How to Recover Shift-Deleted Files Without Software: Full Guide

Decluttering your computer can be freeing until things go sideways. While cleaning out your files, you may have accidentally selected a file you want to preserve and press the Shift and Delete buttons. You're probably here because you're wondering how to recover shift-deleted files without software, which is why we're here to help.

We'll present all possible methods to recover your deleted files without a recovery software solution to help you navigate the journey and retrieve your valuables.

How to Recover Shift-Deleted Files Without Third-Party Software in Windows 10

Here are all the methods you can try to recover shift deleted files without software on your Windows device.

Recover Deleted Files Without Software Using File History

File History is a form of backup you can use to store important data. If you've enabled this feature on your device, follow the steps below to learn how to recover your deleted files without a software solution.

1. Open Settings on your device.

   

2. Head to Update and Security > Backup.

   

3. Click on More Options.

   

4. Select Restore Files from a Current Backup.

   

5. Choose the files you wish to retrieve and click the green Restore icon.

   

Once you complete these steps, the files will appear in their original locations.

Recover Permanently Deleted Files Without Software: Using Windows File Recovery

Windows has a designated solution for recovering deleted files called Windows File Recovery. If you already have it on your device, here's what you can do to get your shift-deleted data back:

1. Open Windows File Recovery on your device.

   

2. Type the winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches] command in the next window and press Enter. You should replace the source, destination, mode, and switches according to your preferences.

   

Since this tool has several modes and switches, check them out below to learn which one to use for your journey.

Modes:

• Regular — ideal for recently deleted files and data, quicker than the option below.
• Extensive — for more complex cases and data that has been deleted a while ago.

Switches:

• /r — search for file segments
• /n — specify the path
• /y: — for specific extension groups
• /k — for system files.

Recover Permanently Deleted Files Without Software from the Previous Version

If you've recently deleted your files using the Shift + Delete command, you can use a previous version for help. This tool allows you to restore a folder to its previous state, meaning you can regain your data. Here's how to do it:

1. Open File Explorer on your device.

   

2. Right-click on the folder containing the file.
3. Select Restore Previous Versions from the drop-down menu.

   

4. In the next window, select the version containing the file and click the Restore button.

   

After completing these steps, the files will appear in the original location/folder.

Recover Shift Deleted Files Without Software Using CMD

Command Prompt allows you to control your device completely, including recovering lost files. You can run the following commands to get your data back in just a few steps:

1. Search for Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.

   

2. Next, type the chkdsk C: /f command and press Enter. Replace the C: with your drive's letter.

   

3. Then, type the C: attrib -h -r -s /s /d C:*.* command and press Enter. Replace C: with the letter of your drive.

   

After this, the tool may take a while to scan the drive for lost files. Once the process is complete, you can check the original location and see whether you've retrieved your valuables.

Recover Deleted Files on Windows 10 Without Third-Party Software Via Cloud Backup

The best method to retrieve your valuables without a software solution is to use a cloud backup. Many Windows users have cloud accounts, so you can easily download your files to regain access.

We'll present a guide for Google Drive as it's one of the most used and universal cloud storage solutions available:

1. Open Google Drive and sign into your account.

   

2. Next, select the files you wish to recover and click on the three dots.
3. Select Download from the drop-down menu.

   

4. Choose where to save the files.

As you can see, recovering files from a cloud backup is easy and takes only a few seconds.

Recover by Reaching out to Recover Professionals

If none of the solutions mentioned above work or you don't want to DIY your way through the recovery process, we advise you to contact recovery professionals. They'll examine the issue and create custom quotes for your data loss scenarios.

HelpDisc, Service Express, and LaCie are some of the best recovery service companies. The professionals working in these companies will try their best to retrieve what has been lost.

How to Recover Shift Deleted Files Without Software on Mac

Here are all the methods you can try to recover deleted files without a software solution on Mac devices.

Recover Permanently Deleted Files Without Software from Time Machine

Time Machine is a useful backup solution for your essential files and documents. If you have backups on a Time Machine, follow the steps below to learn how to restore your valuables using this application:

1. Open the Time Machine app from Applications or Launchpad.

   

2. Next, find the file you want to restore.
3. Click the Restore button to finish.

   

After this, you can search for your files in the original folders.

Restore Permanently Deleted Files from iCloud Backup

As the name suggests, iCloud is a backup solution for various purposes. If you have an account on the platform, check out how to recover your data below.

1. Head to icloud.com and sign into your account.

   

2. Click on the Drive option.

   

3. Head to the Recently Deleted folder and select your items.

   

4. Click the Recover button from the top bar.

   

And just like that, you'll have all of your valuables back.

Bonus: How to Recover Shift-Deleted Files With Software

A recovery solution may be the best method since it can retrieve any file type from any data loss scenario. For instance, one of the best recovery solutions, Wondershare Recoverit, has advanced mechanisms and algorithms to dive deep into your deleted history.

The tool has over 20 years in the recovery industry, making it a trustworthy solution. Moreover, the success rate is 99.5%, meaning you'll get your lost files back regardless of the scenario.

The most important thing is that Wondershare Recoverit is safe due to its advanced protective protocols. You can recover even your sensitive files without worrying about potential threats.

All you have to do is head to the official website, download the tool to your Windows or Mac device, and follow the steps below to navigate the recovery experience. The guides are the same for Windows and Mac.

1. Open the app and click the Hard Drives and Locations option from the main menu.
2. Next, select the location containing your troublesome files.

   

3. As soon as you select the location, the program will start scanning. You can turn on advanced scanning, pause the process, and view progress in the next window.

   

4. While scanning, filter your files by their type, size, and name for easier access.

   

5. After scanning, preview the recovered files and select the ones to save. Click the Recover button.

   

6. Choose where to save the files.

   

Wondershare Recoverit will get all your files back to you within minutes. It's effective and powerful, so we advise you to test it and watch the magic happen.

Conclusion

Seeing that you've accidentally deleted files you shouldn't have can be stressful, which is why we're here to help. If you don't want to download a software solution, use built-in methods like cloud, trash can, and others to try to restore your valuables.

However, you shouldn't forget about professional programs like Wondershare Recoverit since they can retrieve all your files from any scenario. If none of the solutions work, we advise you to use this application and watch your experience transform.