2024 Tip: How to Prevent Windows 11 from Automatically Removing Files

Windows 11 Automatically Deleting .exe Files

"Microsoft, what are you doing with your Windows OS? How can you exploit your customers in this manner, and why on earth would you decide to delete files without informing the user?" - from Microsoft Community

The majority of Windows 11 users have a limited understanding of how their operating system functions. However, they are all too familiar with the annoyance of crucial files and folders vanishing without explanation. If you've experienced this issue with your documents, images, or other essential data on your computer, there's a solution to prevent it from recurring: learning how to stop Windows 11 from automatically deleting files. This blog post will walk you through the necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of your vital data.

First Aid: Recover Automatically Deleted Files in Windows 11

Before addressing the issue of Windows 11 deleting files without prompting, first attempt to recover deleted files in Windows 11. There are numerous methods to recover deleted files, and using a reliable data recovery tool is the most efficient way to restore lost data. I recommend tools Data Recovery Wizard.

Download this data recovery software to restore Windows 11 data from any device.

Step 1. Choose a location and begin scanning

Launch the Data Recovery Wizard tool, hover over the partition or drive where the deleted files were originally stored. Click on "Scan" to locate the lost files.

Step 2. Select the files you wish to recover

Once the scan is complete, select the deleted files you wish to recover. You can click on the filter to display only the specific file types you're interested in. If you recall the file name, you can also utilize the "Search files or folders" box, which is the quickest way to locate the target file.

Step 3. Preview and recover deleted files

Preview the recoverable files. Next, select the files you wish to restore and click "Recover" to save them to a new storage location, rather than the disk where the data was originally lost.

5 Ways to Prevent Windows 11 from Automatically Deleting Files

Can a computer delete files on its own? Yes, it is possible for a computer to delete files without the user's knowledge or consent. Several factors can lead to this issue, including: 1. Malware or Virus Infection: Malicious software, such as viruses or trojans, can automatically delete files as part of their destructive behavior or to hide their presence. 2. Software Glitches: Sometimes, a software program with an error or bug might accidentally delete files during its operation. 3. System Maintenance Tools: Automated cleaning tools, like the Windows Disk Cleanup utility, can remove temporary or unnecessary files, potentially including important data if not configured correctly. 4. Incorrect Settings:误操作或不正确的设置可能导致自动删除文件。例如,如果Windows的“还原点”设置被调整,它可能会删除旧的系统文件。 5. Operating System Issues: Corrupted system files or updates gone wrong can result in unintended file deletion. 6. User Accidents: Users may unintentionally delete files themselves, especially if they have enabled settings like "Shift + Delete" to bypass the Recycle Bin. 7. Hardware Failure: A failing hard drive or other storage device could cause data loss, including file deletion. To prevent unintended file deletion, it's crucial to maintain up-to-date antivirus protection, regularly back up important data, and be cautious when using system maintenance tools or installing new software.

• The antivirus identifies the EXE file as a virus.
• You are using a Windows Defender with incorrect settings or a temporary user account.
• There is an issue with your system files, or they have become corrupted.
• Your storage is full, and the computer is set to automatically clean the Downloads folder.

Now that you're aware of the reasons, follow the solutions below to prevent Windows 11 from automatically deleting files.

1. Run CHKDSK
2. Run CHKDSK Alternative
3. Stop Windows Defender
4. Disable Storage Sense
5. Show Hidden Files

Method 1: Check for Corrupted System Files with CHKDSK

Corrupted system files might be the culprit. Hence, you can repair these corrupted files to prevent Windows 11 from deleting files without permission.

Step 1. Press the Windows key, and type 'cmd' in the search box.

Step 2. Right-click on "Command Prompt" and choose "Run as administrator."

Step 3. The command prompt should open. Type in the following command and press Enter.

chkdsk [drive letter]: /f /r /x This command translates to: Check Disk [drive letter]: with the options to fix errors (/f), scan for and recover lost data (/r), and force dismount the volume before checking (/x)

Replace "drive letter" with the specific name of the target drive, and then wait for the process to reach 100%.

Method 2: Use CHKDSK Alternative to Repair Corrupted Files

If you prefer not to use the Command Prompt, you can resort to a file system repair tool. CleanGenius is a tool that can optimize your system and fix file system errors with just a few simple clicks.

Download the tool CleanGenius and install it on your computer. Let's begin checking and rectifying the file system error on your device.

Step 1. Click "File Showing" to proceed to the next step.

Step 2. Select the target device and check the box for "Check and fix file system errors." Click "Execute" to begin repairing the problematic device.

Step 3. When the repair process finishes, click "here" to open and use your device.

Method 3: Prevent Windows Defender from Automatically Deleting Files

Windows Defender and other antivirus programs might also delete your files without prompting. Therefore, you can attempt to prevent Windows Defender from automatically deleting files.

Step 1. Open "Windows Defender > Virus & threat protection."

Step 2. Click on "Virus & threat protection" settings.

Step 3. Scroll down to "Exclusions" and click "Add or remove exclusions".

Step 4. Click the "+" plus icon to add exclusions that you do not want Windows Defender to delete or remove, such as (.exe files and .dll files).

Next, save all the changes you've made in Windows 11.

Method 4: Disable Storage Sense to Prevent Windows 11 from Automatically Deleting Files

When you activate Storage Sense, your Windows 11/10 system will automatically remove unneeded files when your computer's storage is running low. Consequently, if you wish to prevent Windows 11 from automatically deleting files, you can disable Storage Sense.

Step 1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

Step 2. Go to System and choose Storage.

Step 3. Click on the Toggle Switch to disable Storage Sense.

Method 5: Display Hidden Files in Windows 11 to Resolve the Error

Your files might be concealed on your hard drive in Windows 11. To address the issue of Windows 11 deleting files without prompt, you can attempt to display hidden files.

Step 1. Open the folder that has the hidden files.

Step 2. Go to "View" and select "Show Hidden Items".

Conclusion

Before attempting to prevent Windows 11 from deleting files, first recover deleted Windows 11 files. Utilize the Data Recovery Wizard tool to retrieve lost data in Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7. Download this tool to restore your missing files. Once you've recovered your files, you can then stop Windows 11 from automatically deleting them using the methods mentioned above.

FAQs: Windows 11 Automatically Deleted My Files

To receive further assistance, please read the frequently asked questions and answers provided below.

1. Why does Windows 10 keep deleting my files?

There are several reasons why your Windows 10 might automatically delete files. Some of these reasons include: 1. **Disk Cleanup Tool**: Windows 10 has a built-in utility called "Disk Cleanup" that helps free up disk space by removing temporary files, system files, and other unnecessary data. If you've run this tool, it may have deleted certain files. 2. **Windows Update**: During the process of installing updates, Windows might temporarily delete files to create space for new ones. In some cases, these files may not be restored after the update is complete. 3. **File History**: If File History is enabled and set to automatically back up your files, it might delete older versions to make room for newer ones. 4. **Malware or Virus**: Malicious software can cause unexpected behavior, including deleting files without your knowledge. 5. **Accidental Deletion**: You or another user might have accidentally deleted files through the Recycle Bin or using a command like `del` in the Command Prompt. 6. **Settings or Policies**: Certain system settings or group policies could be configured to automatically remove files after a specific period or under specific conditions. 7. **System Restore or Reset**: Performing a System Restore or resetting your PC to its default state can result in the deletion of user files, especially if the option to keep personal files is not selected. 8. **Third-Party Cleaning Tools**: Applications like CCleaner, designed to optimize system performance, can also inadvertently delete files if not configured properly. If you've experienced unexpected file deletion, it's crucial to identify the root cause to prevent it from happening again in the future. Regularly backing up important files is always a good practice to ensure their safety.

1. Storage Sense is enabled
2. Your mouse drivers are defective
3. A shortcut virus is present
4. Files are hidden in Windows 10

2. How do I modify the delete settings in Windows 10?

Follow these steps to modify the deletion settings in Windows 10:

1. On the desktop, go to the Recycle Bin folder 2. Right-click on the Recycle Bin folder 3. Click on the Properties option 4. Select the Display delete confirmation dialog option 5. Press the Apply button to continue

3. Why are my files getting permanently deleted? This could happen due to several reasons: 1. **Accidental Deletion**: You might have mistakenly clicked on the "Delete" button or selected files for permanent deletion. 2. **Recycle Bin Emptying**: If you've emptied the Recycle Bin, files that were in it will be permanently removed from your system. 3. **Software Glitch**: A software issue or bug might cause files to be deleted without your knowledge. 4. **Malware or Virus Attack**: Malicious software can delete files as part of its harmful activities. 5. **Disk Cleanup**: Using the built-in disk cleanup tool might permanently remove files you didn't intend to delete. 6. **File Overwrite**: If you save new data to a location where a deleted file previously existed, the old file may be overwritten and lost forever. 7. **Format or Reinstall**: Formatting a drive or reinstalling an operating system wipes all files without backup. To prevent future loss, always maintain regular backups and use antivirus software. If you've just deleted important files, you may still be able to recover them using data recovery software, provided they haven't been overwritten yet.

If your files have been permanently deleted, the possible reasons are as follows:

• You pressed the Shift + Delete shortcut
• You have emptied the Recycling Bin
• You have formatted your hard drive