How to Recover Files Removed by Windows Defender [Recovery and Prevention Tips]

Windows Defender is an antivirus program that comes built-in with Windows, which can scan and remove viruses from your computer. On occasion, it may errantly delete important files that it flags as suspicious.

When you find that Windows Defender has deleted your files, don't panic! We will provide four possible methods to help you recover files deleted by Windows Defender:

All right! So let's start with the first one!

Method 1: Restore Files Removed by Windows Defender Using Windows Recovery Software If you want to recover files deleted by Windows Defender, you can try using professional Windows recovery software. Here's a simple step-by-step guide: 1. **Select a Recovery Tool**: First, download and install a reliable Windows data recovery tool such as tools Data Recovery Wizard, Recuva, or Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery. 2. **Run the Software**: After installation, launch the data recovery software. Usually, it will automatically detect your operating system and connected hard drives. 3. **Choose the Scan Location**: In the software interface, select the location where the files deleted by Windows Defender were stored, such as the C drive or any relevant disk partition. 4. **Start Scanning**: Click on "Scan" or a similar button, and the software will initiate a deep scan of the selected location to search for deleted files. 5. **Preview and Recover Files**: Once the scan is complete, the software will display all recoverable files found. You can preview these files and then select the items you wish to restore. Check them and click the "Recover" button. 6. **Save the Recovered Files**: Choose a secure location to save the recovered files, ensuring that you don't overwrite any other potentially lost data. Please note that data recovery is not always 100% successful, especially if the files have been overwritten or damaged. Therefore, it's best to regularly back up important files to prevent data loss.

You might not find the files deleted by Windows Defender in the Recycle Bin, so using a reliable data recovery tool can save you a lot of time. Downloading different programs and trying them out after searching for data recovery software on Google will waste your time. We recommend using Data Recovery Wizard Pro, which you can download right now. It's free to download and won't cost you anything unless you choose to upgrade to the pro version.

Data recovery software can fix many data problems, especially those involving accidental deletion:

• Recover Permanently Deleted Files by Windows Defender.
• Recover deleted MP4 files, JPEG, PNG, MOV files, and Microsoft Office documents.
• Handle data loss issues on devices like HDD, SSD, external hard drives, USB flash drives, SD cards, and more.

There's a written tutorial available that teaches you how to use the Data Recovery Wizard tool to restore files deleted by Windows Defender:

Step 1: Select the exact location from where you want to recover files and then click on the “Scan” button to proceed.

Step 2: After the scan is completed, select the "Deleted Files" and "Other Lost Files" folders on the left. You can then use the "Filter" feature or click on the "Search for a file or folder" button to look for your deleted files.

Step Three: Click the “Recover” button to save the recovered file – preferably in a location different from the original.

Have you already recovered your deleted personal files with Defender? Don't forget to share this handy recovery tool with more Windows users!

Method 2: Restore Isolated Files from Windows Security Settings

Do you know where Windows Defender sends the files it removes? Unlike regular deleted files that go to the Recycle Bin, you can easily find these items in Windows Defender's quarantine area. Check out this detailed tutorial for guidance:

Step 1. Type Windows Security in the Windows search box and select the first result. If the Windows 11 search bar isn't working, right-click the Taskbar, choose Taskbar settings, and search for the Windows Security app from there.

Click the “Virus & threat protection” tab, then click “Protection history.”

Step 3: Open the “Filter” menu and choose “Isolated Items.”

Step 4: Find the file you want to restore, and then choose Action > Restore.

Fingers crossed that this method helps you to recover files deleted by antivirus!

Method 3: Restore Files Deleted by Defender Using CMD

Use this as an alternative method if you can't find the item you need in the Quarantine Items window. If you're not comfortable with command lines and the Command Prompt, stick with the first method.

Step 1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. You can easily launch the utility via the search option.

Step 2. To navigate to the Windows Defender folder, type cd C:\Program Files\Windows Defender.

Step 3: Type mpcmdrun -restore -listall and press Enter to list all isolated items.

To restore the project, type MpCmdRun.exe -Restore, and then add the file name.

If you want to learn more about how to recover files using CMD, please refer to the following article now:

Please provide the English content you want translated, and I'll translate it into Chinese for you as soon as possible.

How to Recover Deleted Files Using Command Prompt

Accidentally deleted files or lost data from USB flash drives, hard disks, or SD cards on Windows 10/8/7? Learn More >>

Method 4: Recover Files Removed by Defender with a Data Recovery Service If you're unable to retrieve your files using the above methods or don't have a backup, consider using a professional data recovery service. These services specialize in restoring lost data, including files deleted by Windows Defender. Please note that this option might involve a fee, and the success of recovery depends on whether the files have been overwritten. 1. **Choose a Data Recovery Service**: Look for a reputable data recovery company, such as Stellar Data Recovery or tools Data Recovery Wizard. 2. **Download and Install Software**: Visit the official website of the chosen service, download, and install the data recovery software. 3. **Run the Software**: Launch the program and follow the wizard's instructions. Typically, the software will scan your hard drive to locate deleted or lost files. 4. **Scanning Process**: Select a scanning mode (quick scan or deep scan) and then choose the disk where Defender removed the files to start the scan. 5. **Preview and Recover Files**: After the scan is complete, the software will display the found files. Preview these files and select the ones you want to recover. 6. **Save the Recovered Files**: Save the recovered files to a secure location, preferably a different hard drive or external storage device, to avoid overwriting any other lost data. Keep in mind that data recovery isn't always guaranteed, so regularly backing up important files is crucial.

None of the above working for you? Too difficult? Don't worry! There's one ultimate solution that requires no computer expertise. Data recovery tools make it easier, and you can chat with professional data recovery experts online anytime. Click the link below to start a chat now!

Of course, more can and should be done.

Hard Drive Repair Service

Contact our experts for a free evaluation now.

Consult with our Data Recovery Specialists for one-on-one manual recovery services. After a free diagnosis, we offer the following services:

• Repair damaged RAID structures, unbootable Windows OS, and corrupted virtual disk files
• Recover/repair lost partitions and reformatted drives
• Unformat hard drives and fix RAW drives (including Bitlocker encrypted drives)
• Repair disks converted to GPT protected partitions

How to prevent Windows Defender from automatically deleting files

After learning how to recover files deleted by Windows Defender, you might want to disable Windows Defender to prevent such issues. Actually, you can adjust the settings to prevent Windows Defender from automatically deleting files.

Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: Go to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.

Step 2 Scroll down and click on “Virus & threat protection settings,” then click on “Manage settings.”

Figure 2: Manage settings

Step 3. Scroll down and click on “Add or remove exclusions.” From there, you can add some important files/folders to prevent Windows Defender from deleting files on Windows 11.

If you found these recovery strategies and prevention tips helpful, please share this article on social media to help other readers!

Conclusions

While using the Windows operating system, files can get automatically deleted due to various reasons. Whatever the reason for your loss or whatever file you've lost, the Data Recovery Wizard tool can help you get them back. Download this advanced data recovery tool now!

Frequently Asked Questions about Windows Defender File Recovery

Here are some additional questions about recovering files deleted by Windows Defender:

< strong > 1. Where do files go that are deleted by Windows Defender?

These files don't go to the Recycle Bin; you can find files that Windows Defender has deleted in the “Quarantine” folder. You can check this folder for deleted files: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Quarantined.

2. Does Windows Defender automatically delete files?

Yes, Windows Defender automatically removes files. When scanning for malware and viruses, it deletes suspicious files and folders from your computer to protect the safety of your other data.

How can I recover files deleted by Windows Defender?

We propose several remedies in this piece.

• Utilize a Data Recovery Wizard tool
• Recover from the Isolated Folder in Windows Settings
• Use CMD to recover from the Isolation Folder
• Contact a Data Recovery Service