How to Get Files Back after Emptying Trash [5 Ways]

If you find yourself in need of more storage space, there are a few steps you can take. Like many people, you might start by emptying the Windows Recycle Bin. To do this, simply right-click on the Recycle Bin icon and select "Empty Recycle Bin". 

While this can be effective in creating more space, it can also result in accidentally deleting important data. However, there's no need to panic as the situation is not as dire as it may seem. So, is it possible to recover deleted files from the recycle bin after emptying it? In this article, we will provide you with the latest methods and tools to help you know how to get files back after emptying trash.

Is Recycle Bin recovery possible?

In short, the answer is yes. When the Windows operating system deletes files, it doesn't completely erase them from your storage media. Even after emptying the Recycle Bin, the data can be restored, even if it's not visible or accessible.

The key is to retrieve the deleted files from the Recycle Bin before new data overwrites them. To achieve this, it's important to stop using your computer until you have successfully recovered your lost data.

Acting promptly is crucial, and we will show you several ways to restore files that have been removed from the Recycle Bin. Let's now focus on how to recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin after emptying it in Windows 10.

How to get files back after emptying trash Windows 10?

Method 1. Restore files from Recycle Bin after empty using Windows built-in backup function

To recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin after emptying it for free, you can use the Backup and Recovery Function provided by Windows if you have previously set up a backup using this application.

Step 1. Go to "Control Panel" and select "System and Security" to access the appropriate settings.

Step 2. Click on the restore option and choose "Backup and Restore" from the drop-down menu.

Step 3. Follow the instructions provided in the wizard to locate the deleted files.

Method 2. Recover deleted files from Recycle Bin after empty using data recovery software

If the above methods are not helpful or you haven't set up automatic backups, you may need to use an external tool to recover deleted files from the recycle bin after emptying it in Windows 10/8/7. AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional, the wonderful data recovery software, is a comprehensive solution that offers advanced data security features.

Key features of AOMEI Partition Assistant include:
◤ Recovery of deleted files from emptied Recycle Bin or due to OS updates, virus attacks, accidental deletions, etc.
◤ Support for data recovery from partitions and portable storage devices like external drives and USB flash drives.
◤ Compatibility with 1000+ file types, including photos, videos, audio, and documents.
◤ Compatible with Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7 and Mac operating systems.

Let's see how to get files back after emptying trash Windows 10 using AOMEI Partition Assistant:

Step 1. Begin by installing and launching AOMEI Partition Assistant. Access the Main Tab, and navigate to "Recover" followed by "Recover Data".

Step 2. At this point, the Recover Windows Data tool will appear. Choose the desired partition location where data recovery should commence, and then click on "Start Scan".

Step 3. After the scanning process is complete, you will see a comprehensive list of deleted files, including those from the recycle bin and other missing files. Simply select the data you wish to recover, and proceed by clicking on "Recover".

Step 4. Now, designate a specific folder path on your PC where the recovered data will be saved.

Step 5. Commence the recovery progress and allow the software to work its magic. Once the recovery process is successfully completed, your data will be securely saved to the designated path you selected earlier.

Method 3. Retrieve files from previous versions using file history

In Windows 10/8/7, the system protection feature is enabled by default, and the operating system creates restore points automatically. These restore points can be utilized to recover permanently deleted files to a previous version. Here's how to recover deleted files from recycle bin after empty:

Step 1. Create a new file or folder on your desktop with the same name as the deleted file or folder. (If the folder was at the root level of a drive, such as C:, you can right-click the disk and select "Restore prior versions" from the context menu.)

Step 2. Right-click the file and select "Restore prior versions" from the menu. Windows will search for and display previous versions of the permanently deleted files or folders, along with their unique timestamps.

Step 3. Choose the most recent version and click the "Restore" button to restore the irreversibly deleted files or folders easily.

Method 4. Deleted files recovery from Recycle Bin after empty using Command Prompt

The Command Prompt can be used to retrieve files that were mistakenly deleted and reverse the action of emptying the recycle bin. Here's how:

Step 1. Restart your computer and press the F8 key to enter the Safe Mode with Command Prompt option.

Step 2. Enter "cd../.." and press Enter, then type "cd $Recycle.Bin."

Step 3. After typing "cd" and pressing the tab key, you will see the name of a directory. Hit Enter once you see it.

Step 4. Use the command "dir/a" to view all the files, then type "copy [file name] [file location]" and "cd../.." > "dir" > "ren [file name]".

It's important to note that when using Command Prompt to undo deletions, the file names may not appear as they did before. This method is not recommended for non-experts due to the potential risks involved.

Method 5. Retrieve files from Recycle Bin after empty using System Restore

System Restore allows you to revert your computer to a previous point in time, known as a system restore point. This enables you to restore any files or applications that were created or installed before the restore point was established. Here's how to get files back after emptying trash:

Step 1. Type "Control Panel" in the search box on the taskbar and select the Control Panel option.

Step 2. Type "recovery" in the search box within the Control Panel.

Step 3. Select "Recovery" and then "Open System Restore" from the menu.

Step 4. In the Restore system and files settings, click the "Next" button.

Step 5. Choose the desired restoration point or click "more results" to explore additional options and scan any affected applications.

How to avoid data loss from the Recycle Bin in the Future

While deleted files can often be recovered from the Recycle Bin, it's important to take steps to prevent data loss in the first place. To avoid the need for photo and file recovery after deleting them from the Recycle Bin, follow these preventative measures:

1. Utilize cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive to back up your data. Many of these services offer free plans, eliminating the need for dedicated backup storage devices. Or you can AOMEO software to clone your hard drive as a backup.

2. Regularly monitor and maintain your storage devices. Hard drives and other storage devices are more likely to fail when exposed to severe vibrations, high humidity, or dust.

3. Keep your antivirus software turned on to protect against harmful malware that could potentially prevent you from accessing your crucial data.

4. Consider using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) as a backup power source. This will provide emergency power during brief power outages, offering an added layer of protection for your data.

FAQs

How can I recover permanently deleted files from the Recycle Bin after emptying it?

You can use the Windows system restore function, try to restore previous versions, or utilize the command line if you have the technical expertise.

Can deleted data be recovered after emptying the Recycle Bin?

Yes, you can use Windows built-in tools to recover your system or access your backups, as well as seek assistance from data recovery software like AOMEI Partition Assistant.

When you empty the Recycle Bin, are the files gone forever?

No need to worry. There are several methods to recover files from the Recycle Bin, including Windows backup and restore options, as well as deep recovery solutions provided by third-party tools.

Conclusion

We trust that you now have a clear understanding of the methods to recover deleted files from the recycle bin after it has been emptied using built-in Windows tools and backups, provided that you are fortunate enough to have them. However, even if luck is not on your side, there is no need to panic. AOMEI Partition Assistant is an exceptionally secure and efficient data recovery software solution specifically designed for resolving how to get files back after emptying trash.