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How to Restore a Deleted File from the Recycle Bin

Recover a recently deleted file that is still in the Windows Recycle Bin.

Quick Answer

Open Recycle Bin, right-click the file, and choose Restore.

Step by Step

  1. Open Recycle Bin from the desktop or search for it from Start.
  2. Find the file or folder you deleted.
  3. Right-click it.
  4. Choose Restore.
  5. Windows returns it to its original location.

If That Doesn't Work

  • Files deleted from some network drives, removable drives, or with Shift+Delete may bypass the Recycle Bin.
  • Do not empty the Recycle Bin if you may need to recover something from it.

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