Recovery depends on the chosen action, Windows Recycle Bin configuration, filesystem and backup state. There is no guaranteed universal undo for every deletion method.
What to know before you begin
Recovery depends on the chosen action, Windows Recycle Bin configuration, filesystem and backup state. There is no guaranteed universal undo for every deletion method. The project offers several scanning modes and the current version may place controls differently in Krokiet versus the older GTK GUI. Follow the meaning of the option you see, not just a screenshot from a different release.
For Windows, verify that your chosen folder is accessible and that the correct graphical frontend is running. The recommended approach starts with a small test set, especially when an action could rename, move, delete or link files.
Step-by-step: Can I undo accidental duplicate deletion?
- Stop writing new data to the affected drive if permanent deletion occurred.
- Check the Recycle Bin and any application's restore functionality.
- Check OneDrive or another cloud provider's version history when relevant.
- Restore from an external backup or snapshot when available.
Important limitation
How to verify the result
Verify recovered files with actual opening tests and checksums. A scan's estimated savings or the presence of a matching group does not by itself establish which copy should be discarded.
If the procedure does not match your screen, inspect the project's own FAQ and troubleshooting notes and identify the exact release and frontend first.
FAQ
Can I undo accidental duplicate deletion?
Recovery depends on the chosen action, Windows Recycle Bin configuration, filesystem and backup state. There is no guaranteed universal undo for every deletion method.
What is the biggest risk for this task?
Avoid promising recovery from SSDs after permanent deletion because TRIM can prevent it.
How do I check whether it worked?
Verify recovered files with actual opening tests and checksums.
Related Windows guides
- Czkawka Safe Cleanup Checklist for Windows
- Does Czkawka Delete to the Recycle Bin?
- Measure Actual Disk Space Recovered with Czkawka
- Run a Read-Only Duplicate Scan on Windows
Editorial notes reviewed: November 1, 2026. Version-specific facts are based on the developer's release and FAQ. This guide is educational; it is not a guarantee about a third-party download.
Try Czkawka on Windows
Check the asset name and keep a backup before running a file cleanup operation.
See our download and safety instructions first.