How to Recover Shift Deleted Files on Windows - All Methods

Yes, we can! When you delete a file using the Shift+Delete key combination, the deleted data skips the Recycle Bin, rendering the Restore option unavailable.

So, how can you recover shift deleted files? Today, we'll discuss everything you need to know about shift deleted files and how to perform shift-delete recovery.

Keep reading to learn more about how to get back shift deleted files.

What Happens to Shift Deleted Files?

If you accidentally delete a file using the Delete key, you can easily retrieve it from the Recycle Bin using the Recover option.

However, when you delete files using the Shift+Delete function, things become more complicated. This key combination instructs your operating system to modify the file table and mark the location where those files were stored as available for use, allowing you to overwrite it with new data, thus permanently deleting the files and all associated data such as the file system and table. Once overwritten, the deleted data may become corrupted and permanently inaccessible, making file recovery challenging.

When you shift-delete files once, is it possible to recover them?

Yes, it is. However, shift delete recovery of files is only possible if you haven't overwritten the deleted files with new data.

How to Recover Shift Deleted Files

Below are the top 5 methods to recover files deleted with shift delete. Each method will help undo the shift delete operation and restore shift deleted files.

Bring Back Shift Deleted Files With Recovery Software

Professional data recovery software solutions are perfect shift delete recovery tools for restoring files lost to permanent deletion. Tools like Wondershare Recoverit can recover various types of permanently deleted files, including documents, music clips, audio files, emails, photos, videos, etc.

It's the ultimate data recovery solution for handling every possible data loss scenario, from accidental deletion, unintentional formatting, and system crashes to virus/malware infections, data corruption, software failure, failing hard disks, and more.

In addition, Wondershare Recoverit is compatible with a myriad of storage media and devices, including internal hard drives, external drives, memory cards, mobile devices, etc. Thanks to all these immense capabilities, it can recover over 1000 file formats from over 2000 storage devices across over 500 data loss scenarios with a 99.5% recovery success rate.

With Recoverit, recovering shift deleted files on Windows is a straightforward process. Download and install the app on your PC, then follow the steps below to retrieve shift deleted files.

Step 1: Launch the app on your computer and navigate to the main File Recover menu;

Step 2: Click Hard Drives and Locations and select the target drive for shift delete recovery;

Step 3: Click Start to initiate the scanning process and scan the drive for recoverable files;

Step 4: Use available search filters to pinpoint specific files during the scanning;

Step 5: Once Recoverit completes the scanning process, the app will outline all the recoverable shift deleted files;

Step 6: Select and preview the files you wish to recover and click Recover > Save to bring them back.

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Restore Shift-deleted Files Using Windows Backup and Restore

Back and Restore is a reliable Windows 10/11 utility for backing up and restoring lost or deleted files. If you've backed up your files before permanently deleting them, you can use the Backup and Restore (Windows 7) tool to recover files deleted with shift delete by restoring a copy of the lost data.

Here's how:

Step 1: Type Backup settings in the search bar and click Open;

Step 2: Navigate to Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7);

Step 3: Click Restore my files;

Step 4: Click Browse for files, search for the recoverable shift deleted files on your computer, and then click Next;

Step 5: Select where you want to save the recovered shift deleted files and click Restore to get them back.

Retrieve Shift-Deleted Files With File History

File History is a backup utility for restoring deleted or lost files using previous file versions. If this feature was turned on before the data was deleted, you can recover your files by restoring them from a previous copy.

Here's how to recover shift deleted files in Windows 10 using File History.

Note: File History is also available on Windows 11 (Control Panel > System and Security > File History).

Step 1: Find the folder where you shift deleted your files;

Step 2: Navigate to the Expand the Ribbon option (right next to the question mark icon in the top right corner);

Step 3: Click Expand the Ribbon and select History;

Step 4: Select the file(s) you wish to recover and click the green Restore button.

Recover Shift Deleted Files With Cloud Backup

If you have a OneDrive or Google Drive account, you can recover your shift deleted files using a cloud backup. Both OneDrive and Google Drive keep deleted files for 30 days.

Here's how:

Step 1: Log in to your account;

Step 2: Navigate to Trash (Google Drive) or Recycle Bin (OneDrive);

Step 3: Select the shift deleted files, right-click the selection, and hit Restore to recover them to the original location in the cloud.

Contact a Data Recovery Service to Recover Files After Shift Delete

If none of these methods give the desired results, your last resort is to turn to a professional data recovery service provider for professional assistance.

Here are data recovery service recommendations to keep in mind:

• SERT Data Recovery
• PITS Data Recovery Service
• DriveSavers Data Recovery
• OnTrack Data Recovery

Conclusion

Shift deleted files may appear as permanently gone from your computer. Thankfully, you can try different options to perform shift delete recovery. However, if you don't want to leave anything to chance, use a data recovery software tool like Wondershare Recoverit. Professional solutions like Wondershare Recoverit can increase your chances of recovery by using industry-standard file retrieval techniques.