Restore a Deleted File from the Recycle Bin or Trash (Windows & Mac)

A file you deleted by accident is often still recoverable. Windows keeps deleted files in the Recycle Bin, and Mac keeps them in the Trash, until you empty it yourself. This guide shows how to find and restore a deleted file on both.

Restore a deleted file, step by step

Restore a File

!Deleted a file by mistake?

It’s probably still sitting right in the Recycle Bin or Trash, waiting to come back.

WHAT TO DOWe’re Naples Computers, helping Naples families recover files since 1993.

Restore a deleted file: Deleted a file by mistake?

Windows

1Windows: restore from the Recycle Bin

Open File Explorer, then click Recycle Bin in the sidebar.

WHAT TO DORight click the file, then choose Restore. It goes right back to where it was.

Windows: restore from the Recycle Bin

Mac

2Mac: restore from the Trash

Open Finder, then click Trash in the sidebar.

WHAT TO DORight click the file, then choose Put Back. It returns to its original folder.

Mac: restore from the Trash

A few tips

Check before you empty it — Once the Recycle Bin or Trash is emptied, those files are much harder to recover
External drives and network folders skip it — Files deleted from a USB drive or a shared network folder usually don’t land there
Already emptied it? Call us before trying more — Recovery tools exist, but using the drive first can make things worse

Recap: restore a deleted file

Windows: File Explorer, Recycle Bin
Mac: Finder, Trash
Right click the file, choose Restore or Put Back
Check before you empty the Recycle Bin or Trash
Already emptied it? Call Naples Computers first

Printable quick guide

Restore a Deleted File (1-page quick guide PDF)

Frequently asked questions

Where do deleted files go on Windows?

Files deleted from a local drive normally go to the Recycle Bin first, and stay there until you empty it, so they can usually be restored with a right-click and Restore.

Where do deleted files go on a Mac?

Deleted files go to the Trash first. Right click a file in the Trash and choose Put Back to return it to its original folder.

Can I restore a file I deleted from a USB drive?

Usually not through the Recycle Bin or Trash, files deleted from a USB drive or a network folder often skip that holding area entirely.

What if I already emptied the Recycle Bin or Trash?

Recovery may still be possible with specialized tools, but using the drive further can overwrite the data. Call Naples Computers before trying anything else.

Files deleted from a USB drive or a shared network folder usually skip the Recycle Bin or Trash entirely, so check those locations carefully before deleting anything from them.

Restore a Deleted File from the Recycle Bin or Trash