the help of 5 effective methods below.
Method 1. Recover accidentally deleted files in File Explorer using software
Seeking help from professional Windows data recovery software will be a preferable choice if your files are not in the Recycle Bin and you don't have any backups. AOMEI FastRecovery is a trustworthy and efficient one that can help you retrieve deleted files from File Explorer.
AOMEI FastRecovery - recover data easier
- User-friendly. It is easy to operate, requiring no expertise or data recovery experience.
- Efficient. Recover different types of data, including photos, videos, docs, zip files, etc., over 1000+ formats.
- Convenient. Search or filter files quickly, and preview files before recovering.
- Compatible. Support internal & external HDD, SSD, SD card, USB flash drives, etc.
- Supported OS. Available for Windows 11/10/8/7/Server users.
- All-inclusive. It applies to accidental deletion, disk formatting, recycle bin emptying, system crash, etc.
Now follow the steps to learn how to recover deleted files on Windows 10 easily with the help of AOMEI FastRecovery.
Step 1. Install and run AOMEI FastRecovery > Hover the mouse over the drive > click Scan.
Step 2. It will automatically start Quick Scan to find deleted files. During scanning, you can search and filter files by file name, extension, data type, size, etc.
Step 3. Choose the files you want > click Recover. If you still can't find deleted files, click the Deep Scan to search thoroughly.
Besides, this tool also helps you recover data from formatted hard drive without any backups.
Method 2. Check the desktop Recycle Bin
Directly restoring files from the Recycle Bin will be the easiest way. If the deleted files are not in the Recycle Bin, they were permanently deleted. Please head towards the following methods.
Step 1. Double-click Recycle Bin on the desktop.
Step 2. Locate the file you have just deleted > right-click the file > Restore.
The files will be restored to the original location.
Method 3 Restore a previous version of the folder
Microsoft provides users with Previous Versions to restore permanently deleted files in File Explorer by reverting the folder to an earlier date. Be sure the File History or System Restore is enabled. Try this and see if your files are back:
Step 1. Start File Explorer > locate the upper/parent folder that contains accidentally deleted files in File Explorer.
Step 2. Right-click this folder > select Restore previous versions > choose an earlier file version > click Restore.
Also, you could restore previous versions of Word documents using it.
Method 4. Restore files from File History backup
As mentioned earlier, users can restore previous versions of files or folders to recover an accidentally deleted file in File Explorer, the versions come from File History or system restore points.
You can also open File History and try to recover deleted files in Windows 10. It stores copies of user data on C: drive, e.g., Desktop, Documents, Favorites, etc.
Step 1. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > File History.
Step 2. Click Restore personal files.
Step 3. Check the latest backup > find the wanted files >click Recover. You can also click the left arrow to check the previous backup until deleted files are found.
Using this feature to recover deleted Excel files is also easy and quick.
Method 5. Recover deleted files from Windows backups
Microsoft also offers users Backup and Restore (Windows 7) to backup files and folders, even the entire system (if needed). If you activate it, try the following steps to restore files.
Step 1. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
Step 2. Click Restore my files.
Step 3. Click Browse for files > locate your wanted files > click Next.
Step 4. Choose a preferred drive for your recovered files> click Restore.
You can also browse for folders to recover a deleted folder on desktop or elsewhere.
Wrap things up
Users who have accidentally deleted files in File Explorer can refer to this article and learn how to recover deleted files in Windows 10. You can use Windows inbuilt tools, like, Recycle Bin, Previous Versions, File History, etc, most of them require a backup.
If, unluckily, there is no backup with you, seek help from the professional data rescue app – AOMEI FastRecovery. It is equipped with advanced algorithms that quickly detect lost and missing files, making data recovery simple and effective.
100%
Clean & Secure
