5 Top Ways to Recover Shift Deleted Files [Updated]

Introduction

Many Windows users have a habit of using Shift+Delete to delete a file permanently when operating a computer. It is rather unfortunate that the Recycle Bin is not employed in this case since the file in question is permanently deleted without any possibility of recovery. 

Users mistakenly think this is how the information loss feels like – losing a file forever. But there are still possibilities of recovering a shift deleted file up until the time new data fills the disk area occupied by the file. In this article we are going to look at the various ways how to recover shift deleted files in Windows 10/11.

Part 1: Can You Recover Shift Deleted Files on Windows?

It is possible to restore shift deleted files on Windows based operating system. It is worth noting however that, when filing shift commands, however, both the file and the file classification are not destroyed instantly. Therefore, the contents of the file are still there in the disk, non, the content of the file being deleted has been wiped. You might be wondering how to recover files after shift delete.

Windows has several built-in features and programs and even third party data recovery software which can be used to retrieve lost files by undoing a shift delete command. As with most data recovery efforts, the sooner after the file has been deleted the better the recovery will be.

Part 2: The Simplest Way to Recover Shift Deleted Files on Windows

As mentioned before, the data that is actually the file content is still found on the disk until that space is replaced with newer data. Thus, there exists a time when one can employ data recovery software to restore shift deleted files.

One recommended software for recovering shift deleted files on Windows is Tenorshare 4DDiG. It can scan storage media and get data off before they get overwritten. Acting quickly after deletion gives the best chance of recovery.

• Can perform shift delete recovery with an advanced algorithm.
• Recovers 2000+ file formats like photos, documents, videos etc. This allows comprehensive recovery of different shift deleted file types.
• Support recovery of various devices, including HDDs, SDDs, USBs, memory cards, and more.
• Clean and simple interface, making it accessible to all levels of users.

Here are the steps to restore shift deleted files using Tenorshare 4DDiG:

1. Download and install 4DDiG Windows Data Recovery on your Windows PC or laptop.

2. Launch 4DDiG after installation. On the main interface, select the drive or location you want to scan for deleted files. This would be the drive where you shift deleted the files. Click on “Scan” to start scanning the drive. 4DDiG will thoroughly scan the selected drive to find deleted files.

3. Once the scan completes, the recoverable deleted files will be listed. Preview and select the files you want to recover. Click on “Recover” to restore the selected files. Make sure to save the recovered files to a different drive to avoid overwriting the deleted data.

Part 3: Alternative Ways to Restore Shift Deleted files on Windows

Option A: Retrieve shift deleted files by Backup & Restore

When files are permanently deleted using Shift+Delete on Windows, they bypass the Recycle Bin and are marked as free space on the disk. However, the actual contents still exist until that space is overwritten by new data. So if you have backed up your system using Windows Backup, you can leverage these backups to recover shift deleted files.

Windows Backup automatically saves copies of your files and folders to an external drive or network location. You can restore from these backups if you lose your original files. Here are the steps to restore shift deleted files using Windows Backup:

1. Open Control Panel and go to System and Security > Backup and Restore.
2. Under Restore files, click “Select another backup to restore files from”

3. Choose the backup that contains the deleted files and click Next.
4. On the next screen, click “Browse for files” to see files that can be recovered.

5. Select the shift deleted files you want to restore.
6. Choose a recovery location and click Restore to get the files back.

Windows Backup can help recover shift deleted files if you had set up backups before deletion. You can browse the backups and restore missing files. But this requires having backups already in place.

Option B: Retrieve shift deleted files via File History

When files are permanently deleted using Shift+Delete in Windows 10/11, they bypass the Recycle Bin. However, you can leverage the File History feature to recover shift deleted files, if enabled beforehand.

File History automatically saves copies of files in your libraries, desktop, contacts, favorites etc. to an external drive. Here is how to do shift delete recovery without software.

1. Open Start menu and search for “File History”.
2. Click “Restore personal files” under “Restore your files with File History”.

3. In the File History window, browse and select the files you want to restore.
4. Click the green “Restore” button to recover files to their original location.

File History can help recover shift deleted files if you had enabled it before deletion. It saves previous versions that you can restore. But you need to have backups in place for this method.

Option C: Retrieve shift deleted files from cloud drive

If you had files stored in OneDrive before deleting them locally using Shift+Delete in Windows, you may be able to recover files after shift delete from the cloud. OneDrive keeps deleted files in its Recycle Bin for up to 30 days before permanent deletion.

1. Go to onedrive.live.com and sign in to your Microsoft account.
2. Navigate to the folder location where the deleted files were.
3. Select the files you want to restore.
4. Click the Download button to restore files to your local device.
5. You can also check OneDrive’s Recycle Bin for deleted files.

Option D: Retrieve shift deleted files using Windows File Recovery

Still looking for a way to how to recover shift deleted files in Windows 10/11? Microsoft has released a command line utility called Windows File Recovery that can scan drives and recover deleted files before they get overwritten. Windows includes a command line utility called Windows File Recovery that can scan drives and recover deleted files before they get overwritten. Here is a guide on how to perform shift delete recovery with the aid of this tool:

1. Download and install Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store. Launch Windows Terminal as administrator.
2. Enter this command: Winfr C: E: /regular /n \Users\your-username\Downloads\

3. You can modify the drives and parameters as needed. Windows File Recovery will scan the source drive for deleted files. Recovered files are saved to the destination drive.

Part 4: Safety Tips to Avoid File Loss on Windows

Here are some tips to prevent accidental file loss and avoid how to recover files after shift delete:

1. Enable Recycle Bin – The Recycle Bin provides a safety net when deleting files. It temporarily stores deleted items so you can restore them if needed. Make sure Recycle Bin is enabled and not bypassed.
2. Backup regularly – Maintain regular backups of your important files either on external drives or cloud storage. This gives you the ability to restore files if something goes wrong. Use tools like File History, Windows Backup or cloud services.
3. Beware of Shift+Delete – When deleting files, use simple Delete instead of Shift+Delete. The latter permanently deletes files, bypassing the Recycle Bin. Train yourself to avoid this shortcut.
4. Pause before permanent actions – Be extra cautious when performing potentially destructive actions like formatting drives or deleting large numbers of files. Pause and double check before proceeding.
5. Update antivirus and firewall – Use reputed security software to prevent malware, ransomware and other threats which could corrupt or encrypt your files. Keep them updated.
6. Handle drives carefully – Don’t disconnect external drives while they are being written to. This could lead to file system corruption and data loss. Also avoid physical damage.
7. Enable file recovery tools – Windows includes features like Previous Versions and File History that can recover older versions of files. Enable these for added data protection.

Following these tips will help boost your overall data safety. Be vigilant, take backups, avoid careless deletes and leverage the built-in features in Windows to maximize protection against file loss.

Closing Words

That covers everything on how to recover shift deleted files on Windows 11/10.

Failing to use the Recycle Bin after deleting files using the Shift + Delete button, is dangerous as it may lead to the loss of those files permanently. Although deleted files can be permanently lost, recovery file tools allow for the shift delete recovery files before those changes are saved onto newer content.

The most viable option is to utilize data retrieval software such as 4DDiG Data Recovery. It allows performing deep scan of drives and recover lost files from HDD/SSD/electronic devices and other portable storage media. 4DDiG covers over 1000 file formats and is pleasant to work with.

Also Read: How to Recover Deleted Photos From Canon Camera [2024 Latest]