Recover files deleted from recycle bin

Files deleted from the trash are gone forever? It's not that bad: The recovery of the data is still possible with special tools.

Data savers in need: Recuva recovers deleted files

The freeware tool "Recuva" retrieves your lost documents with just a few clicks. Here you should be quick: After you have accidentally removed a file, you should not create or delete any other documents. They could overwrite your old data:

1. Instead, install the free program and start it as an administrator.
2. First, you will be guided through the wizard. Here you can specify which files you are looking for. Provide as much information as possible about the deleted file. This saves a lot of time later.
3. Complete the configuration by clicking on "Start" and wait until Recuva has searched your hard drive.
4. The freeware tool now lists all files found. The colored circle in front of the respective document shows the status of the file: Green data can usually be restored without problems. In the case of orange or red displays, however, the files have already been (partially) overwritten. Often these documents can only be restored in fragments.
5. Still, you should try your luck. Select the files you want and click "Recover".
6. Finally, select the directory in which the files should be restored.

If you are certain that you no longer need the file when you delete it, you can also bypass the Windows Recycle Bin. Here we explain how it works.