How to Recover Deleted Files from the Download Folder (2 Methods)

"Recently, I emptied the 'Downloads' folder on my Windows 10 computer and then emptied the Recycle Bin. Later, I realized that there were many useful files in the folder. Unfortunately, when I emptied the Recycle Bin, all the downloaded files were permanently gone. I'm wondering if it's possible to recover deleted files from the 'Downloads' folder in Windows 10? Many thanks!"

2 Ways to Recover Files from Download Folder in Windows 10/8/7

The "Downloads" folder is the default location where all downloaded files and apps are stored in Windows. However, due to certain reasons like corruption/formatted C drive, accidental deletion by users, deletion of antivirus software, etc., the data within the "Downloads" folder may get deleted. Therefore, questions like "Is there any way to recover deleted 'Downloads' folder and get back the deleted files?" or "How can I recover deleted files from my 'Downloads' folder?" have become quite common. Here, we will show you two effective ways to restore files from the "Downloads" folder in Windows 10/8/7. Keep reading to learn more.

Part 1: How to Use a File Recovery Software to Restore Deleted Files

Try the most effective method – first, use the Data Recovery Wizard Pro tool to recover deleted files from the “Downloads” folder. This top-rated data recovery tool allows you to recover deleted or even permanently deleted files and folders with high recovery rates from hard drives, external hard drives, USB flash drives, thumb drives, SD cards, CF cards, and more.

Aside from deleted file recovery, the Data Recovery Wizard tool also supports formatted hard drive recovery, lost partition recovery, system crash recovery, Recycle Bin recovery, and RAW partition recovery, etc. Now, download this green and reliable data recovery app to restore your deleted files from the "Downloads" folder on Windows 10/8/7.

Step 1: Select the folder where you lost your files

Launch the EasyRecovery Wizard. Under “Select Location,” click “Select Folder.” Click “Browse” to choose the location of the missing folder, then click “OK” to scan for lost folders.

Step 2. Look for the missing folder and preview the found files

If you can remember the name of the folder, type it in the search box to quickly locate the missing file. Then, open the found folder and double-click to preview the scanned files. Alternatively, you can use the Filter feature to look for a specific type of file.

Select the files to recover

Step 3: Restore and Save the Lost Folders

Finally, select the folders and files you need and click “Recover” to save the retrieved data to a new secure location on your computer.

Part 2: How to recover a file from a backup or earlier version

If you can't find the Downloads folder on your PC, or you accidentally deleted files from it, you might be able to restore it using a backup (if you use Windows Backup) or previous versions.

Restore deleted files from a backup

Connect the media device or drive where the backup is saved to your computer. Click the "Start" button, and search for "Control Panel." Select "System and Maintenance," then choose "Backup and Restore." Click "Recover my files," and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Recover deleted files from an earlier version

"Previous versions" are copies of files and folders that Windows automatically saves with restore points. They can help you restore deleted files and folders to a previous state.

1. Right-click on the logical drive/folder that previously contained the "Downloads" folder. 2. Click "Restore previous versions" to list all available previous versions of the files and folders. 3. Before restoring a previous version of the file or folder, select it and click "Open" to view it, ensuring it's the version you want. Then, click "Restore" to recover the deleted file.