How to View Recently Deleted Files in Windows 10
In today’s digital age, data loss can occur at any moment. Whether it’s an accidental deletion or a system error, it’s crucial to know how to recover recently deleted files in Windows 10. This article will guide you through the process of viewing and restoring your deleted files, ensuring that you can get back what you lost with minimal effort.
Understanding the Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin is a fundamental feature in Windows 10 that helps you recover deleted files. When you delete a file, it is not immediately erased from your system; instead, it is moved to the Recycle Bin. This gives you a chance to restore the file before it is permanently deleted. To view recently deleted files, you’ll need to access the Recycle Bin first.
Accessing the Recycle Bin
1. To open the Recycle Bin, you can simply click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop. If it’s not visible, you can search for “Recycle Bin” in the Start menu.
2. Once the Recycle Bin window is open, you will see a list of deleted files and folders.
3. You can scroll through the list to find the recently deleted files you want to recover.
Restoring Deleted Files
1. To restore a deleted file, right-click on it and select “Restore.”
2. The file will be moved back to its original location before it was deleted.
3. If you want to restore multiple files at once, you can select them all and right-click to choose “Restore.”
Emptying the Recycle Bin
If you have confirmed that the deleted files are no longer needed, you can empty the Recycle Bin to free up disk space. To do this:
1. Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and select “Empty Recycle Bin.”
2. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click “Yes” to proceed.
Using File History for Backup
While the Recycle Bin is helpful for recovering recently deleted files, it’s also wise to use File History for backup purposes. File History automatically saves copies of your files on an external drive or network location. To enable File History:
1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
2. Click “Add a drive” and select an external drive or network location to store your backups.
3. Turn on File History by clicking “On” under “File History.”
Conclusion
Viewing and recovering recently deleted files in Windows 10 is a straightforward process. By understanding the Recycle Bin and using additional backup methods like File History, you can minimize the risk of data loss and ensure that your important files are always safe.
