Why Is My Deleted File Not in Recycle Bin? Fix & Restore Now!

If your deleted file not in Recycle Bin or you deleted a folder by mistake not in Recycle Bin, don't panic. This guide explains why files vanish, how to recover them using built-in tools or recovery software, and ways to prevent future data loss. Get your files back today!

By @Delores
Last Updated June 20, 2025

Deleted Files Not in Recycle Bin!

 

Accidentally deleted a file, not in the recycle bin, and restoring doesn't work either.

I accidentally deleted a file. I wanted to delete the file above, but I missclicked. when I went to look in the recycle bin, it said it was empty, as well as the secondary recycle bin. I tried to restore it, but that didn't work either. I saw that the action of deleting the file was noted down in the list, so I hoped it would work. when it was finished, I looked and only saw a restore log. It was written that my file ( as well as the one I meant to delete ) could not be found in the recycle bin.

The only thing I did was click on the three dots on the file and hit delete. I haven't cleared the recycle bin, so there is no reason why it shouldn't be in there. is there any way to get my file back?

- Question from answers.microsoft.com

This tutorial covers all the solutions, from third-party recovery software to built-in Windows utilities, whether you've accidentally deleted a folder that isn't in the Recycle Bin or are attempting to restore deleted files that aren't in the Recycle Bin in Windows 10 or 11. Let's get started and retrieve your stuff!

Why Your Deleted File Is Not in the Recycle Bin

If you are stuck in this situation, you might encounter the following problems:

⭕ Files Deleted Using Shift + Delete. If you pressed Shift + Delete, Windows skips the Recycle Bin entirely. This is great for permanent deletion but a nightmare if done accidentally.
⭕ Files Too Large for Recycle Bin Storage. There is a size restriction on the Recycle Bin. In order to clear up space, Windows permanently removes any files that exceed it.
⭕ External Drives or Network Files. Files deleted from USB drives, SD cards, or network locations don’t go to the Recycle Bin—they’re wiped immediately.
⭕ Recycle Bin Disabled or Corrupted. Occasionally, data disappear because the Recycle Bin is damaged or switched off in the settings.
⭕ Storage Drive Errors. Deleted files may vanish without a trace if your disk contains file system problems or badsectors.

Now, you have to get solutions to recover deleted files not in recycle bin, becuase it’s matter to you. Before that, you have to learn what to do when deleted files not in recycle bin to minimize the loss.

What to Do If Deleted a File Not in Recycle Bin?

If you deleted a fileor folderand it's not in the Recycle Bin, act fast- your chances of recovery decrease the longer you wait.

Immediate Actions to Take

  • Stop using the drive immediately -New data can overwrite deleted files.
  • Don't save new files -Avoid writing anything to the disk.
  • Use recovery software as soon as possible-The sooner you scan, the better.

If you need to recover deleted files using a free data recovery software, find the steps from the below related content.

How to Restore Deleted Files Not in Recycle Bin Windows 10/11

There are two situations to recover deleted files not in recycle bin. If you created backups for the file or folder, try File History or Shadow Copies to recover. If you don’t have a backup, a data recovery software is needed.

Part 1. 2 Ways to Recover Deleted Files Not in Recycle Bin (Have Backups)

Way 1. Using File History Backup

If you had File History enabled, you're in luck:

1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Backup on your computer.

2. Click "Restore files from a current backup".

3. Browse and select the lost file, then click Restore.

Note:✎...
This only works if you set up File History beforehand.

Way 2. Checking Shadow Copies (Previous Versions)

Windows creates shadow copies (snapshots) of files over time. Here's how to access them:

1. Right-click the folder where the file was stored.

2. Select "Restore previous versions".

3. Choose a version before deletion and click Restore.

Limitation:
Only works if System Protection was enabled.

Part 2. 2 Ways to Recover Deleted Files not in Recycle Bin (No Backups)

Way 1. Restore Deleted Files not in Recycle Bin Windows 10/11 via MyRecover

If you don't have a backup for the deleted files or folders, you have to turn to the free data recovery software, MyRecover, for help.

MyRecover allows you to recover files in 500+ senarios, like recovering deleted files not in recycle bin, recovering files from emptied recycle bin, formated hard drive, and many more.
It offers quick scan and deep scan for you to easily find the missing files.
It provides highest recovery rate in the market, up to 99%.
You can reocvery any file type of files, becuase it supports 1,000+ file format, including JPG/JPEG/JPE, PNG, TIF/TIFF, HEVC/HEIC/HEIF, MPEG/MP4, MOV, AVI/NAVI, ASF, MP3, CDA, WAV, AIFF, WMA and more.
Flexiable devices are supported, such as local disk, external hard disk, USB flash drive, SD card, computer, camera, PS4/5, and other devices.
Download Freeware
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 & Sever
100% Secure

Now, to recover deleted files not in recycle bin with MyRecover, try the following simple guide:

1. Install MyRecover after downloading, hit Deleted Files Recovery on the left side.

2. Choose the location to scan based on where the deleted files were located before, and click Scan.

3. Wait for it to complete and hit OK.

4. Open the path and find the files or folders, tick them, and hit Recover.

5. Select another location to save the recovered files and folders, and hit Select Folder to restore now.

6. Find and check the recovered files in the destination.

Tips:
You can preview files before reocvering after upgrading to ensure recover the right files and folders, quite useful.
By default, you can recover files up to 500MB for free, to recover more, you have to upgrade to enjoy.
After upgrading, you can also recover files from crashed computer in case of future data loss, and more.
MyRecover     
  • Recover Deleted Files Easily with Simple Clicks     
  • 1000+ File Formats Supported     
  • Support HDD, SSD, External Hard Drive, USB Drive, SD Card, etc.     
  • Quickly Find Files Using File Types, Name, Size, etc.   
Download Freeware
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 & Sever
100% Secure

Way 2. Recover Deleted Files Not in Recycle Bin via Windows File Recovery

1. Please download and install Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.

2. Search Windows File Recovery and run as administrator.

3. Input the command according to the syntax: winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches].

  • Modes: You have two modes to choose, Regular and Extensive.
  • Switches: use /n to scan for a specific file by using a file name, file path, file type, or wildcards.

Winfr F: E: /regular /n *.docx (recover deleted files (*.docx) where were located in F drive to E drive)

Tip:
You can also omission the switches to find all deleted and missing files.

Preventing Files from Disappearing Without Recycle Bin

Avoid future headaches with these precautions.

Windows Settings to Adjust

  • Increase Recycle Bin size: Right-click Recycle Bin > Properties > Adjust slider.
  • Enable File History: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.

Best Practices for File Management

  • Avoid Shift + Delete unless absolutely necessary.
  • Back up important files to cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive).

FAQs: Deleted File Not in Recycle Bin

Can I recover a file deleted with Shift + Delete?

A: Yes, using recovery software—if you act quickly before new data overwrites it.

Why did my Recycle Bin skip a deleted file?

A: It happens with external drives, large files, or if Shift + Delete was used.

How do I restore deleted files not in Recycle Bin Windows 10?

A: Try File History, Shadow Copies, or recovery software like MyRecover.

Is a permanently deleted file gone forever?

A: Not immediately—it stays until overwritten. Recovery software can often retrieve it.

What if I deleted a folder not in Recycle Bin?

A: Use data recovery tools to scan for the missing folder.

How can I prevent files from bypassing the Recycle Bin?

A: Disable Shift + Delete, increase Recycle Bin size, and back up regularly.

Final Thoughts

If your deleted file is not in Recycle Bin, don’t lose hope - you’ve got options. You may generally retrieve your data using recovery software or Windows backups. Just keep in mind: To avoid future catastrophes, take quick action, refrain from overwriting data, and perform regular backups.