Deleted files come back on Windows 10 [Technician Fix]

by Matthew Adams

Windows & Software Expert

Last update:March 15, 2021

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Some users have posted on forums about deleted files re-emerging in Windows 10. Consequently, users can’t erase some files that keep reappearing in Windows 10 no matter how many times they try.

One user reported the problem on the Microsoft Answers forum:

For some reason when I delete some of my files they insist on reappearing – generally audio files that I have ripped and then deleted but sometimes other files as well.

There are also users who claimed that a folder keeps reappearing after deletion in Windows 10. Learn how to delete persistent files with the instructions below.

What can I do if deleted files keep reappearing?

1. Fix a corrupted Recycle Bin

1. Type cmd in the search tab and click on Run as administrator to open Control Panel with elevated permissions.
2. Enter the following command and press Enter to run it as shown below: rd /s /q C:$Recycle.bin
3. Close the Command Prompt’s window and restart the desktop or laptop.

This command line will help empty the Recycle Bin and fix it so check if the issue still persists.

If you still have problems with Recycle Bin we have an excellent list with the best Recycle Bin cleaners for Windows 10.

2. Uninstall third-party cloud storage or turn off cloud syncing

1. Open the Run console with the Windows key + R hotkey.
2. Then input appwiz.cpl and click OK to open Programs and Features.
3. Select the cloud storage app listed within the uninstaller.
4. Click the Uninstall button and select the Yes option to confirm.
5. Thereafter, restart Windows after uninstalling the cloud sync software.

Deleted files reappearing in Windows can also be due to third-party cloud syncing apps. Thus, uninstalling cloud sync software might resolve the issue.

3. Enable the Prevent Roaming Profiles

1. Open the Run accessory.
2. Then open Group Policy by entering gpmc.msc in the box and click OK.
3. Then click Computer Configuration, Policies, Administrative Templates, System, and User Profiles on the left of the window.
4. Then double-click Prevent Roaming Profile changes on the right of the Group Policy Editor window.
5. Select the Enabled radio button.
6. Select the Apply option.
7. Press OK to close the window.

Windows Server users who utilize RemoteApp and Remote Desktop Services have said that they’ve fixed deleted files reappearing by enabling Prevent Roaming Profiles on the RDS server.

Your roaming profile was not completely synchronized? Fix the problem quickly!

4. Delete files using specialized software

Instead of deleting with the usual Windows options, try erasing files that reappear with third-party file deletion software.

Dedicated, file shredding software enables users to delete selected files and folders more thoroughly. So, files might not reappear after they’re deleted with that software.

When Windows 10 deletes a file, it doesn’t actually delete it, but only marks the space that was taken by the file as free. File shredding software gets rid of the file for good.

Easy File Shredder

Easy File Shredder will definitely make sure that when you delete a file or a folder, it disappears forever.

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Those are a few resolutions that might ensure files don’t reappear after they’re deleted. There are also deleted shortcuts that keep reappearing in Windows 10 but our solutions should work for them too.

It might also be worth running a few scans with Windows Defender or third-party antivirus utilities.

If you know any other possible solutions, share them in the comments section below.

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