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4 June 2025  Amanda J. Brook  Senior Product Manager
Last update by James Smith at 4 June 2025

Summary
Learn how to recover deleted folder Windows 10 using practical, step-by-step methods for all situations—whether deleted accidentally, permanently, or due to a system glitch. Discover reliable solutions to restore your lost folders on both HDD and SSD.



Table of contents

table iconCan You Recover Deleted Folders in Windows 10?
table icon5 Proven Methods to Recover Deleted Folders in Windows 10
table iconConclusion
table iconFAQs
Accidentally deleting a folder in Windows 10 can be distressing, especially if it contains important files like photos, work documents, or personal records. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to recover deleted folders.

This article will guide you through five proven techniques to help you retrieve your lost data, whether it’s still in the Recycle Bin, permanently deleted, or lost due to a system issue.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical, step-by-step methods to recover deleted folders in Windows 10, whether they were sent to the Recycle Bin, permanently deleted, or lost due to a system glitch.
If you’ve just deleted a folder and haven’t done anything else, try pressing Ctrl + Z to undo the action immediately. If that doesn’t work, read on for reliable solutions to recover deleted folders in Windows 10.

Can You Recover Deleted Folders in Windows 10?

Before diving into the recovery methods, let’s clarify what’s possible when trying to recover deleted folders in Windows 10:
ScenarioDeletion Method/ConditionRecovery FeasibilityNotes and Considerations

Recycle Bin

Deleted using the Delete key or right-click “Delete” option

Recoverable – Directly restore from Recycle Bin

The folder remains in the Recycle Bin until you manually empty it or it reaches a preset limit.

Permanent Deletion

Deleted using Shift+Delete or after emptying the Recycle Bin

Potentially Recoverable – Requires recovery software, such as: Recuva, Renee Undeleter, Testdisk...

Recovery depends on whether the data has been overwritten. Specialized recovery tools might be needed to retrieve data.

HDD (Traditional)

Deletion on a hard disk drive; continued use after deletion

Likely Recoverable – Avoid writing new data

On an HDD, it’s best to avoid adding new files after deletion to prevent data from being overwritten, which increases success.

SSD

Deletion on a solid-state drive; SSD may have the TRIM command active

Less Recoverable – TRIM might quickly clear deleted data

SSDs often use the TRIM command, which can hasten the removal of deleted data. Prompt action is crucial for recovery.

Backup Enabled

Using Windows 10’s built-in backup tools (File History, Backup and Restore)

Easily Recoverable – Restore from a backup

If you have File History or Backup and Restore enabled, you can simply revert to an earlier backup to find your folder.

SSD TRIM is a command that helps solid-state drives (SSDs) manage deleted data more efficiently. When a file is deleted, TRIM informs the SSD that the storage space is no longer in use, allowing it to wipe the data in advance rather than waiting for a future write operation. This improves performance, extends the drive’s lifespan, and ensures faster write speeds over time.

5 Proven Methods to Recover Deleted Folders in Windows 10

No two data loss scenarios are identical. Some users rely on backups, others have never set them up, and some may need advanced recovery tools. Below, we’ve outlined five methods to recover deleted folders in Windows 10, arranged in order of simplicity and urgency. Start with the first method and work your way down if needed.

Method 1: Check the Recycle Bin to Recover Deleted Folders in Windows 10

Start by checking the Recycle Bin, as it is the most straightforward way to recover deleted folders in Windows 10. If the folder was deleted using the Delete key or right-click menu, it should be there unless it was permanently deleted (e.g., using Shift+Delete), the Recycle Bin was emptied, or the folder exceeded the bin’s size limit. If you don’t find it, try the next methods.
Note: Folders deleted with Shift + Delete or those too large for the Recycle Bin’s capacity won’t be here.
1. Locate the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and double-click to open it. Scroll through the list to find your deleted folder.
Windows Recycle Bin
2. If you spot your folder, right-click it and select Restore to return it to its original location. To restore multiple folders, hold Ctrl, click each folder, then right-click and choose Restore.
Restore PPT files from recycle bin
If the folder isn’t in the Recycle Bin, move to the next method to recover deleted folders in Windows 10.
If you have OneDrive installed and linked to an account, you can check the OneDrive Recycle Bin to recover deleted folders, as files remain there for up to 30 days before being permanently removed.

Method 2: Use File History to Recover Deleted Folders in Windows 10

Windows 10′s File History feature is a built-in backup tool that saves snapshots of files and folders in standard locations like Documents, Pictures, or Desktop. If you’ve enabled File History, it’s a fantastic way to recover deleted folders in Windows 10 without third-party software.
If you haven’t enabled File History, consider doing so for future protection by going to Control Panel > System and Security > File History and setting it up.
1. Open the Control Panel by typing “Control Panel” into the Windows search bar and clicking the result.
2. Navigate to System and Security > File History.
select file history
3. On the left, click Restore personal files.
4. Use the arrows to browse through backup snapshots until you find the deleted folder.
5. Select the folder and click the green Restore button to return it to its original location. To save it elsewhere, right-click the Restore button, select Restore to, and choose a new destination.
Windows File History
6. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the process.
If File History wasn’t enabled or doesn’t have your folder, try the next method to recover deleted folders in Windows 10.

Method 3: Restore Previous Versions to Recover Deleted Folders in Windows 10

Using the Previous Versions feature, you can restore a parent folder to a previous state, which may include the deleted folder. This method requires that File History or another backup feature was enabled before the deletion occurred.
1. Open File Explorer (Windows key + E) and navigate to the parent folder where the deleted folder was stored.
2. Right-click the parent folder and select Properties.
folder properties
3. Go to the Previous Versions tab to view a list of available backups with their respective dates.
file previous versions for file history
4. Select a version from before the folder was deleted. Click Open to preview its contents and confirm the deleted folder is there.
5. Click Restore to overwrite the current folder with the backup, or drag and drop the desired folder to a new location to avoid overwriting.
6. Verify the folder is back in its original or chosen location.
If no previous versions are available, proceed to the next method to recover deleted folders in Windows 10.

Method 4: Use Data Recovery Software to Recover Deleted Folders in Windows 10

If your folder bypassed the Recycle Bin (e.g., via Shift + Delete) or was removed from it, data recovery software is your best bet to recover deleted folders in Windows 10. These tools scan your drive for traces of deleted data, provided it hasn’t been overwritten.
When dealing with permanently deleted folders or data loss scenarios where built-in Windows tools fall short, professional data recovery software becomes essential. Renee Undeleter is a comprehensive data recovery solution that can help you retrieve lost or deleted folders from your Windows 10 computer. This user-friendly tool offers a high success rate for file recovery and can handle around 400 different file formats.
What sets Renee Undeleter apart is its combination of signature scanning and file system-based recovery capabilities. This means it can not only find files that have been overwritten but also locate files that haven’t actually been deleted but simply misplaced within the file system. The software supports all major Windows file systems, making it a versatile choice for various data loss scenarios.
Here’s how to use Renee Undeleter to recover deleted folders in Windows 10:
Step 1: Download, install and run Renee Undeleter on your Windows computer.
Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 11,10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8+.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!

Step 2: Select the [ Fast Partition Scan ] option in the main interface.
Tips: Please avoid installing the software on the disk containing the data to be recovered in order to prevent data overwriting. Also, refrain from saving new data to the same disk partition after a file is lost to avoid further damage or complete loss of the lost file.
Renee Undeleter, select Fast Partition Scan 
Data Recovery Features
Fast Partition Scan:Recovers files from accidental deletions or recycle bin clearance.
Whole Partition Scan:Restores files from inaccessible or formatted partitions.
Whole Disk Scan:Analyzes partition information for a comprehensive disk scan.
Image Creation:Generates a partition mirror image for backup purposes.
Step 3: Next, select the partition where the lost data is located, and click [ Next ] .
select partition to scan for fast partition scan 
Step 4: Select the [ Fast Scan ] option and click the [ Next ] button to scan.
The [Fast Scan] mode scans the initial 30GB of available space on the chosen disk. If desired files are not found, the [Deep Scan] mode can be used for a thorough scan of the hard disk partition, though it will require additional time.
Select Fast scan in Fast Partition Scan 
Step 5: Wait for the scan to complete
You can double-click the file to preview, then check the files that need to be recovered, and click the [ Recover ] button to recover the files to other disks.
preview before recovery 
Tips:Please select a disk without any important data when installing the software to avoid overwriting it. If the quick scan mode doesn’t find the necessary files, we suggest trying the deep scan mode for a full search.
Using a professional software like Renee Undeleter can greatly increase your chances of successful file recovery. It is important to note that the longer you wait to use this method, the lower your chances of successful recovery become. The modern user interface and numerous quality-of-life features make the recovery process straightforward, even for users who aren’t technically inclined.

Method 5: Use Backup and Restore (Windows 7) to Recover Deleted Folders in Windows 10

Windows 10 includes the Backup and Restore (Windows 7) tool, a reliable option for recovering deleted folders in Windows 10 if you’ve set up a backup. Unlike File History, this tool lets you create full system images or back up specific folders, running only when manually triggered or scheduled.
1. Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Windows search bar.
2. Go to System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
how to factory reset windows 7
3. Click Restore my files (or Restore all users’ files for multi-account recovery).
4. Click Browse for Folders to select the deleted folder.
5. Add the folder to the restore list, click Next, and choose In the following location to specify a save destination.
6. Click Restore, follow the prompts, and click Finish when done.7. Check the restored location to ensure the folder is back.
Important: This method requires that you have previously created a backup via Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7). If you haven’t used this tool before, it won’t help recover deleted folders in Windows 10.

Conclusion

Prevent Future Data Loss

To avoid losing folders in the future, consider these preventive measures:
- Regularly back up your important files using File History or other backup tools.

- Use cloud storage services like OneDrive or Google Drive to keep copies of your files.

- Be cautious when deleting files and folders, and double-check before confirming deletion.

Final Throught

Losing a folder in Windows 10 can be stressful, but recovering deleted folders in Windows 10 is often straightforward if you act quickly. Start with Ctrl + Z to undo the deletion. If that fails, check the Recycle Bin. If the folder isn’t there, leverage File History or Previous Versions if you have backups. For permanently deleted folders, tools like Renee Undeleter can scan and recover deleted folders in Windows 10, provided the data hasn’t been overwritten. Finally, the Backup and Restore (Windows 7) tool is a solid option if you’ve set up manual or scheduled backups.
To avoid future headaches, consider enabling automatic backups or using cloud storage. Acting fast and avoiding new saves to the drive are key to successfully recovering deleted folders in Windows 10.

FAQs

How can I recover a deleted folder in Windows 10 after using Shift + Delete?

- If you’ve set up File History or Backup and Restore (Windows 7), restore the folder from a backup.
- Without a backup, use recovery software like Renee Undeleter to scan your drive and recover deleted folders in Windows 10.
- If software fails, a professional data recovery service might be your last resort for critical folders.

Is it possible to recover a permanently deleted folder in Windows 10?

Yes, you can recover deleted folders in Windows 10 if the data hasn’t been overwritten or if you have a backup. Use recovery software for non-backed-up folders or restore from File History or Backup and Restore.

Can I recover a deleted folder in Windows 10 using Command Prompt?

No, the Command Prompt cannot recover deleted folders in Windows 10. It’s great for file management or system tasks but lacks data recovery capabilities. Rely on recovery software or backups to recover deleted folders in Windows 10.
Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 11,10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8+.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!