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Ctrl+Z Windows Explorer

Anonymous
2023-01-22T18:38:59+00:00

Windows Explorer and Undo and Redo commands permanently deleted important files without prompting the user.

WINDOWS 11 N PRO

I have a folder (let's call it "current") unto which I have a program automatically dumping files.

I moved the original files named (a1, a2, a3,..) into a "old" folder.

Had the program generate new (a1, a2, a3,...) files into the "current" folder. (This took about 8h to render)

Once the new files were generated, while working on another software I accidently pressed Ctrl+Z while the folder was active.

The old files in "old" were moved back into "current", replacing the freshly generated files (without prompting the user with the usual (replace, ignore function)).

Cancelling "Ctrl+Z" simply moves the old files back into "old", leaving my "current" folder empty.

In the end, all my work has been completely lost, as it was replaced by the previous iteration instead of being deleted. (as such it is not present in the recycling bin)

This is to put it bluntly an asinine implementation of these commands.

Is there a way to recover my lost files?

Is there a way to disable this feature?

This is completely unacceptable.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-01-24T08:37:18+00:00

    Hi JPedroGuerra，

    Welcome to Microsoft Community.

    Unfortunately, there is currently no way to disable the Ctrl+Z shortcut individually.

    However, you can use the Powertoys tool to replace the original function of Ctrl+Z with some other key combination that you don't normally use so that you can press Ctrl+Z without undoing the undo.

    Here's how to do it:

    Open the Microsoft Store, search for Powertoys, and download and install the app.

    And then I'll open it up and click on the Keyboard Manager on the left.

    Click on Remap a shortcut under Shortcuts to go to the next page.

    You can set it like this, changing the Ctrl+Z mapping to Ctrl+/.

    Since Ctrl+/ does not have a corresponding shortcut in File Explorer, pressing Ctrl+Z will have no effect.

    *This application is developed by Microsoft and is currently being tested. You can use it at ease. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to tell me at any time.

    Best Regards,

    Manson - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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