Deleted your downloads by mistake?
Don’t panic — you might still be able to get them back.
Here’s how to recover deleted files safely.
✅ 1. Check Recycle Bin first
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Open Recycle Bin
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Sort by date deleted
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Right-click → Restore
✅ Most accidental deletions end up here first.
✅ 2. Use File History (Windows built-in)
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Settings → Update & Security → Backup → Restore Files from Backup
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Search for missing files
✅ Only works if File History was enabled earlier.
✅ 3. Try free recovery tools
If not in Recycle Bin:
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Recuva (easy to use)
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PhotoRec (advanced, powerful)
✅ Scan disk sectors for recoverable deleted files.
✅ 4. Act fast
Deleted files are not really erased immediately — but they can be overwritten by new data anytime.
✅ The sooner you start recovery, the better the success rate.
✅ 5. Restore from cloud backups
If your downloads were synced to:
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Google Drive
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OneDrive
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Dropbox
✅ Check their trash/bin folders too — most cloud services keep deleted files for 30 days.
Key points to remember
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Check Recycle Bin first
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Use File History if enabled
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Try recovery tools quickly before overwrites
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Check cloud backup trash folders
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Act fast for best recovery results