MyRecover
Why Is My Recycle Bin Not Showing All Deleted Files in Windows 10/11
If you wonder why is my recycle bin not showing all deleted files, we explain the main causes and fixes. Learn how to recover restore deleted files not in recycle bin Windows 11 using built-in Windows tools and reliable recovery software methods.
By Delores / Updated on September 3, 2025
Why is My Recycle Bin Not Showing All Deleted Files?
A few deleted files did not go to the recycle bin. (Most do.) What gives?
99% of the time, when I delete a file, it ends up in my recycle bin. It's happened to me a couple of times in the last month, though, that I have deleted a few files, and they are NOT in my recycle bin when I then go check. They seem to have just disappeared. I haven't emptied my recycle bin or deleted them from there or anything, nor are they still in the original folder. And it's not like my default is to permanently delete files while bypassing the recycle bin; e.g., if I try to delete a file now, it ends up in my recycle bin.
The first time this happened, a couple of weeks ago, I thought I must just be misremembering or something. This time, though, I'm positive I deleted them, and then they did not show up in my recycle bin. They're nowhere, seemingly.
Are they still on my computer somewhere? Should I be worried about this? Is this possibly a sign that the files in question are malicious or something? Any idea why this is happening? Thanks.
- Question from reddit.com
If you just like the above user, you’re in the right place. Why is my Recycle Bin not showing all deleted files? You can find the reasons and fixes easily, then recover your important files with simple clicks.
Common Reasons Files Bypass the Recycle Bin
Before we dive into the recovery process, it's crucial to understand the "why" behind the mystery. Your Recycle Bin isn't broken or malicious; it simply operates by a strict set of rules. Many situations cause your deleted files not to be in the Recycle Bin:
⭕ You just deleted files from an external hard drive or network locations. If you delete a file from a USB flash drive, an external hard disk, or a network-mapped drive, it’s gone for good. Windows doesn’t transfer those files to your internal Recycle Bin; it simply wipes them out immediately.
⭕ The Recycle Bin storage limit is exceeded. Once the deleted files fill that bucket to the brim, Windows has to make room for the new stuff. It does this by automatically purging the oldest deleted files first.
⭕ You deleted large files. If you delete large files, the size of these large files exceeds the available space in the Recycle Bin, and these large files are deleted permanently, which are not in the Recycle Bin.
⭕ You have enabled the direct deletion in Recycle Bin Properties. If you check the option "Don't move files to the Recycle Bin. Remove files immediately when deleted" for a drive, all the deleted files from this drive will be permanently deleted.
The above reasons are why my Recycle Bin is not showing all deleted files. Now, let's explore how to get your precious data back.
How to Restore Deleted Files Not in Recycle Bin Windows 11/10
If your files got deleted and these deleted files are not going to the Recycle Bin, how to recover these permanently deleted files easily? Fortunately, here comes the powerful Windows data recovery software MyRecover to recover deleted files not going to the Recycle Bin in Windows 10/11 easily.
- Compatible with all Windows operating systems. You can use it in Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, and Windows Server 2025/2022/2019/2016/2012/2008.
- Recover files from any data loss scenarios. You can recover files from a formatted hard drive, a corrupted SD card, an emptied recycle bin, and so on.
- Smart AI scan. MyRecover deploys AI technology and algorithms to scan your files easily and find more missing files.
- Preview full files before recovery. It’s useful to preview files instead of recovering unnecessary files.
- Flexible search. You can search files quickly if you remember the file name, file path, file size, and file type.
Therefore, how to recover deleted files not in the Recycle Bin in Windows 11/10 with MyRecover, here is the simple guide:
1. Please download MyRecover and install it on a different drive than the one you're trying to recover from, then launch it.
100% Secure2. Hit Deleted Files Recovery, point to the original location of these files, then hit Scan.
3. It will start scanning your deleted files, and hit OK once done.
4. Choose the files and folders you need to recover, hit Recover.
5. Select a destination to save these recovered files. Then wait for the process to complete.
- Tips:✎...
- You can recover unlimited data in the future with MyRecover Professional.
- MyRecover Technician is your best choice if you are trying to recover files from unlimited computers.
- You can preview the found files after scanning to find the right files.
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.
- Preview Files Before Recovering
- Recover Unlimited Data
100% SecureOther Ways to Recover Deleted Files Not in the Recycle Bin
In fact, Windows has a built-in lifeline that might just save the day, provided you have it set up beforehand. This section is your go-to guide for how to restore deleted files not in the recycle bin in Windows 11 using the native feature.
Way 1. Using File History for Recovery
File History is arguably your best and most reliable built-in backup solution in Windows. It’s not turned on by default, but if you’ve been proactive and enabled it, you’re in luck. This feature continuously saves copies of your files in your Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Desktop folders to an external drive or network location.
1. To use it, simply type "Restore your files with File History" in the Windows search bar.
2. Open the tool, browse through the timeline of snapshots, find the file you need, and hit the big green restore button. It will plop the file right back into its original home.
Way 2. Checking Cloud Storage Backups
In today’s connected world, don’t forget to look to the cloud! If you were working on a file stored in OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive, those services have their own powerful version history and recycle bin systems.
For instance, OneDrive keeps deleted files in its own online recycle bin for a minimum of 30 days. A quick login to the web interface of your cloud provider could be the fastest way to recover a file without any technical fuss.
How to Prevent Data from Being Permanently Deleted?
After recovering your precious files, it’s strongly recommended to prevent future data loss using the following solutions:
Way 1. Do Not Use Shift + Delete
Avoid using Shift + Delete to delete files, which bypasses the Recycle Bin, and then these deleted files can be kept in the Recycle Bin in case you need to recover them.
Way 2. Disable Direct Deletion
If you enable the option "Don't move files to the Recycle Bin. Remove files immediately when deleted" in Recycle Bin Properties, you have to disable it now. Then your deleted files will be kept in the Recycle Bin.
Here is how to disable direct deletion for drives:
1. Please right-click the Recycle Bin, and choose Properties.
2. Choose the drive, and tick Custom size, and set up the size, which automatically unchecks "Don't move files to the Recycle Bin. Remove files immediately when deleted.".
3. Repeat for other drives, and hit Apply > OK to take effect.
If you want to change the maximum size for the Recycle Bin, change it in step 2.
Way 3. Always Keep A Backup
If you need to recover deleted files from external hard drives, network drives, or other locations, it’s highly recommended to back them up first. If you need to recover them, you can restore from the backup easily. It is the best way to prevent data loss.
- Configure Windows File History to back up your crucial folders to an external drive.
- Supplement this with a cloud backup service like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. The 3-2-1 backup rule is the gold standard: have 3 copies of your data, on 2 different media types, with 1 copy stored offsite (e.g., in the cloud).
With this setup, a lost file becomes a minor inconvenience, not a disaster.
FAQs About Deleted Files in the Recycle Bin
Can I recover a file I deleted a year ago?
It's highly unlikely. If the Recycle Bin was never emptied and never reached its limit, the file might still be there. Otherwise, the data has almost certainly been overwritten.
What is the fastest way to get a file back from the Recycle Bin?
Open the Recycle Bin, find your file, right-click it, and select "Restore". It will return to its original location.
Why does the Windows 10 Recycle Bin show empty, but it is not?
To resolve it, you can rebuild the icon cache. This is an easy fix that requires you to delete a hidden file and then restart your PC to resolve Recycle Bin show empty, but it is not.
The End
Until now, you have known why my deleted files are not showing up in the Recycle Bin in Windows 11/10. Find the best way and the step-by-step guide to recover your deleted files if needed.
Besides, MyRecover can recover files from a crashed computer, a formatted hard drive, and many more.
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