Recover Deleted Files Not in Recycle Bin in Windows 10/11 [Full Guide]

While removing files from your computer you discovered by accident that you erased something crucial. But when you looked for it in the Recycle Bin to your astonishment your files had disappeared from there. Or did they even go there? What caused this as well as which steps you should take to restore deleted files not in Recycle Bin? Thinking all these questions can give a headache to anyone sane.

However, you don’t have to feel awful. The following guide addresses the reasons behind file disappearance from the Bin and provides data restoration solutions along with protective measures for preventing future file loss. You’ll also learn how to fix a corrupted Recycle Bin if the files are not showing because of this particular reason.

Part 1: Why Are Deleted Files Not in Recycle Bin?

When deleted files are not showing in Recycle Bin this could mean several things:

1. You used Shift + Delete to remove the files.
2. Files were on a flash drive which doesn’t have a Recycle Bin.
3. The Recycle Bin is full or corrupted.
4. Your Recycle Bin is disabled so files don’t go there.
5. You’ve erased files via Command Prompt.
6. If you remove files that exceed Recycle Bin’s size limit they won’t go there.
7. You’ve emptied the Recycle Bin.

Part 2: The Easiest Way to Recover Deleted Files That Are Not in the Recycle Bin

The simplest and easiest way to restore deleted files not in Recycle Bin on Windows 10/11 is through a specialized data recovery software. A tool like 4DDiG Data Recovery can extract deleted files not in Recycle Bin without requiring a backup. Besides, it allows you to scan the files by their types. So, you can restore only the content you need. In addition, as the recovered data can be viewed by its file name and path, you won’t have to try hard to locate the removed files. Here’s more to know about this tool:

• This app can extract 2000+ file formats including audio, videos, documents, RAW files, archives, images, etc.
• It can support numerous internal/external devices e.g. hard disks, memory cards, USBs, etc.
• It offers a free trial for Windows users.
• No technical background required.

Here’s how to use this tool to recover deleted files not in Recycle Bin:

Step 1: Download and install 4DDiG from its official site. Then, execute it on your computer. Next, pick the “Recycle Bin” deleted file. Then, choose the file types to scan.

Step 2: After the scan finds your desired file types, pause or stop the scan. Preview the recovered files.

Step 3: Hit “Recover” if you’re satisfied with the results to shift the extracted files to a secure place.

Part 3: How to Recover Deleted Files Not in Recycle Bin Without Software?

You can also restore deleted files not in Recycle Bin on Windows 10/11 without using software but under certain circumstances. Here are 5 methods to recover deleted files not in Recycle Bin along with the conditions under which these solutions will work:

Option A: Utilize Previous Versions

When Recycle Bin does not show deleted files through the “Previous Version” feature in Windows 10/11 it creates restore points, keeping file history. It can help you restore the files from their past versions to the folder from which they were removed.  However, you must’ve switched on the “Previous Version” feature prior to removing the files. Here’s how to utilize this feature to recover deleted files not in Recycle Bin:

Step 1: Head to the folder from where the file was erased. Then, right-click on empty space. Tap “Restore previous versions.”

Step 2: Select a past version of your file from the list. Hit “Restore.”

Option B: Use Windows Backup

The built-in backup system of Windows Backup can save copies of your files so you can employ it to recover deleted files not in Recycle Bin. The backup process may make it difficult to find a specific file. Follow the steps below to restore erased files or deleted folder not in Recycle Bin:

Step 1: Connect your backup drive to your PC. Then, right-click “Start.” Choose “Settings.”

Step 2: Tap “Update & Security.” Then, pick “Backup.”

Step 3: Next, click “Go to Backup & Restore (Windows 7).” Then, choose “Restore my files.”

Step 4: Browse for files or folders to restore. Then, click “Next.” 

Step 5: Choose the original or new location. Then, hit “Restore.”

Option C: Employ File History

To restore deleted files not in Recycle Bin Windows 10/11, you can use the File History feature. The backup process operates when it’s activated and preserves files from Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, and Desktop folders. Specific files can also be added or omitted from the backup process. If your Recycle Bin does not show deleted files, follow this procedure to employ File History:

Step 1: Right-click “Settings.” Then, choose “Update & Security.” 

Step 2: Next, tap “Backup.” After this, click “More options” beneath “Back up using File History.”

Step 3: Select “Restore files from a current backup.” In the File History window, open the folders.

Step 4: Select the file/folder. Then, click the green “Restore” button. If restoring a previous version of your file, choose to replace or keep both.

Step 5: To save the file elsewhere, right-click “Restore.” Then, tap “Restore to…” and choose a destination

Option D: Check Cloud Backup or External Storage

In case you haven’t switched on any Windows built-in backup from where you can restore deleted files not showing in Recycle Bin, you might have a cloud backup. If your system is synced with a cloud drive like OneDrive you can restore your removed files from its “Recycle Bin.” The files erased from your system will stay there for 30 days or 93 days for OneDrive Business users. Follow the steps below to restore deleted folder not in Recycle Bin from OneDrive:

Step 1: Open the browser on your computer. Then, head to “https://onedrive.live.com/.”

Step 2: Next, input your credentials for your OneDrive account. Sign in.

Step 2: Click “Recycle Bin” on the left pane. Then, tickmark the files you want to restore. Tap “Restore” from up-top.

Option E: Hire Data Recovery Services

In a situation where you don’t have any backup or your files are overwritten, hire data recovery services. They have the tools and expertise to restore deleted files not showing in Recycle Bin. Taking help from them is also ideal under circumstances where Recycle Bin does not show deleted files because your drive is physically damaged or severely corrupted. 

Part 4: How to Prevent Future File Loss?

After you’ve successfully restored deleted folder not in Recycle Bin, you’ll also have to make sure such an incident doesn’t arise again in the future. For this, you must take some necessary measures such as the following:

1. You should avoid removing files through the Shift+Delete keyboard shortcut.
2. Windows contains three built-in backup tools named File History, Previous Versions, and Backup and Restore, which you must enable.
3. Make sure to connect your system backup to cloud storage or utilize an external drive for complete file preservation.
4. Connect to specific file types and data using the recovery tool 4DDiG which enhances data retrieval speed in case you face a loss of files.
5. Enable a higher file size restriction for removal in the Recycle Bin to store big files inside its storage temporarily.
6. Install a UPS to bear power surges and outages which can shut down the system prematurely and also cause data loss.

Bonus Tip: How to Fix a Corrupted Recycle Bin?

Your Recycle Bin might be corrupted. That’s another reason why your files might not be showing in it. If so, here’s how you can repair the Recycle Bin through Command Prompt:

Step 1: Type “cmd” in the Windows search field. Then, execute “Command Prompt.”

Step 2: Input the following command. Then, hit “Enter” afterward:

• rd /s /q C:\$Recycle.bin (This will remove the corrupted Recycle Bin and its files from the system).

Step 3: Restart your computer. This will allow the system to recreate the Recycle Bin afresh.

Conclusion

Your Recycle Bin might not show removed files because you’ve either used Shift + Delete, or the files exceed the maximum capacity of the Recycle Bin. Alternatively, the corruption of the Bin could be the issue. However, the deleted files not in Recycle Bin can be restored using built-in Windows backup options including Previous Versions, File History, and Windows Backup and external or cloud storage. 

Drive corruption/damage or overwritten files will require professional recovery services which you must hire in this situation. As the simplest solution, consider choosing 4DDiG Data Recovery. You can scan any selected file type using this simple program that can restore data from multiple devices and numerous loss scenarios.