Accidentally deleted an important file using "Shift + Delete" on your Windows PC? Wondering how to recover it quickly and easily? You’re not alone! Unlike regular deletions, files removed with "Shift + Delete" bypass the Recycle Bin, making it seem like they’re gone forever. However, the good news is that it's often possible to recover shift deleted files in Windows 11/10. In this article, we'll delve into the world of shift delete data recovery and share six simple methods to restore permanently deleted files, so your mistake won't turn into a disaster. Let's get started!
First, let's clear this out: Does Shift Delete permanently delete files, and where do they go after deletion? When you use the Shift + Delete key combination to delete a file, it doesn't disappear right away. It's like crossing out a chapter in a book's table of contents—the chapter is no longer listed, but it's still in the book. Similarly, the file's data remains on the disk in its original sectors until it's overwritten by new information. This is why you can recover shift deleted files using specialized tools. To maximize the chances of recovery, it's recommended to stop using the device immediately after realizing that files were deleted by mistake, especially if your storage space is nearly full.
The previous section answers the question of 'Does shift delete permanently deleted files?' Just because files are deleted with the Shift + Delete key combination, itdoesn't mean they can't be restored. Here are 5 proven ways to recover shift deleted files in Windows 11/10 you should know about:
How to recover shift deleted files for free? Tenorshare 4DDiG is our go-to solutions for shift delete data recovery because of its impressive success rate and simplicity. This free data recovery software supports over 2000 file formats, so whether you need to recover videos, photos, or documents, it has got your covered.
Besides accidental deletions, 4DDiG performs well in different data loss situations, including hardware failure, formatting errors, system crashes, and more. Plus, thanks to its user-friendly interface, you can recover files deleted with the Shift Delete shortcut in just three main steps:
Step 1. Download and install 4DDiG's free version on your Windows machine. To avoid data overwriting, download and install it to a different disk than where your shift deleted files were located. Run the app, select the drive containing your lost files and hit the "Scan" button.
Step 2. After the scan is complete, find and preview the files found by 4DDiG. To narrow the search, you can utilize the built-in filters or enter a specific file format (e.g., .doc, .ppt, or .mp4) into the search box.
Step 3. To recover the files you need, check the boxes next to them and click the Recover button at the bottom. When prompted, we recommend selecting Google Drive or OneDrive as your recovery destination.
If you prefer using a Microsoft tool to recover files deleted with Shift + Delete, then give Windows File Recovery a shot. It's a command-line tool that excels at retriving lost, deleted, or formatted files from a wide range of storage devices. This recovery software is 100% free, but its technical nature may require some learning, making it less approachable for non-experts. Here's a simplified guide to get you started:
Step 1: Search for Windows File Recovery in the Microsoft Store, and then install the app.
Step 2: Run the tool, type "winfr C: D: /regular" and hit Enter.
All versions of Windows include a built-in tool called Previous Versions, which lets you restore earlier versions of all files on your computer — provided you've enabled File History or created a system restore point. Following are steps on how to recover shift deleted files with the help of this feature:
Step 1: Press Win + E to open File Explorer, find the folder where the shift deleted files were stored, and right-click on it.
Step 2. Pick the "Restore previous versions" option to proceed.
Step 3. Look for a version of the folder from before the files were permanently deleted.
Step 4. Select a desired version, then click "Open" to view its contents. Now, you can manually copy the deleted files back to their original location or another folder.
Backup and Restore (Windows 7) is another native tool that allows you to easily create backups of your entire system, specific drives, or individual files. Despite its name, this utility is available in newer versions of Windows, including Windows 10 and Windows 11. Just remember, it won't help you if you haven't enabled it beforehand. Here's how:
Step 1. Press Windows + R to bring up the Run dialog box. Then, write "control" and hit the Enter key.
Step 2. Click on "System and Security" followed by choosing "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)."
Step 3. Tap "Restore my files." If this option isn't available, pick "Select another backup to restore files from."
Step 4. Find the deleted files you want to restore from your backup.
Step 5. Select the desired files and click "Next." Finally, click "Restore" to initiate the recovery process.
If you've already backed up all your files to OneDrive, then you're in luck. Your files are stored on Microsoft's servers, and if they are lost or corrupted, don't worry as you can easily restore them from any device with just a few clicks. Here is a guide on how to recover files deleted with the Shift Delete shortcut from One Drive:
Step 1: Launch your web browser and navigate to OneDrive.com. Then, sign in using your Microsoft account.
Step 2. Look for the files you accidentally deleted.
Step 3. Select them, and then click the "Download" button at the top of the page.
If the above methods fail to recover shift deleted files in Windows 10/11, there's one last option that you can try: send your storage device to a local data recovery center. Professional data recovery services have cleanrooms, advanced tools, and plenty of expertise, making their success rate much higher than DIY options. While these services can be costly, the good news is that most offer a free evaluation, so you'll only have to pay for shipping if they are unable to recover your data.
If you're short on time and the data is critical, take a quick look at this comparison chart to find the solution that suits you best.
Can you recover shift deleted files in Windows 11/10? In most cases, yes, as long as they have not been overwritten by new data. There are multiple options to help you restore your precious data, from the built-in Windows tools to third-party software like Tenorshare 4DDiG. Keep in mind that the key to shift delete data recovery is time — the sooner you attempt recovery, the higher your chances of success. In addition, regularly backing up your files can go a long way in safeguarding your data and avoiding future mishaps.
