[Solved] How to Recover Deleted PDF Files in Windows Freely?

Is it possible to recover deleted pdf files Windows 10?

PDF stands for “portable document format.” That implies pdf files can be converted into Word, Excel, or PPT within simple clicks, avoiding you to re-enter the document. You can also share your pdf documents with your contacts among different operating devices.

However, it is inevitable for accidental deletion in our daily life. Please don’t be upset because it's possible to retrieve pdf files. Let’s check out how to recover deleted pdf files in Windows 10 in the following part. 

How to recover deleted pdf files in Windows?

We’re going to share four convenient ways with you. The first method WinfrGUI could be regarded as an alternative for Windows File Recovery. The second method is the most convenient and efficient one. The last two methods make good use of Windows features. Please read further if you work to recover deleted pdf files Windows 10.  

Way 1. Recover deleted pdf files with WinfrGUI

Fully invoking all the functions of Windows File Recovery, WinfrGUI tries to recover deleted files with a graphical user interface. That is to say, WinfrGUI performs the same function as Windows File Recovery, but it is easier to operate in Windows 11/10. 

For example, Windows File Recovery enables you to recover the lost files from a local hard disk drive (HDD), USB flash drive, or memory card. Here, you can also utilize WinfrGUI to recover your deleted pdf files within some clicks. 

Step 1. Download and install WinfrGUI on your PC. Then you can see all the partitions on your Windows.

Step 2. Select two partitions. One partition is used to scan and another partition is used to save the recovered pdf files.

Step 3. Select a suitable scan mode: Quick Scan or Deep Scan. Then click “Advanced Settings” to select documents.

Step 4. Click “Start Recovery” to scan. After that, your recovered pdf files will be saved in your destination folder in the destination drive.

Way 2. Recover deleted pdf files with MyRecover

There's no denying that free WinfrGUI could restore your deleted pdf files before data coverage. However, the compatible operating system of WinfrGUI has discouraged some users from using it.

At the moment, one of the best data recovery software-MyRecover can fill in this gap and provide you with a better data recovery experience with the following highlights. 

Recover the deleted/lost files from SSD/HDD/USB and other storage media.  

Recover 200+ types of data: Office files, Photos, Audios, Videos, Emails, Webpages, and Compressed files.

Keep the original path, file name, and format for the deleted files.

Support NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS in Windows 11/10/8/7 and Windows Server. 

Designed with the advanced scanning algorithm, you're allowed to recover the deleted pdf files within three steps.  

Step 1. Launch MyRecover on your PC. Hover the mouse over the drive saved deleted files before, and click Scan to scan.

Step 2. All the deleted pdf files and other lost files will be displayed on the window after performing Quick Scan and Deep Scan.

Step 3. Confirm the scanning results and click "Recover x files". Then save your recovered pdf files in a new location. 

If you have a closer look at this powerful utility, you're also allowed to recover formatted pdf files from hard drives. 

Way 3. Recover deleted pdf files with Windows Backup and Restore

People have different ideas about how to recover deleted pdf files in Windows. Some users might prefer the latter two methods because they’ve created backups before. If there’s an accessible Windows Backup, you can restore your deleted pdf files with this backup. 

Step 1. Click the “Winkey/Start” button to start, then select Control Panel > System and Security.

Step 2. Click “Restore my files”.

Step 3. Select “Browse for files” to find your needed pdf files. Or select “Browse for folders” to locate your desired pdf folders.

Step 4. You can save your recovered pdf files or folders in your original location or in a new location.

Way 4. Recover deleted pdf files through File History

If you delete your necessary pdf files or folders that you’ve backed up before. Then you can restore them through File History with the following instructions.

Step 1. Click “File History”, then select “Restore your files with File History”.

Step 2. Click “Restore personal files”.

Step 3. Look through the pdf file you need by browsing all the contents or entering the file name.

Step 4. If you want to restore your recovered pdf files to the original location, click the “Restore” button.

You can also right-click on the “Restore” button and select “Restore to” your desired destination place. 

Related suggestions

This guide shares with you four convenient solutions on how to recover deleted pdf files in Windows. Compared with the WinfrGUI, the latter two ways tend to be complicated. Those users who are familiar with Windows Backup & Restore or Windows File History may find it relatively simple.

If you are not familiar with these two applications, Windows Data Recovery for Windows could be your better option for pdf file recovery.  Does this guide work out?