How to Manage Deleted Files on Windows and Android

Accidentally deleting files can be a frustrating experience, especially when you need them the next day. Fortunately, "deleted" files are often not fully wiped from your system, and if they’re backed up to cloud storage services, there are ways to recover them. However, if you’re selling or giving away a system, it’s crucial to ensure your files are completely and permanently deleted. Here’s how you can manage deleted files on Windows (and OneDrive) and Android (and Google Drive).

Deleted Files on Windows

When you delete a file in File Explorer using the Delete key, it goes to the Recycle Bin, a feature that has been part of Windows since Windows 95.

Finding the Recycle Bin:

1. Desktop Shortcut: Look for the Recycle Bin shortcut on your desktop. If it’s not there, right-click on a blank part of the desktop, then choose Personalize > Themes > Desktop icon settings.

2. File Explorer: You should also see a Recycle Bin shortcut in the left-hand navigation pane of File Explorer. If not, right-click at the bottom of the pane and choose Show all folders.

3. Search Bar: You can also access the Recycle Bin by searching for it via the search bar on the taskbar or the address bar in any File Explorer window.

Managing Files in the Recycle Bin:

• Empty the Recycle Bin: Click Empty Recycle Bin on the top toolbar to delete everything stored in it.

• Restore All Items: Click Restore all items to recover everything in the Recycle Bin.

• Restore Selected Items: Select one or more files and click Restore the selected items or right-click and select Restore.

By default, deleted files stay in the Recycle Bin for 30 days before Windows permanently erases them. To change this:

1. Open Settings, then pick System > Storage > Storage Sense.

2. Make sure Automatic User content cleanup is toggled on.

3. Adjust the setting Delete files in my recycle bin if they have been there for over... using the drop-down menu, with options of 1 day, 14 days, 30 days, 60 days, or Never.

For permanently deleting files without sending them to the Recycle Bin, select the file in File Explorer and press Shift + Delete. Confirm the warning to erase the file permanently.

OneDrive’s Recycle Bin

OneDrive, the cloud storage service integrated with Windows, has its own Recycle Bin. You can access it by opening OneDrive on the web or by clicking the cloud icon in the lower-left corner of your taskbar.

Managing Files in OneDrive’s Recycle Bin:

• Click Recycle bin to find files deleted in the last 30 days.

• Select individual files to see the Delete or Restore options at the top.

• Click Empty recycle bin to erase everything permanently or Restore all items to bring them back to your PC.

Files deleted from OneDrive sync to both the local PC and the cloud, so they can be restored from either location. However, the Recycle Bin in the cloud and the Recycle Bin in Windows are not synced, so you might find files still available in one location after being erased from the other.

Deleted Files on Android

On Android, apps often manage file deletion and restoration themselves. For example, Google Photos keeps deleted photos and videos in the Trash for 30 days if stored locally and 60 days if synced to the cloud.

Managing Deleted Photos in Google Photos:

1. Open Google Photos and tap Library, then Trash to see recently deleted files.

2. From there, you can permanently delete or restore files.

The same Trash folder is accessible in Google Photos on the web.

Using Files by Google App:

The Files by Google app, the default file manager on Android, lists deleted items. Tap the three horizontal lines (top left), then Trash to find files. Select a file to see Restore and Delete options.

Samsung Phones:

For Samsung devices, use the Samsung Gallery app or the My Files app.

• In Samsung Gallery, tap the three horizontal lines (bottom right) and then Recycle bin.

• In My Files, tap the Recycle bin link on the front screen.

Files are kept for 30 days in both apps before being permanently deleted.

Deleting Google Drive Files

For apps synced with Google Drive and the Google Drive app itself, deleted files are kept for 30 days.

Managing Deleted Files in Google Drive:

1. Open Google Drive on the web and click the Trash link in the navigation pane on the left.

2. Sort files by type or date, and select files to see options to Restore or Permanently delete them.

By understanding these processes, you can better manage your deleted files, whether you need to recover something important or ensure your data is completely erased before handing over your device.

Stay tuned to Kushal Bharat Tech News for more tips and guides on managing your tech life!

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