If documents disappear from a Windows computer in the UK, check ordinary recovery options before installing another program. The Recycle Bin, application recovery copies and existing backups may contain a usable version. If deletion is confirmed, reducing further activity on the source is more useful than choosing software by a success-rate headline.
Protect the Windows source before downloading
If the missing files were on the running system drive, downloads, updates and normal application activity can write to that same device. Use another computer or a prepared recovery setup where practical; do not install a recovery tool onto the affected storage simply because it is convenient.
Separate local files from cloud placeholders. A missing synchronised document may be available in the service’s recycle bin or version history, while a placeholder that was never downloaded may not contain local file data to recover. For work documents, use a destination permitted by your organisation rather than copying them to an unrelated personal account.
Evaluate XRecovery before exporting everything
XRecovery 3.1.6 runs on Windows and can scan partitions, disks and external devices that Windows recognises. The ordinary scan starts with a quick scan and then proceeds automatically to a deep scan. Preview is available for some mainstream file formats; it is not a complete compatibility test for every result.
The confirmed free recovery allowance is 2GB in total. Use it to check representative files before deciding whether more recovery is worthwhile. File names, thumbnails and scan counts alone are not proof of complete recovery.
Scan, save and verify
- Preserve the source and prepare a different physical device for recovered files. Check backups first, and avoid formatting or repair writes while the missing files are needed.
- Select the intended source by its capacity and identity. Stop if it becomes unstable; scanning software cannot fix physical damage.
- Review available results and previews. Save selected files to the separate destination, then open them with their usual applications and check the important contents.
XRecovery scanning is read-only, but exporting writes data to the destination. Its default warning against saving to the scanned partition can be overridden, so keep the destination separate yourself. No software can guarantee recovery of data that is no longer readable.
Can software restore every file deleted with Shift+Delete?
No. Recovery depends on what data remains readable. Overwriting and storage behaviour can make deleted content unavailable; bypassing the Recycle Bin is not a promise of recoverability.
Before choosing a download or licence
Use the official product information to check the current package, requirements and terms. For users in the UK, also check that the available interface and support arrangements fit your needs; this article does not establish a separate local edition or local service coverage.