Ctrl+Z Deleted My Files, How to Recover

I cut and pasted some photos to a folder that I created on the desktop. Then I deleted a few of those photos. Later, by using ctrl+z, I replaced those photos back there. But what happened was, by pressing ctrl+z, it deleted that whole folder with all of the photos in it. But again, pressing ctrl+z replaced the folder back to the desktop, but all the data that was on that folder was gone, and ctrl+z won't work anymore. I checked the original position where I copied them, and they were not there either. How do I recover a deleted file from Ctrl Z? Any help will be appreciated.

from Microsoft

A very useful tool that makes work much easier is the Windows shortcut, and what we use the most are "Ctrl+C", "Ctrl+X", "Ctrl+V" and "Ctrl+Z". The former three shortcuts are about "copy, cut and paste" that we frequently employ, while the last one is about "undo changes".

By pressing Ctrl+Z keys simultaneously, we can undo our previous actions or restore other data files we're working on. However, it's not a master key. Like the scenario tells, some users have lost files by mistakenly pressing Ctrl+Z and are asking ways to recover deleted files from hard drive. Don't worry. On this page, we will show you two effective methods about how to recover Ctrl z files. Read on and get details. 

🔙Recover Undo Files and Folders Windows 10 This method is suitable for users who have accidentally deleted files or folders using the "Undo" option and want to recover them without using any third-party software.
🗑️Recover Ctrl+Z Files from Recycle Bin When files are deleted using the Ctrl+Z keyboard shortcut, they are typically moved to the Recycle Bin. This method involves accessing the Recycle Bin and restoring the deleted files from there.
🔮Recover Ctrl+Z Files via Recovery Software This method is suitable for scenarios where files deleted using Ctrl+Z are not found in the Recycle Bin or have been permanently deleted. It provides a more advanced and comprehensive solution to recover the files.

How to Recover Undo Files and Folders Windows 10

If you fail to undo the deletion by pressing Ctrl + Z keys on keyboards, you can right-click in the folder and select the 'Undo delete' option.

Step 1. Open the File Explorer. Find and locate the folder that used to contain the deleted file.

Step 2. Right-click on the folder and select "Undo delete".

how to recover undo files Windows 10

Step 3. Then this will ideallyrestore deleted files just like Ctrl + Z would. 

How to Recover Ctrl Z Files from Recycle Bin

Occasionally, files accidentally deleted from your computer can be found in the Recycle Bin. Any computer user may easily learn how to recover deleted files from Recycle Bin. The steps are listed below.

  • The "Recycle Bin" can be accessed from your desktop.
  • To recover any mistakenly deleted files or folders, look for them.
  • Right-click on the file you want to choose.
  • Select "Restore" from the drop-down menu to restore the deleted files.

Alternatively, you can choose "Restore selected items" from the navigation menu after choosing the necessary files and folders.

Before learn the best way about how to recover folder after Ctrl+z, don't forget to mark this passage by sharing it on Facebook, Twitter, or SNS.

 

How to Recover Files Lost by Ctrl+Z with File Recovery Software

If the above way doesn't work, don't be discouraged. You still have a great chance to recover Windows 10 Ctrl+Z deleted files by using competent data recovery software. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard enables you to easily restore accidentally deleted files from a hard drive, SSD, USB flash drive, SD card, external hard drive, and more with a few clicks.

 Download for Win Recovery Rate 99.7%
 Download for Mac Trustpilot Rating 4.7

Key features of EaseUS file recovery software:

  • Recover photos, videos, documents, emails, and other 1000+ file types
  • Recover formatted hard drives, RAW drive, lost partition, OS crash, emptied Recycle Bin, etc.
  • Repair corrupted files automatically after the data recovery
  • Support data recovery on Windows 11/10/8/7 and Windows Server 2019/2016/2012/2008/2003

Download this data recovery software to recover Ctrl+Z deleted folders and files with step-by-step guides.

Step 1. Select a location and start scanning

Launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, hover on the partition/drive where the deleted files were stored. Click "Scan" to find lost files.

select a location where you deleted files

Step 2. Select the files you want to recover

When the scanning has finished, select the deleted files you want to recover. You can click on the filter to display only the file types you want. If you remember the file name, you can also search in the "Search files or folders" box, which is the fastest way to find the target file. 

Choose recoverable files

Step 3. Preview and recover deleted files

Preview the recoverable files. Then, select files you want to restore and click "Recover" to store the files at a new storage locations instead of the disk where the data was previously lost.

Recover deleted files

Conclusion

Ctrl+z deleted folder is a regular issue. It might also frustrate you. Fortunately, there are numerous methods for recovering these kinds of Windows Ctrl Z lost files. When you are diligent and maintain track of your files, the Ctrl Z deleted file recovery procedure goes more smoothly. 

FAQs About How to Recover Ctrl Z Files

The Ctrl shortcut keys on Windows bring users huge conveniences. When used in combination with other keys, it can perform many useful functions, as mentioned at the beginning of the article. Let's talk a little bit more about Ctrl+Z here.

1. What Does Ctrl+Z Do in File Explorer?

Pressing the Ctrl+Z key combination can restore the last thing you clicked, typed, or changed to its previous state. It's faster than clicking the Edit > Undo feature! If you accidentally delete a file in Windows Explorer or File Explorer, pressing Ctrl+Z can recover the deleted files instantly without having to open the Recycle Bin.

2. What Happens if You Press Ctrl+Z?

Like what was said before, pressing Ctrl+Z can undo the last actions you made. Ctrl+Z also works in many situations where the Undo option isn't available.

3. How Do I Recover a Deleted File from Ctrl+Z?

You can use the two approaches in this article to recover a deleted file from Ctrl+Z. The best way to recover deleted files in Windows 10 is to use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for help.

4. How to Recover Files Lost by Ctrl+Z on Mac?

Recover lost files from Ctrl+Z, accidental deletion, hard drive formatting, OS crash, virus attack, or other causes; you can use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac for help. It supports photo recovery, video recovery, document recovery, backup recovery, and more. 

Was This Page Helpful?

Updated by Jaden

Jaden is one of the editors of EaseUS who lives and works in Chengdu, China. She focuses on topics concerning PCs and Mac data recovery. Jaden is committed to enhancing professional IT knowledge and writing abilities. She is always keen on new and intelligent products.

Read full bio

Written by Jean

Jean is recognized as one of the most professional writers in EaseUS. She has kept improving her writing skills over the past 10 years and helped millions of her readers solve their tech problems on PC, Mac, and iOS devices.

Read full bio