How to Check Recently Deleted Files in Windows 10
Deletion of files can sometimes be an accidental process, and if you’ve recently deleted a file on your Windows 10 computer, you might be wondering how to retrieve it. Windows 10 provides a convenient way to check recently deleted files, ensuring that you don’t lose important data. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to check recently deleted files in Windows 10.
1. Access the Recycle Bin
The first step to check recently deleted files in Windows 10 is to access the Recycle Bin. The Recycle Bin is a temporary storage location for deleted files and folders. Here’s how to access it:
– On your desktop, locate the Recycle Bin icon. It usually appears on the desktop by default.
– Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon to open it.
2. Search for the Deleted File
Once you have opened the Recycle Bin, you can search for the deleted file. Here’s how to do it:
– Inside the Recycle Bin, you will see a list of deleted files and folders.
– Scroll through the list or use the search bar at the top-right corner to search for the specific file you want to recover.
3. Restore or Delete the File
After finding the deleted file, you have two options: restore or delete the file.
– To restore the file, right-click on it and select “Restore.” This will move the file back to its original location before deletion.
– To permanently delete the file, right-click on it and select “Delete.” This will remove the file from the Recycle Bin and delete it permanently from your computer.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin
If you have checked all the recently deleted files and are sure that you no longer need them, you can empty the Recycle Bin to free up space on your computer. Here’s how to do it:
– Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
– Select “Empty Recycle Bin” from the context menu.
– A confirmation dialog will appear. Click “Yes” to permanently delete all the files in the Recycle Bin.
5. Use File History (Optional)
In addition to the Recycle Bin, Windows 10 offers a feature called File History, which allows you to back up and restore your files. If you have enabled File History, you can use it to restore deleted files. Here’s how to do it:
– Open the File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon on the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E.
– In the left pane, click on “This PC” or “Computer.”
– Under the “Properties” section, click on “System.”
– In the System window, click on “Advanced system settings.”
– In the System Properties window, go to the “System Protection” tab.
– Click on “Configure.”
– In the System Protection settings, enable the “Turn on system protection” option and set a restore point.
– Click “OK” to save the changes.
– To restore a deleted file, click on “System Restore” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Conclusion
Checking recently deleted files in Windows 10 is a straightforward process. By accessing the Recycle Bin, you can easily find and restore or delete the files you’ve recently deleted. Additionally, using File History can provide an extra layer of protection for your important data. Remember to regularly back up your files to prevent data loss.
