How to Recover Deleted exe Files in Windows?

Executable files (.exe) are the core of any software program in Windows. If you accidentally deleted an exe file, your program may stop working or fail to open. The good news is—there are ways to bring it back. In this guide, you’ll learn what happens if you delete an exe file and the different methods to recover deleted exe files safely.

Real User Concern

Many users have reported cases where Windows seems to automatically delete .exe files after updates or due to built-in security features like Windows Defender.

Here’s an example from a Microsoft forum where a user was frustrated because even trusted apps like Microsoft Teams and Steam were being deleted:

This shows that sometimes the issue isn’t you deleting the file—it could be Windows mistaking certain .exe files as harmful and removing them.

Tip: If you face this issue, check your Windows Security (Virus & threat protection → Protection history). You may find quarantined .exe files there and can restore them if safe.

How to Recover Deleted .exe Files in Windows? (Manual Methods)

1. Check the Recycle Bin

Most of the time, deleted files go here first.

1. Open the Recycle Bin.
2. Search for your .exe file.
3. Right-click >> Restore.

2. Use File History or Backup

If you had File History or Backup turned on:

1. Go to the folder where the exe was saved.
2. Right-click >> Restore previous versions.
3. Select the file version and restore.

 

3. Restore Previous Versions

Even without backup, Windows sometimes keeps shadow copies.

1. Right-click the folder >> Properties >> Previous Versions tab.
2. Pick a version and restore the exe.

4. Reinstall the Program

If recovery fails, reinstalling the software is often the fastest fix. Most installers replace all missing .exe files automatically.

When Manual Methods Don’t Work

If the file was permanently deleted (Shift + Delete, emptied Recycle Bin, or removed by antivirus), manual steps may not be enough.

In that case, you’ll need a data recovery tool that can scan your hard drive and recover deleted exe files.

How to Recover Permanently Deleted .exe files Quickly?

If your .exe file was permanently deleted, manual steps may not be enough. At this stage, Advik Data Recovery Software is the best option. can restore files even after permanent deletion, as long as the data isn’t overwritten.

 

Why Use Recovery Software?

• Deep Scan: Recovery software scans your hard drive for traces of deleted files that are not visible in File Explorer.
• Supports Permanently Deleted Files: Unlike Recycle Bin or backups, these tools can restore files even after permanent deletion.
• Works on Different Storage Devices: You can recover .exe files not only from your PC but also from USB drives, external hard drives, or memory cards.
• Preview Option: Many tools allow you to preview files before restoring, so you only recover what you need.

Steps to Recover Deleted .exe Files in Windows

Step 1. Launch the software and select recovery mode.

Step 2. Next, choose the drive or folder to scan.

Step 3. Run a quick or deep scan to search for lost .exe files.

Step 4.Preview the results, select your missing .exe, and restore it to a safe location.

Step 5. Click Save to restore deleted exe files.

Important Note

If the deleted .exe belongs to a program, sometimes reinstalling the application is faster than recovering the single file. However, recovery tools are extremely useful when:

• You lost a custom .exe file (like a compiled project).
• You don’t have the installer of the program anymore.
• The exe was part of system or third-party software that’s hard to reinstall.

Final Words

Deleting an .exe file can stop a program from running, but recovery is often possible. Start with the Recycle Bin and backup options. If nothing works, reinstall the program or use the mentioned data recovery tool as the last option.

By following these steps, you can easily recover deleted exe files and avoid future headaches.