Solve Deleted Files Keep Reappearing in Windows 10

If I delete a file on my desktop, it will go inside the Recycle Bin as usual. But when I open a full screen program, the file will reappear on the desktop again.

https://answers.microsoft.com/

Deleting files can free up computer storage space and effectively improve computer performance. But do you also encounter the problem that deleted files keep reappearing like the user above? Do not worry, this is a common failure. In this article from MiniTool, you will learn about the causes of this problem and get several effective solutions.

Why Deleted Files Keep Reappearing in Windows 10

It is very important to understand the reasons why deleted files keep reappearing. Because for different reasons, we will need to use different solutions. Here are some common reasons:

• The Recycle Bin is damaged.
• Computer is attacked by virus.
• There is malware on the computer.
• You used a cloud storage service tool, such as OneDrive, and enabled the automatic data synchronization function.

Solutions to Fix Deleted Files Keep Reappearing in Windows 10

There are some solutions to fix the issue that deleted files reappear. Please choose an appropriate solution based on the actual cause of the problem. If you can’t confirm the specific reason, you can also try them all.

Method 1: Fix the Recycle Bin

The easiest way to repair the Recycle Bin is to use the command. Here are the specific steps:

Step 1: Search for Command Prompt in the search box, right-click it and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Select Yes on the Windows Command Processor page that appears.

Step 3: Type rd /s /q C:\$Recycle.bin in the window and click Enter (It is suggested that you copy this command code).

Step 4: Wait for the command to finish and restart the computer.

How to Fix Recycle Bin Is Grayed Out & Recover Data

This article talks about how to fix the “Recycle Bin is grayed out” issue and how to recover lost or deleted files other than from the Recycle Bin.

Read More

Method 2: Uninstall Malware and Disinfect the Computer

If your computer is attacked by a virus or malware is installed on the computer, you can use third-party software to completely uninstall the malware. And then you can choose a piece of antivirus software like Windows Defender to disinfect the computer to fix the issue that deleted files keep coming back.

For detailed guidance on this solution, please refer to:

• Best and Free Malware Removal Tools for Windows and Mac
• The Different Types of Malware and Useful Tips to Avoid Them

Method 3: Turn off Syncing of Cloud Storage Devices

The most likely reason for the reappearance of deleted files is that the synchronization function of the cloud storage service tool is turned on. We can turn off this service through the following steps (if you do not plan to use this tool to back up your data, you can also uninstall it directly).

Let’s take OneDrive for example:

Step 1: Click the OneDrive icon in the lower right corner of the desktop.

Step 2: Select the Settings and Help icon and click Settings.

Step 3: Under the Account section, select Choose folders.

Step 4: Uncheck the folders that you do not want to be available in OneDrive and click OK.

Recommended article: How to Disable or Remove OneDrive in Windows 10

Method 4: Use Software to Wipe the Partition

In addition to the above three methods, you can also use software to wipe the partition where the file is located to fix the issue that deleted files keep coming back. MiniTool Partition Wizard is the best choice. Because this tool has a function called Wipe Partition which can permanently delete files in a partition, and the files cannot be recovered again.

Please refer to this article for specific steps to use this function of MiniTool Partition Wizard and other methods for permanently deleting files: 6 Effective and Reliable Methods to Delete Files Permanently.

Fix Windows Deleting Files Automatically & Recover Data

This post explains how to stop Windows 10 from deleting files automatically and recover deleted data.

Read More

Bottom Line

I believe that through the above introduction, you will no longer worry about the problem that deleted files reappear on your computer. In addition, MiniTool News Center has been updating various computer-related problems. If you have any IT-related confusion, you can check the solutions on this website.