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Files & folders

How do I get back a file I accidentally deleted?

You'll be able to: Recover a deleted file from the Recycle Bin

Risk
Safe to try
Windows
Windows 11 · Windows 10

Filed under Files & folders

The steps

  1. 1

    Go to your desktop and find the Recycle Bin icon (which looks like a small wastebasket). The icon is visible on your desktop wallpaper.

    What is the Recycle Bin?

    When you delete a file on Windows, it is not erased immediately. It is moved to this safety holding area in case you need it back.

  2. 2

    Double-click the Recycle Bin icon to open it. A window opens showing all the files and folders you have previously deleted.

    The Recycle Bin window showing deleted files with the Restore option.
  3. 3

    Find the file you deleted, right-click on it, and click Restore. The file disappears from the Recycle Bin and is instantly returned to its original folder.

    4. It looks different on my screen

    If the Recycle Bin is completely empty or the file is missing, the file may have been permanently deleted with ShiftDelete or deleted from an external USB drive.

Did this work?

Updated 2026-08-24اقرأ بالعربية