Do deleted files keep showing up on Windows 11? Well, yes, this sounds horrifyingly bizarre. And this issue needs your immediate attention. In this post, we have listed a variety of workarounds that you can use for resolving this glitch.
There may be several reasons why the files and folders are re-appearing on your Windows PC. Here are the possible causes:
- The files were not permanently deleted and are still present on the hard drive.
- The deleted files are being automatically restored from a backup.
- Corrupt or faulty Recycle Bin.
- Restricted folder authorization permissions.
- OneDrive sync errors.
- Corrupt system files.
- Presence of virus or malware on your device.
Also read: How to Recover Deleted Files on Windows 11
Deleted Files Keep Coming Back? Try These Solutions!
Here are some advanced troubleshooting methods that you can try if the files and folders keep re-appearing on your device.
Solution 1: Fix the Faulty Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin on Windows allows you to recover accidentally deleted files. As we are all aware, whenever we delete a file, it is first moved to the Recycle Bin and then permanently erased when you empty the folder. It is a crucial component of the Windows OS but if it has become corrupt due to some reason, your files and folders may keep showing up again. Here’s how you can fix a faulty Recycle Bin on Windows 11.
Step 1: Tap on the search icon placed on the Taskbar, type “Command Prompt” and then select the “Run as administrator” option to launch the app in admin mode.
Step 2: In the Terminal window, type the following command to repair the Recycle Bin app:
rd /s /q C:\$Recycle. Bin
Step 3: Once you execute this command, Windows will delete the Recycle Bin for the C: drive and recreate it.
Also read: How To Recover Deleted Files From Recycle Bin After Empty
Solution 2: Run an SFC Scan
The System File Checker (SFC) is an in-built utility in Microsoft Windows that allows users to scan for and restore corruptions in Windows system files. The SFC scan checks all protected system files and replaces corrupted files with a cached copy that is located in a compressed folder. Follow these quick steps to run an SFC scan on Windows 11:
Step 1: Launch Command Prompt in admin mode.
sfc/scannow
Step 3: The SFC scan process will take several minutes to complete. Once the scanning process is completed, reboot your device and check if the issue was resolved.
Also read: 6 Ways to Empty the Recycle Bin in Windows 11
Solution 3: Change File Authorization Permissions
Step 1: Launch the File Explorer app and then right-click on the file that keeps showing up after deleting.
Step 2: Select “Properties”. In the Properties window, switch to the “Security” tab.
Step 3: Tap on the “Advanced” button.
Step 4: Select the “Change” option placed next to the “Owner”.
Step 5: Under the “Enter the object name to select” textbox, enter “Everyone”.
Step 6: Hit on the OK button to save changes.
Step 7: Head back to the Properties window again, switch to the “Security” tab, and select “Edit”. Step 8: Under the “Permission for System” section, check on all the boxes to ALLOW permissions.
Here’s how you can change the authorization permission settings for any file or folder on Windows. If you are facing any issues in deleting a specific file, changing the permission settings can help you fix this issue within no time. In this way, you can ensure that deleted files won’t show up again on your Windows PC.
Solution 4: Run a Quick Virus Scan
Step 1: Tap on the search icon placed on the Taskbar, type “Windows Security” and hit Enter to launch the app.
Step 2: Under “Virus & threat protection,” click on “Scan options”.
Step 3: Select “Quick scan” and then click “Scan now.”
The quick scan will begin and may take several minutes to complete. Once the scan is complete, the app will display the results and indicate if any threats were found and removed.
Conclusion
This wraps up our guide on how to fix the “Deleted files keep showing up” issue on Windows 11. If any of your files or folder are constantly re-appearing on your device, you can use any of the above-listed resolutions to fix this glitch. You can also use a third-party antivirus tool to run a thorough scan of your device in case severe malware attacks are infecting your system.
If you have any more questions or need any further assistance on this issue, feel free to reach out!