How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files Using CMD in Windows 12/11/10

Among the many reasons for data loss, accidental deletion should be one of the problems we all encounter. To deal with this issue, using the Command Prompt is one of the solutions. However, this method is relatively unfamiliar to most users. So, how do you use the undelete command? This article will list the corresponding instructions according to different deletion methods to help you complete the process.

In addition, we have also provided you with some alternative solutions. Before knowing how to recover permanently deleted files using Command Prompt in Windows 12/10/11, let us first understand what it is.

Table of contents
About Command Prompt
Can the Command Prompt Return the Items I Deleted?
How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files Using CMD in Windows 12/10/11
Conclusion
FAQs

About Command Prompt

Also known as CMD, the first version was released in December 1987. In Windows, it is the default command-line interpreter, similar to the DOS operating system. Users can easily perform various computer-related tasks such as copying/formatting disks, defragmenting disks, running system diagnostics, and undeleting with just a few lines of command code.

Tip: If you would like to explore more tasks it can do, then click here.

Can the Command Prompt Return the Items I Deleted?

Of course, even if you emptied the Recycle Bin or permanently deleted them. However, this will only work in certain circumstances. Anyway, if you want to try it, please read on.

How to Recover Permanently Deleted Files Using CMD in Windows 12/10/11

Permanent deletion refers to using the "Shift + Delete" keys or removing files from external storage devices such as SD cards or USB drives. In this case, these will not be put into the Recycle Bin. At this point, getting them back using the Command Prompt will be an option. The following is the detailed guide:

  1. Hit the "Start" button at the bottom of the screen and type "CMD."
  2. Find the "Command Prompt" and click "Run as administrator" to open it.
  3. Type "chkdsk E:/f" and press Enter ("E" refers to the drive letter where the deleted file is located). If the file for this volume is used, close it or type "Y" to force it to be uninstalled.
  4. Type in "attrib -h -r -s /s /d E:*.*" and press Enter.

After completing the above steps, the files you permanently deleted should reappear in their original location. Also, it can work for files that are lost, hidden, or even infected by viruses.

Alternatives Solution for Undelete Command

Didn't get the results you wanted? Or do you want to avoid trying complicated commands? It's okay; you can also try the following alternative solutions, which have built-in graphical interfaces that are easy to use.

#1. Using File Recovery Tools

As the best alternative to recover permanently deleted files in Windows 12/11/10 using CMD is because they have almost no technical limitations and come with a user-friendly interface. Here, you can try the following two options.

Option 1. iBeesoft Data Recovery

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It also automatically organizes damaged and fragmented items.
Below is the step-by-step guide for how to use it to retrieve deleted files without using CMD.
  1. After downloading iBeesoft Data Recovery, double-click the .exe file to install it on the PC. Next, run it right away. Please note that if these files are on an external hard drive, you must first connect it to your computer.
  2. The first interface will list all the storage devices. Please select a location where you delete things and click "Search for Lost Files."
  3. All data found are displayed in the result window after scanning. From there, you can choose some ones to preview and click "Recover" to save them on your computer.

Option 2. Recuva

It can also provide reliable results for handling permanently deleted data. However, compared to iBeesot, Recuva does not have the somes necessary advanced features, which may result in recovery failure in some cases.

  1. Download and install Recuva.
  2. Next, please open it and follow the wizard to select the type and location of permanently deleted files.
  3. Click "Start" and wait for the scan to finish. Finally, select your lost data and click "Recover" to save it.

#2. Utilize Your Backup

Windows PC provides backup methods such as file history and system restore to avoid losing these files due to permanent deletion. If you have backed them up before, then you can choose the corresponding ways to recover permanently deleted files.

Option 1. Using File History

  1. Connect the external disk that stores backups to your computer.
  2. Open the Control Panel, navigate to "System and Security," and locate "File History."
  3. Click "Restore Personal Files" in the next interface and choose the folder that has the permanently deleted data.
  4. Select the desired items, and then click on the green icon below the page to restore these.

Option 2. Using Previous Versions

  1. Open the folder's directory where you originally saved the deleted items.
  2. Right-click on the folder. Next, click the "Restore Previous Versions" and check if any restorable versions are shown.
  3. Select a version that you want and then click the "Restore" button.

Option 3. From System Restore

In the "System and Security" window, choose "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)". Then click "Restore My Files" in the left panel and follow the instructions to find and save the deleted files.

#3. Contact Data Recovery Services

In the case of use tool failure and no backup, this can serve as the final alternative for CMD recover deleted files. Although this service is time-consuming and expensive, you can contact the attachment for more details if these data are very important.

Extended: How to Use Command for File Recovery from Recycle Bin

Anyone who uses a Windows PC should be familiar with the Recycle Bin, which gives us a dose of "regret medicine" to undo accidentally deleted something. Although it has a built-in graphical interface for our use, you can also do this using different commands.

Way 1. Using the CD Command

  1. In the Command Prompt window, type "cd\" and press Enter.
  2. Next, type "cd $Recycle.bin" and press Enter. In different operating systems, it may also be "Recycled" or "Recycler."
  3. Type in "dir */s" and Enter. Then, you will see all deleted files.
  4. Finally, enter "copy <filename> <location>" for example, "copy myphoto.png D:\Recovered," and press Enter.

Way 2. Using the Start Command

  1. Type "start shell:RecycleBinFolder" and press Enter.
  2. In the open window, select the file you deleted, right-click, and select "Restore."

Tip: If you have emptied it accidentally, here are more ways to restore something deleted from Recycle Bin.

Conclusion

This article shows various ways to recover deleted files using CMD in Windows 10, 11 and 12. If you think it's too complicated, there are other options. In any case, you should be able to regain them.

FAQs

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