How to Recover Files Deleted Using Shift Delete from Your PC
Deletion of files using the Shift Delete keyboard shortcut can often leave you with a sense of urgency and helplessness. However, there are several effective methods to recover such files. This guide will walk you through the process, from checking the Recycle Bin to using professional data recovery services.
Understanding Shift Delete
When you use the Shift Delete keyboard shortcut on a file, it is immediately removed permanently from your PC without going through the Recycle Bin. This means that standard recovery methods like restoring from the Recycle Bin are not applicable here. However, there are still several ways to recover these files.
Method 1: Check the Recycle Bin
Before you dive into more complex methods, always check your Recycle Bin. Although Shift Delete skips the Recycle Bin, it's a logical first step. If you have accidentally deleted a file using this method, you might still find it in the Recycle Bin.
Method 2: Use File Recovery Software
The most reliable method to recover files deleted with Shift Delete is using specialized file recovery software. These tools are capable of scanning your hard drive to locate deleted files and recover them.
Popular Options:
Recuva: This is a user-friendly tool for recovering files from your hard drive and external drives. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: Offers a free version with limited recovery options, which is a good starting point for identifying whether your files can be recovered. Disk Drill: A powerful recovery tool that supports various file systems, making it suitable for a wide range of recovery scenarios.Steps to Use Recovery Software:
Download and Install: Choose a recovery tool and install it on a different drive than the one you want to recover from. Run the Software: Open the program and select the drive where the files were deleted. Scan for Files: Start the scanning process. Time required may vary based on drive size. Preview and Recover: Once the scan is complete, preview the recoverable files and choose the ones you want to restore.Method 3: Check Backups
If you have a backup solution in place, such as Windows Backup, File History, or a cloud backup, you can check there for the deleted files. Restoring from a backup is usually the best course of action when possible.
Method 4: Use Windows Previous Versions
If System Restore is enabled, you might be able to recover previous versions of files or folders. Here’s how:
Right-click on the folder where the files were located. Select Properties and then go to the Previous Versions tab. Select a version before the deletion and click Restore.Method 5: Professional Data Recovery Services
If the files are critical and you have tried the above methods without success, consider contacting a professional data recovery service. Professionals can often recover files even from damaged or formatted drives. However, this option is usually more expensive.
Important Tips
Stop Using the Drive: To maximize recovery chances, avoid writing new data to the drive from which you want to recover files. Any new data may overwrite the deleted files. Act Quickly: The sooner you attempt recovery after deletion, the better your chances of success. Delaying the recovery process increases the likelihood of data corruption.By following these methods, you should have a good chance of recovering your files deleted with Shift Delete.