How To Restore Files From Recycle Bin In Windows 11

Windows 11 does not completely delete the file that you have deleted from the File Explorer. Instead, by default, deleted files are sent to a place called the Recycle Bin.

In Windows 11 and earlier versions, deleted files are sent to the Recycle Bin unless you use methods like Shift + Delete to bypass the Recycle Bin or configure the Recycle Bin settings to prevent Windows 11 from sending deleted files to the Recycle Bin.

Because deleted files are in the Recycle Bin, you can easily restore deleted files before they are automatically deleted from the Recycle Bin after 30 days. Yes, Windows 11 automatically deletes files from the Recycle Bin after 30 days.

Complete the directions given below to restore a deleted file.

Method 1 of 2

Restore files from the Recycle Bin in Windows 11

Step 1: Open the Recycle Bin by clicking its icon on the desktop. If it does not appear, use the search feature to open the Recycle Bin.

NOTE: Refer to our how to show Recycle Bin icon on Windows 11 desktop guide to add it to the desktop.

Step 2: Once the Recycle Bin window is open, find the file that you wish to restore.

Step 3: Right-click the file that you wish to restore and then click the Restore option to restore the file to its original location. You may now go to its original location to view the file.

NOTE 1: As mentioned earlier, files are automatically deleted from the Recycle Bin after 30 days. So, if you cannot find a file, it’s most likely been deleted from the Recycle Bin as well. In that case, you may have to use third-party data recovery tools to retrieve the file.

NOTE 2: When the file is in the Recycle Bin, you may double-click it to view/open the file.

Method 2 of 2

Another Way To Restore files from the Recycle Bin in Windows 11

This method is helpful if you wish to save the file to a location other than its original location.

Step 1: Open the Recycle Bin either by clicking on its icon on the desktop or using search.

Step 2: In the Recycle Bin window, find the file that you want to restore.

Step 3: Right-click the file that you want, click “Cut,” open the folder where you would like to save the selected file, right-click, and then click the “Paste” option.