How to Undo Shift + Delete and Recover Files on Windows

Oops! Delete the Wrong File? Don’t Panic Yet!

Ever had that sinking feeling after pressing Shift + Delete on an important file? Maybe you were cleaning up your desktop, rushing through work, or just meant to delete a duplicate but ended up wiping something crucial. The moment you realize what happened, panic sets in. Unlike regular deletions, Shift + Delete removes files permanently, skipping the Recycle Bin—but don’t worry, recovery is still possible if you act quickly.

First Things First: Stop and Follow These Quick Steps

Before attempting recovery, follow these precautions:

• Stop using the affected drive to prevent overwriting.
• Do not install new software on the same drive.
• Use recovery tools as soon as possible.

Restore Files Like a Pro Using File History

If File History was activated before deletion, you can restore files easily:

1. Navigate to the folder where the deleted file was stored.
2. Right-click and select Properties.
3. Open the Previous Versions tab.
4. Choose a version and click Restore.

Dig Into Windows Backup – Your Safety Net

Windows Backup can help retrieve files if a backup exists:

1. Open Control Panel >> Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
2. Click Restore my files.
3. Browse through backups and restore the lost files.

Tech-Savvy Hack: Recover Files Using Command Prompt

CMD can help if files are hidden or corrupted:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run: chkdsk X: /f /r /x (Replace X: with your drive letter.)
3. Then execute: attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:*.*
4. Check if the deleted files have reappeared.

The Ultimate Solution – Windows Data Recovery Software

If built-in methods fail, Windows data recovery is your best option, because it guarantees to give your data back without increasing your blood pressure and with ease. Stellar Windows Data Recovery Software, is one of the best and renowned software in the data recovery world, and you can find the reasoning behind this in the later part of this blog.

Why Choose Stellar Data Recovery?

• Advanced Deep Scan to locate lost files from formatted or corrupt drives.
• Supports multiple file formats, including documents, videos, and photos.
• It recovers data from external devices, including USB drives and SD cards.
• User-friendly interface for easy navigation.
• Now available in Version 12 with enhanced scanning and recovery speed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Stellar Data Recovery

1. Download & Install Stellar Data Recovery Version 12
   • Visit the official Stellar website and download the latest Version 12.
   • Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
   • Launch the application after installation.
2. Select File Type & Location
   • The software will prompt you to choose the type of data you want to recover.
   • You can select specific file types such as Documents, Photos, Videos, Emails, or All Data.
   • Click Next and choose the drive or location where the deleted files were stored.
3. Run a Quick or Deep Scan
   • Choose Quick Scan for a faster search or Deep Scan if the file is not found in the initial scan.
   • The scanning process will begin, and a progress bar will indicate the status.
   • Wait until the scan completes and do not interrupt the process.
4. Preview & Recover Files
   • Once scanning is complete, Stellar will display a list of recoverable files.
   • Use the preview feature to check file integrity before recovery.
   • Select the files you need and click Recover.
5. Save Recovered Files to a Safe Location
   • Avoid saving the recovered files to the same drive where they were lost.
   • Choose a different partition, external drive, or cloud storage for safe recovery.
   • Click Save, and your files will be restored successfully!

Avoid the Nightmare: Best Practices to Prevent Data Loss

To avoid future data loss:

• Enable File History or Windows Backup regularly.
• Use Stellar Data Recovery Version 12 for instant file recovery.
• Store files on external drives or cloud storage for safety.
• Be cautious with Shift + Delete to avoid accidental loss.

Final Words: Act Fast, Recover Faster!

Losing files using Shift + Delete can be stressful, especially when it happens in a moment of distraction. Whether you were multitasking, rushing to meet a deadline, or just had an unfortunate slip of the fingers, the good news is—your files aren’t necessarily gone forever. Start with File History, Windows Backup, or CMD methods. If those fail, Stellar Data Recovery Version 12 is the most reliable solution for retrieving lost data quickly and efficiently. Download it today and recover your files with ease!