Today, data is an essential element of business, and everybody does what he can to protect their files from accidental loss. However, some people still end up deleting files from their computers unintentionally. Even still, some delete files intentionally before later realizing they still need those files. When the need to recover deleted files arises, you begin to ask where did my deleted files go?

So, where do deleted files go on Windows 10? This article will discuss where your files go after deletion and how to retrieve them from there. But first, let’s look at a few reasons why people delete files from Windows computers. 

Why Do People Delete Files?

Remove Duplicate Files

Many people delete files that appear several times on their computers in order to retain only the original copy. Duplicates can be confusing, especially where critical data is involved.

Create More Space

This is another reason why people delete files from computers. Files that have been used and are no longer necessary can be deleted from the hard drive to create more space for important ones. Remember, you can still perform recycle bin recovery to restore these files. Whether you are on Windows 10 or other OS, creating more space on your computer also helps make your OS run faster, among other benefits. 

Remove Corrupted Files

Some of your files may get corrupted if you face a virus attack or malware on your computer. Before attempting to fix such forms of data using software such as Disk Drill, some people may resort to deleting them from the system and replacing them with good files. 

Where Do Deleted Files Go On Windows 10?

Recycle Bin

If you use Windows 10 OS, you might have noticed it comes with a Recycle Bin. A Recycle Bin is a Windows 10 tool that temporarily stores all deleted files on the computer. Here, your files are stored for as long as you want them to stay there, and you can recover them to their original storage locations at any time. 

Suppose you ever delete your files by mistake, or you later change your mind about a file you deleted earlier. In that case, the Recycle Bin helps you recover them by simply restoring the files to their original locations. However, this can only be possible if you did not permanently delete the files either by using the “Shift” button or following them in the Recycle Bin and permanently deleting them from there. Recycle Bin is, therefore, one of the methods to restore deleted files on Windows 10 computers. 

So, if you are still wondering whether you can recover deleted files on Windows 10, don’t go too far. Locate the recycle bin icon through the Search tab, check your Desktop, and launch the Recycle Bin. Scroll to find the deleted files and select the ones you intend to recover, then tap “Recover selected” to restore them on your computer. 

What If I’m Not On Windows 10?

Trash Cans 

If you are not running a Windows 10 computer, you may use a Mac or tablet. With these machines, you will not have Recycle Bins but Trash Cans. These tools are very similar in design and operation to recycle bins. Besides, they are also available for download and installation as third-party apps. 

Can I Recover Deleted Files? 

Recovering deleted files on Windows 10 is possible and very easy, thanks to the Recycle Bin. Since all the deleted files are automatically sent and stored in the Recycle Bin, you can quickly locate them and recover data from recycle Bin.  

However, if you followed up on the files in the recycle Bin and deleted them permanently, getting your files back may not be easy without data recovery software.
 

How Do I Recover Deleted Files? 

You need to check your recycle bin or trash cans to restore files on PC. Otherwise, if you accidentally deleted your files permanently from the recycle Bin or directly from your PC, then you can use third-party software such as Disk Drill. Download and install the software from the official website before you can proceed with the steps below to recover your files. 

Step 1: Launch the software and select the storage where you deleted the files

Once the software is installed, please open it and choose the storage location where you stored your files before deletion. 

Step 2: Scan The Storage Location

Tap “Recover” to start the scanning process. 

Step 3: Preview The Files

At the end of the scanning process, preview the files displayed in the results tab and identify the files you intend to retrieve. 

Step 4: Choose the files for recovery

Select the exact files you may want to recover, then choose a designated storage location to save them. 

Step 5: Recover the files

Now tap “Recover” again and allow the software to restore. 

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