How to Restore a File in Windows

Each hard drive contains a folder named "Recycled" which is hidden by default. Access to this folder is controlled through the Recycle Bin shortcut on the desktop. You can restore a file from the recycle bin after it has been accidentally deleted, overwritten or a file has not been saved. The following steps explain how to do it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Double-click the Recycle Bin shortcut on your desktop. This will open the Recycled folder.

2. Search the pane on the left side of the folder window for an area labeled "Recycle Bin Tasks." Click the link labeled "Restore all items" if you wish to restore every file and folder in the Recycle Bin.

3. Find the file you wish to restore and select it by left-clicking on it. You can select multiple files by holding the "Ctrl" button down while you left-click on additional files.

4. Click on the link labeled "Restore this item" in the "Recycle Bin Tasks" pane. This link will be labeled "Restore the selected items" if more than one file is selected. This will restore the selected files.

5. Restore the selected files in another way by right-clicking on a selected file to bring up the context menu. Select "Restore" with the left mouse button.

6. Select the "File" menu item and click on "Restore" to restore a file by a third method.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that older files in the Recycle Bin will be deleted to keep it from exceeding the maximum size specified in the Recycle Bin properties.

Resources

• Learn more about restoring a file in Windows.