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Windows 10 Copied Files Disappear? How to Get Them Back?
Are your copied files disappearing in Windows 10? You’re not alone. Many users face the issue of copied files or folders disappearing immediately or after copying. This can happen due to many reasons. This guide covers common reasons for copied files disappearing on Windows 10 and how to recover them.
By Emma / Updated on August 8, 2025
User Case
I work remotely. Yesterday I was copying files from my external hard drive into a new folder. I’m not exactly sure when or how it happened, but after the copying process, the new folder and all its copied contents disappeared. I tried searching by keyword, but all I found were shortcuts in the Recent folder that only link to where the files used to be.
I have no idea how the copied files vanished. They weren’t deleted (I checked the Recycle Bin), and as I mentioned, the keyword search only turned up empty shortcuts.Unfortunately, I don’t have any restore points, and any created before yesterday wouldn’t help anyway. I’m trying to use the Windows File Recovery app from the Microsoft Store, but it’s very slow and hasn’t found any recoverable files so far.What can I do to recover these copied files?
Where Did My Copied Files Go? Why Disappeared?
Sometimes when you copy files or folders in Windows 10, they might seem to vanish without a trace. This can be alarming and frustrating, but there are several common reasons why this happens:
- Files were copied to a different location than expected. Sometimes the destination folder is not where you think it is.
- Clipboard or temporary glitch. The copy process might have failed or been interrupted.
- Files were hidden or moved by antivirus or system cleanup tools.
- User error such as accidental deletion or overwriting.
- File system errors or disk problems.
How to Recover Disappered Files After Copying?
If your copied files have disappeared, don’t panic. You can make use of a professional data recovery tool named MyRecover to get them back easily.
What Is MyRecover
MyRecover is a powerful and user-friendly data recovery software designed to help you recover lost, deleted, or disappeared files from your Windows PC or Windows Server. Whether your files vanished after copying, accidental deletion, formatting, or system errors, MyRecover can quickly scan your drives and restore your important data.
Key Features of MyRecover
Supports Recovery from 500+ Data Loss Scenarios: Recovers files lost due to accidental deletion, formatting, file system corruption, system crashes, virus attacks, or copy errors.
✨1000+ File Type Support: Recovers photos, documents, videos, emails, audio files, and more.
✨Easy to Use: Intuitive interface with a step-by-step recovery wizard, suitable for beginners and professionals alike.
✨Fast and Deep Scan Modes: Quickly finds deleted files and performs deep scanning for more thorough recovery.
✨Preview Files Before Recovery: Allows you to preview recoverable files to select exactly what you want to restore.
✨Supports 500+ Storage Devices: Works with internal hard drives, external HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, memory cards, and more.
✨Excellent OS and File System Compatibility: Works well on all editions of Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 and Server 2025, 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012, etc. Recovers data from NTFS, FAT, exFAT, ReFS and even Ext file system drive.
How to Use MyRecover to Restore Disappeared Files After Copying?
First of all, you need to install MyRecover on your computer drive, but please do not install onto the drive where your copied folder disappeared. Then launch the software and follow the steps.
100% SecureStep 1. Select the drive where your files disappeared and click on "Scan".
Step 2. The software will begin searching for lost or deleted files with "Quick Scan" or "Deep Scan" mode based on the status of the target drive.
Step 3. Browse the scan results, filter what type of files you need and preview them if necessary.
Step 4. Select the files and click "Recover" to restore them to a safe location.
Now just wait for the process to be completed patiently. When it is done, you will see a mini window poping out, telling you how many files have been successfully restored, and where they are stored.
Other Quick Fixes You Can Try
Alongside using recovery software, you might want to try some quick checks and fixes that can help locate or restore your missing filesafter copying:
1. Search for Hidden Files
Files may be hidden by system settings or antivirus software. In File Explorer, go to the View tab and check Hidden items to revealor show any hidden files or folders.
2. Look for Shortcuts or Temporary Files
Sometimes Windows creates shortcuts instead of full copies. These shortcuts link to the original file location. If the source files were moved or deleted, shortcuts will appear broken.
3. Check the Recycle Bin and Backup Locations
Even if you checked once, double-check the Recycle Bin to ensure the files weren’t accidentally deleted. Also, check any automatic backups like File History or cloud storage sync folders.
4. Use Windows File Recovery Tools
If files are truly missing, you can try using Microsoft recovery software Windows File Recovery app. It can scan your drive for deleted or lost files and help restore them.
5. Run System File Check and Disk Repair
Use "chkdsk" and "sfc /scannow" commands in Command Prompt to scan and repair file system errors that might cause missing files.
6. Check if Files Were Removed by Antivirus or System Cleanup Tools
Sometimes antivirus programs or system cleanup utilities mistakenly identify copied files as threats or unnecessary files and remove or quarantine them. Check your antivirus quarantine or logs and any cleanup tool history to see if your missing files were removed or hidden.If so, just restore the quarantined items.
Summary
If your copied files in Windows 10 mysteriously disappear, it doesn’t always mean they’re gone for good. By combining quick manual checks with a reliable recovery tool like MyRecover, you greatly increase your chances of getting them back.
The MyRecover stands out for its wide compatibility, powerful scanning capabilities, and ease of use. It supports recovery in over 500+ data loss scenarios, handles 1000+ file types, and works with virtually all common storage devices and file systems. With both "Quick Scan" for speed and "Deep Scan" for thoroughness, plus the ability to "preview files before restoring", it ensures you can recover exactly what you need quickly, safely, and with minimal effort.
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