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(Solved) Ctrl + Z Deleted My Files | 5 Ways
Ctrl + Z deleted my files? Don't worry, you can quickly recover files lost by Ctrl + Z for free using Undo Delete, Ctrl + Y shortcut, Recycle Bin, Windows Backup, or data recovery software.
By Ivy / Updated on March 13, 2025
Help! Files disappeared after Ctrl + Z
"I accidentally pressed Ctrl+Z and found a file in the folder was deleted. Why did Ctrl + Z delete my files? Is it possible to recover files deleted by Ctrl + Z?"
There are many keyboard shortcuts on Windows like Ctrl + C, Ctrl+X, Ctrl + V, Ctrl + Z, etc, which can be very useful when creating new files, transferring data, etc. Among them, Ctrl + Z is commonly used to undo the last action, even if you accidentally deleted files.
However, some users report that they press C+ Z by mistake, only to find files disappeared. You may be afraid and wondering why this is happening? How to recover files lost by Ctrl + Z. Take a deep breath and calm down, we'll the possible reasons and 5 effective methods to help you.
Why did Ctrl + Z delete files?
Ctrl+Z is a quick fix when accidentally deleting a file or typing something wrong. However, if you press Ctrl + Z twice or more times, or accidentally press this shortcut in the following situations, your files may also be removed.
- Perform multiple operations simultaneously, but don't know the order in which performed.
- During cut and paste operations.
- Transfer files between PC and external drive or from one partition to another.
- Interrupted connection between external drive and PC.
How to Recover Ctrl + Z deleted my files - 5 ways
In the following, we outline 5 methods by which Ctrl + Z deleted folders and files can be recovered smoothly. However, it should be noted that once you find that the files are deleted, you should perform recovery solutions as soon as possible.
▶ Solution 1. Recover Ctrl + Z deleted files with file recovery software
AOMEI FastRecovery is the most useful deleted file recovery software, which can help you undelete accidentally deleted files, even if they are permanently deleted from the computer easily. It can also recover data from USB, SD cards, Memory cards, SSDs, and more external storage devices.
AOMEI FastRecovery- Use Quick Scan & Deep Scan to detect all deleted or lost files, with a high success rate and fast speed
- Recover Word documents, Excel files, PPT, pictures, videos, compressed files, etc, and more than 1000+ file types.
- Search or filter data quickly through file name, extension, data type, etc.
- Preview and recover files while scanning.
- Recover specific files or folders instead of all.
- Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, etc., and Windows Servers.
- Work perfectly with NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS file systems, highly compatible between devices.
100% SecurePlease refer to the following steps to see how I recover lost files from Ctrl + Z using AOMEI FastRecovery.
Step 1. Select the drive
Download and install AOMEI FastRecovery on the computer. Then, open it. Hover the mouse over the hard drive/partition containing deleted files, and click Scan.
Step 2. Scan the target drive
It will scan the drive with Quick Scan to find files quickly. During scanning, you can use the Search box or Filter feature to target or narrow down the scope. Once found, double-click the files to preview and confirm.
- Search: Type the file name or extension in the search box.
- Filter: Specify the Type (e.g. Documents) & Size to narrow your search.
- Preview: Preview files in a clear thumbnail, such as wav,ico, jpg, png, bmp, jpeg, tif, svg, gif, ico, mp4, mp3, txt, xlsx, pdf, ini, docx, etc.
If the target file is still not found, click Deep Scan to search for more disappearing files on that drive.
Step 3. Recover deleted files by Ctrl + Z
Pick the files and folders you wish to recover, and click Recover. Then, specify a NEW path to save the recovered files effortlessly, preventing data overwritting.
Besides AOMEI FastRecovery, you can also try some other built-in methods that come with Windows. Sometimes, these methods can help you get back the files you deleted quickly.
▶ Solution 2. Use Ctrl + Y to recover lost files
The corresponding shortcut to Ctrl + Z is Ctrl + Y, to reverse your last undo. If you press Ctrl + Z multiple times, you can press Ctrl + Y multiple times accordingly to get back accidentally deleted files.
▶ Solution 3. Undo Ctrl+Z Delete
Can Ctrl + Z undo delete files? Of course.In addition to using shortcut keys, you can also use the Undo Delete option.Right-click the location where your files are deleted and then choose the Undo Delete option to recover files deleted by Ctrl + Z.
▶ Solution 4. Restore Ctrl + Z deleted files from Recycle Bin
In most cases, deleted files on the computer will go to the Recycle Bin. You can restore deleted files from Recycle Bin directly. But if there are no files you need in the Recycle Bin, your files may be permanently deleted.
Step 1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop to open the Recycle Bin folder.
Step 2. Find your accidentally deleted files or folders, and right-click them to select Restore to recover deleted files by Ctrl + Z easily.
▶ Solution 5. Restore Ctrl + Z deleted files from File History
on Windows, Microsoft provides users with the File History feature, which will automatically save a copy of your user files, such as Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, and Desktop folders. You can use it to recover lost files from Ctrl + Z if they in these folder.
Step 1. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > File History.
Step 2. Click the Restore personal files option.
Step 3. Check if there are any deleted files by Ctrl + Z. Then, select it and click the green restore button.
In the end
If you have not performed other operations after file deletion by pressing Ctrl + Z, the easiest way to recover deleted files is to use Ctrl + Y or directly get it with Undo delete. Otherwise, we strongly recommend that you use AOMEI FastRecovery to retrieve deleted files as soon as possible.
Restoring files quickly after deleted can increase the chances of successful data recovery. The longer the interval, the higher the probability the deleted files will be overwritten by new files. Moreover, you can use this recovery software to recover files from formatted hard drives, recover files from system crashes, etc.
FAQs on how to recover Ctrl+Z files
The Ctrl shortcut key on Windows brings great convenience to users. When it is used in combination with other keys, it can perform many useful functions, as mentioned at the beginning of the article. Here we talk more about Ctrl+Z.
✦ What does Ctrl+Z do in File Explorer?
Pressing the Ctrl+Z key combination can restore the content you last clicked, typed, or changed to the previous state. This is faster than clicking the "Edit" > "Undo" function! If you accidentally delete a file in Windows Explorer or File Explorer, pressing Ctrl+Z can instantly restore the deleted file without opening the Recycle Bin.
✦ What happens if you press Ctrl+Z?
As mentioned before, pressing Ctrl+Z can undo the last action you performed. Ctrl+Z also works in many situations where the "Undo" option is not available.
✦ How to recover deleted files via Ctrl+Z?
You can use two methods in this article to recover deleted files via Ctrl+Z. The best way to recover deleted files in Windows 10 is to use AOMEI FastRecovery for help.
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