All the files in my Downloads folder disappeared, how do I recover them?

Question

All the files in my Downloads folder disappeared but the folders are still there. I checked that it says "Never(Default)" under Storage Sense:Delete unused files in Downloads folder. The files are not showing up in my Recycle Bin because, in my Recents section, I can still see the files with the path to my Downloads folder but when I try to open it, it says 'Page can not be reached'. I have tried ticking the 'Show Hidden Items' option and I have also used recovery tools such as Recuva but it couldn't find my files. Any other suggestions would be helpful. Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi Manas,

Thanks for your post. Based on my research, when your downloaded files keep missing, you should pay attention to the following situations:

• If the downloaded files are blocked and removed by Windows Security or third-party anti-virus software
• If you have hidden the downloaded files
• If your computer is attacked by a virus or malware
• If you have deleted the downloaded files by mistake
• If you have run command chkdsk before, it will empty the downloads folder.

To verify the detailed information for the narrow down ways, please see:Files in the Downloads Folder Keep Disappearing! Fix It Now - MiniTool

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it. Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Ian Xue

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