Permanently deleted a file on Windows 11. How can I recover it?

realistbyte · 2025-05-21T06:38:10+00:00

Hi all, I deleted a file yesterday using Shift+Delete, so it bypassed the Recycle Bin. Just realized it was the wrong file, and now I need it back. Is there...

Nonprofitech

ChillBo24 hahaha that’s not how it works 😅 sfc /scannow is for fixing system files, not undeleting stuff you Shift+Deleted. OP ignore this suggestion, your not getting that file back with this scan.
What might help though is checking File History, if you had it turned on it’s one of the built-in ways to recover deleted files in Windows 11 without extr software. Go to Control Panel > File History > Restore personal files.
It’s worth a quick check before trying recovery tools.

realistbyte Also OP, do you use any cloud stuff like OneDrive or Google Drive?

realistbyte

Nonprofitech No, I don’t use Google Drive or anything. I know I have OneDrive on my system, but I didn’t install it, it just was there, never really activated it or set anything up.
Hadn’t even heard of File History until now.

DanyOrtega89

You can try Windows File Recovery. It's a free tool from Microsoft, you can grab it from the Microsoft Store.
It’s made exactly for this kind of situation. Just a heads-up: its command-line based, no buttons there.
It's a bit technical but manageable, also: you need to run it from Command Prompt as Administrator.

You can read about it here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-file-recovery-61f5b28a-f5b8-3cc2-0f8e-a63cb4e1d4c4

KindnessCatalyst

don’t install anything on your C drive
if that’s where the file was (Documents folder usually is) it could overwrite what you're trying to get back
install recovery tools on your Ddrive instead
This is THE safest option

crimsonKing

You’re probably right @KindnessCatalyst but that’s not always the case 🙂
By default, the Documents folder is located on the C: drive, yes, but in some setups, it might’ve be on another disk/partition.
@realistbyte Just to be safe, you might want to double-check where your Documents folder is actually pointing. Here’s how you can do that:

Open File Explorer
Right-click on Documents
Select Properties
Go to the Location tab, it’ll show you the exact path

This should tell you for sure whether installing recovery tools to C: is risky in your case. Better safe than sorry.

realistbyte

crimsonKing Just checked the folder location like you said Properties > location. Attachig a screenshot just in case I’m missing something.

So yeah, guess that confirms it’s on C, I’ll avoid installing anything there. My other drive’s mostly empty anyway, so I’ll use that.
Appreciate the step-by-step, that helped.

crimsonKing

realistbyte Yes, definitely don’t install anything on that drive.

realistbyte

@DanyOrtega89 Thanks for the suggestion. I think I’ll try Windows File Recovery first since it’s an official tool.

0neWire

realistbyte Just wanted to add something. Others alrady mentioned not to install anything on the same drive where the file was, but the same goes for downloading it. Saving a file through your browser can write to your system drive by default. Just like with installation, that could overwrite the deleted document you're trying to recover.
So before you install anything, make sure your browser is set to download to your other drive instead. What browser are you using?

Langdon

I’ve tried Windows File Recovery a few times and it’s pretty much useless.
It didn’t find anything for me, nothing, even on simple deletions.
No idea why WFR still gets recommended tbh. It’s cr*p.
What actually worked for me was PhotoRec. +1 for PhotoRec.

DanyOrtega89

Langdon I wouldn’t be so quick to call Windows File Recovery useless just because it didn’t work in YOUR case. For something simple like a one-flie Shift+Delete, I’d say Windows File Recovery is more than fine. Honestly, I don’t see the point in paying for something like Disk Drill or EaseUS just because they have a nice interface. If you take the time with the syntax WFR often works.

realistbyte

0neWire Well… too late 😬 I already downloaded Windows File Recovery, just clicked install in the Microsoft Store, didn’t think about where it saves stuff. I use Chrome as my main browser, didn’t change anything there either.
Is it still worth trying WFR at this point? Or did I already blow my chance?

0neWire

realistbyte No, it's still worth trying.

realistbyte

Ran Windows File Recovery using the basic commands, like it was described in the guide.
Unfortunately… no luck. It created a new “Recovery” folder on my D: drive, but it’s empty no files there.
Attaching a screenshot of what I did.

If I messed something up, let me know.

SocialImpactCoder

realistbyte You didn’t mess anything up. It’s just that Windows File Recovery is a weak tool, plain and simple. Just try Disk Drill, it’s way better. Launch it, select your system drive, and let it scan.
Once the scan is done, you’ll see a search bar at the top, type .rtf there and it should show you all recovered documents with that extension.

Also, before downloading, you can change the location of the Downloads folder in your browser like others suggested. Maybe it’s not a big deal at this point, but it couldn’t hurt.

realistbyte

SocialImpactCoder OK thanks will do. I’ll report back once I’ve tried it.

realistbyte

UPDATE
Followed the instructions: ran the scan on my system drive, searched for .rtf like you said… and found it. Didn’t remember the exact file name, but I was able to preview it, and it’s definitely the one I deleted. Put it on a USB drive and even emailed it to myself just to be safe haha. Big thanks to everyone who helped.
Extra thanks to @SocialImpactCoder for the straightup guidance, appreciate it.

roman-demian

Thread marked as SOLVED, glad to see this one had a happy ending.

We also have a detailed Windows 11 file recovery guide here:
🔗 https://www.handyrecovery.com/recover-deleted-files-on-windows-11/
And if you’re comparing recovery software options, check out our 2025 roundup:
🔗 https://www.handyrecovery.com/best-data-recovery-apps.html

✅ For anyone finding this later, here are a few key takeaways:

Stop using the drive as soon as possible after deletion
Never download or install recovery tools on the same drive where the file was deleted
Always recover files to a different drive (external USB or a second internal drive/partition) to avoid overwriting data

🗂️ I also wanted to mention built-in backup features that often get overlooked. Although not many people back up their data regularly, Windows actually includes several built-in tools that can help you recover permanently deleted files in Windows 11 (if they were set up ahead of time).

If you had File History enabled, you might be able to recover older versions of files from your Documents, Pictures, Desktop, and other folders.
Windows 11 also still includes the classic Backup and Restore (Windows 7) feature, which supports both file backups and full system images. If you’ve ever used it, your deleted file might be in there.
There’s also Restore Previous Versions, which can show earlier states of individual files and folders (if backups or restore points exist).
Finally, OneDrive deserves a mention. If file sync was turned on, there’s a chance your file is still in the cloud. But here’s the caveat: if you deleted the file locally and also emptied your system Recycle Bin, that deletion often syncs to OneDrive as well, meaning the file could be gone from both places. It’s still worth checking, but keep in mind that OneDrive mirrors deletions.

Thanks to everyone who contributed.