Where do permanently deleted files go after Recycle Bin on Windows 11?

[Eliyorp]

I recently emptied my Recycle Bin on Windows 11, but now I realize I need to recover some important files that were permanently deleted. I'm aware that these files are not immediately removed from the hard drive and that there might be ways to retrieve them. I am wondering where do permanently deleted files go after Recycle Bin on Windows 11?

Can someone guide me on the best methods or tools to recover permanently deleted files on Windows 11? Are there any recommended software programs or specific steps I should follow to maximize the chances of getting my data back? I appreciate any help or suggestions!

[#2]

I accidentally emptied my Recycle Bin once, and I needed to retrieve some important files. I used a recovery tool called Aisesoft Data Recovery for Windows, and it worked very well.

I followed this tutorial (works for me):

https://www.howtogeeker.com/recover-permanently-deleted-files

This software scans deeply and can recover many files that seemed to be permanently lost. If you have similar problems, I sincerely recommend trying it, which is really satisfactory.

[#3]

@Eliyorp  Windows 11 has a built-in feature called "Previous Versions," which can help you restore files from backups made by File History or System Restore points. This is quite efficient way to recover permanently deleted files on Windows 11 or Windows 10 after recycle bin.

1. Navigate to the folder that contained the deleted files.
2. Right-click the folder and select "Restore previous versions."
3. In the "Previous Versions" tab, you’ll see a list of available versions.
4. Select a version that contains the files you want to restore.
5. Click on "Restore" to recover the files to their original location.
6. Alternatively, you can click "Open" to browse the previous version and manually copy the files.

[#4]

Where do permanently deleted files go after Recycle Bin? This is a frequently asked questions among Windows users. In some cases, you can use the Command Prompt to recover permanently deleted files on Windows 11, especially if they are not yet overwritten.

Press Win + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows Terminal (Admin)."

Type chkdsk X: /f (replace X with the drive letter where the files were stored) and press Enter.

After the scan, type ATTRIB -H -R -S /S /D X:*.* and press Enter (replace X with the drive letter).

This command will check the disk and recover any files that were deleted but not overwritten.

[#5]

@Eliyorp  File History is a backup feature in Windows 11 that automatically saves copies of your personal files stored in libraries, desktop, favorites, and contacts. This feature allows you to restore files if they are lost, corrupted, or accidentally deleted. File History continuously monitors the files and makes periodic copies of them, ensuring that you have access to previous versions and can recover them if needed. It’s a convenient and user-friendly tool for maintaining data safety without needing extensive technical knowledge.

To retrieve permanently deleted files go after Recycle Bin with File History, go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup. Click on "More options" and then "Restore files from a current backup." Use the File History window to navigate to the folder where the deleted files were stored. Select the files you want to restore. Click on the "Restore" button to recover permanently deleted files to the original location.

[#6]

Using the "Previous Versions" feature in Windows 11 to recover permanently deleted files is handy for sure, but there are definitely some downsides to consider.
backup limitations are a biggie. This feature only works if you’ve actually set up File History or created System Restore points prior to losing those files. If you didn’t take the time to set that up, or if those backups have been deleted or overwritten, you're just out of luck. I learned this the hard way when I thought I could recover an important docume nt—only to find there were no previous versions saved. Talk about a major facepalm moment!

[#7]

@Eliyorp 

When it comes to recovering permanently deleted files on Windows 11 using the Command Prompt, or where do permanently deleted files go after Recycle Bin on Windows 11? it can sound like a neat trick. But from my experience, it's not guaranteed to work. Just because you run these commands doesn't mean you're going to recover your files. If those files have already been overwritten by new data, they're pretty much toast. I've had occasions where I got my hopes up after typing in those commands, only to be greeted by disappointment.

Not everyone is comfortable navigating the Command Prompt. If you’re not tech-savvy, reading through all those commands can be intimidating. The last thing you want is a typo that messes up your system or makes things worse. I remember once trying to help a friend out with this and we ended up more confused than when we started. Not ideal!

[#8]

Thank you so much. Your solution worked perfectly.

[#9]

@Lawrencecem I tried this and it said i had to force a dismount (its on my D) What should i do?

[#10]

Your right. It can get really scary if you dont know what your doing.