How to Recover Deleted Files from Recycle Bin after Empty: 6 Simple Ways

When you delete files on a Windows PC, they are typically moved to the Recycle Bin instead of disappearing immediately. This built-in feature allows you to easily recover files if you accidentally delete them or just change your mind. However, can you find files deleted from Recycle Bin?

To be honest, it can be a challenging task to recover emptied Recycle Bin on Windows 10/11. In this article, we’ll explore four simple and effective methods that can help you recover deleted files from Recycle Bin after empty. Plus, we’ll also teach you how to prevent data loss in the future. Let’s dive in!

Part 1: Can You Find Files Deleted from Recycle Bin?

In fact, this is not a simple yes or no question. Once you’ve emptied the Recycle Bin, many assume that the files are gone for good. However, the operating system actually marks the space previously occupied by the deleted files as available for new data. Before this space is overwritten with new information, it is still possible to recover deleted files from Recycle Bin after empty. Therefore, regardless of which recovery method you choose, you should first stop using your computer to prevent new data from overwriting the deleted files.

In addition, the success of recovering deleted files also depends on the type of storage device. Due to differences in working principles, data recovery on SSDs is more challenging compared to traditional HDDs.

Part 2: Methods to Recover Files from Emptied Recycle Bin

If you’re in a hurry, take a quick look at the comparison table below to find the most suitable recovery method for you.

Part 3: Step-by-Step Instructions to Recover Deleted Files From Recycle Bin after Empty

First of all, you should be aware that each method has its own pros and cons. To successfully recover files from emptied Recycle Bin, keep calm and try the following methods patiently.

Option A: Recover Emptied Recycle Bin with Reliable Tools

Apart from backups, using professional data recovery tools is the safest and simplest solution to recover deleted files from recycle bin after empty. We highly recommend Tenorshare 4DDiG for its streamlined recovery process and high success rate. Let’s explore what it can do for you:

• Retrieve data from various sources, including emptied Recycle Bin, external disks, USB flash drives, SD card, Nas drives and more.
• Supports the recovery of over 2000 file types, including photos, videos, audio, documents, and more.
• Offers a preview of the recovered content, aiding users in saving valuable time.
• Recover deleted files from emptied Recycle Bin for free.
• Fully compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7.

The steps on how to recover permanently deleted files from the Recycle Bin are as follows:

Step 1: Begin by downloading and installing Tenorshare 4DDiG Data Recovery on your PC. Launch the software, navigate to the Recycle Bin, and then click the “Scan” button to proceed.

Step 2: Once you’ve selected the Recycle Bin, 4DDiG will scan it thoroughly to recover lost data. You can pause or cancel the scan at any point if you’ve already found the files you need.

Step 3: After selecting the desired files, preview them before restoring to a secure location. If you are satisfied with the results, just click the “Restore” button.

Option B: Recover Emptied Recycle Bin by Command Prompt

For experienced users, you can easily use Command Prompt to recover deleted files from recycle bin after empty. This method is particularly useful when your computer crashes unexpectedly or loses critical system files. Here is how:

Step 1: Press the F8 key when starting your computer. Then, use the arrow keys to select “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and hit the Enter key.

Step 2: Type the cd../.. command and press Enter. Then, input the cd $Recycle.Bin command.

Step 3: Type the cd command agin and hit the Tab key to exectue. Now, you’ll see the name of a directory. Press Enter to navigate into that directory.

Step 4: Keep typing the dir/a command. Next, input copy [file name] [file location].

Step 5: Finally, Type cd../.. ＞ dir ＞ ren [file name]. Remember to press the Enter key after entering the dir command.

Option C: Use Windows Backup to Recover Files from Emptied Recycle Bin

If you prefer to recover emptied recycle bin without relying on third-party tools, Windows Backup can be your ideal choice. Just make sure that you have a recent backup available to restore the files you need. Here is how you do it:

Step 1: Right-click on the Start button and select “Control Panel.”

Step 2: Navigate to “System and Security” ＞ “Backup and Restore” ＞ “Restore my files.”

Step 3: Choose the location where your backup is stored.

Step 4: Browse through the backup folders and select the deleted files.

Step 5: Click on “Next” and then “Restore” to begin the restoration process.

Haven’t enabled this feature before? No worries—move on to other solutions.

Option D: Recover Files from Emptied Recycle Bin by File History

File History is another Windows backup tool that can help you recover recover deleted files from Recycle Bin after empty. Many Windows users tend to confuse Windows Backup and File History. In fact, the file history feature doesn’t directly restore lost files from the recycle bin; instead, it recovers them from the folder they were once located in. To do so, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E. Next, navigate to the folder where the deleted files were located.

Step 2: Perform a right-click on the folder and select “Restore previous versions.”

Step 3: A list of available previous versions will appear. Select an earlier version you wish to restore and click on “Restore.”

Option E: Use OneDrive to Recover Files after Empting Recycle Bin

More and more Windows users prefer to choose cloud storage services like OneDrive to secure their data, as opposed to external storage devices. If you are one of them, your deleted files may still be in the cloud and can be recovered with just a few clicks. Follow these steps to recover files after emptying the Recycle Bin:

Step 1: Visit the OneDrive official website and log in using your Microsoft account.

Step 2: In the left pane, find and select the “Recycle bin” option. 

Step 3: You may find files that were previously deleted in there. 

Step 4: Select the missing files and hit the “Restore” option. 

Option F: Seeking Help from Data Recovery Services

How to recover permanently deleted files from the Recycle Bin? Give data recovery services a shot. Although the recovery process may take longer and be more expensive, we have to admit that this method does have a higher success rate. If your PC is equipped with SSDs for storage, then it can be the best choice to recover emptied Recycle Bin on Windows 10/11.

Extended Part: Tips for Data Protection

Now, you should no longer be puzzled by the question like “how to recover deleted photos from recycle bin after empty.” However, prevention is always better than cure. Here is a guide on how to set up File History to backup your important files:

Step 1: In the Control Panel, go to “System and Security,” and then click on “File History.”

Step 2: Click on the “Turn on” button. If this is your first time using File History, you’ll need to select a drive for the backup.

Step 3: Now, click on “Advanced settings” to customize settings like backup frequency and how long to keep saved versions.

Step 4: Hit the “Run now” button to initiate the first backup.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, there are various methods available to recover files from emptied Recycle Bin. Whether you opt for backups or free data recovery tools, taking action early is always key to successful recovery. If the deleted files have already been overwritten by new data, even professional data recovery services may find it challenging to guarantee 100% recovery. If you’re interested in recover emptied recycle bin mac, keep reading this guide.