How to Recover Deleted Files from Citrix Desktop | 3 Ways

Can you Recover Deleted Files from Citrix Desktop

Accidentally deleting important files is one of the most common nightmares for anyone who uses a digital system. If you’re using Citrix Desktop, the worry becomes even more complicated. While Citrix Desktop provides a virtualized environment, human error (like pressing the wrong button or accidentally deleting) or a system crash can lead to lost files.

But don’t worry - there are ways to recover deleted files from Citrix Desktop. Whether you’ve lost a document, spreadsheet, or other important file, this guide will walk you through 3 feasible methods that will have you recovering your data in no time.

How Files Are Stored in Citrix Desktop

Before we begin exploring recovery methods, it’s important to understand how Citrix Desktop handles files. Citrix uses virtual machines (VMs) to create virtual desktop environments.

The files you work with may not always be stored locally on your machine, but rather on the server that hosts your virtual workspace. This makes the recovery process slightly different than traditional desktop recovery, as it may involve additional servers or Citrix-specific tools.

How to Recover Deleted Files from Citrix Desktop

Let’s move on to 3 practical ways to help you recover deleted files from Citrix Desktop.

Way 1. Recover Deleted Files from Citrix's Recycle Bin

One of the easiest methods to recover deleted files from Citrix Desktop is by checking the Recycle Bin. This applies especially if you haven’t permanently deleted the files (i.e., you haven’t used the "Shift + Delete" combination).

How to Access the Recycle Bin in Citrix Desktop:

Step 1. Open your Citrix session and log into your virtual desktop as usual. Look for the Recycle Bin icon, which should be visible either on the desktop or within the virtual desktop environment itself.

Step 2. Right-click on the Recycle Bin and select Open to view all deleted files. Browse through the deleted files, right-click on the file you want to recover, and choose Restore. The file will be returned to its original location.

Way 1. Recover Deleted Files from Citrix Desktop with MyRecover

If the files not in the Recycle Bin and you don't have Citrix File and Folder Backup, third-party data recovery tools like MyRecover can help you scan and  recover deleted files from Citrix Desktop. These programs are designed to scan your system and recover files that have been deleted, even from virtual environments.

Key features of MyRecover:

🍕 Whether your Citrix Desktop files loss due to accidental deletion, formatted disk, virus infection, partition loss, or system crash, MyRecover can help.
🍕 Advanced scanning: MyRecover uses advanced algorithms to locate files that have been deleted but not overwritten, increasing the chances of recovery. 
🍕 Search, filter specific files or folders, and preview them to ensure that you have selected the right files for recovery.
🍕 Recover 1000+ file types, including DOC/XLSX/PDF/PPT documents, JPG/PNG/TIF photos, MP4/MOV/AVI videos, archive, emails, etc.
🍕 Compatible with all Windows OS, including Windows 7, 8/8.1, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012, etc.

🔥 The MyRecover allows you to recover deleted files, up to 500MB for free. So, try to download and install MyRecover on your Citrix Desktop now.

Step 1. Run MyRecover and scan the drive

Ensure you download the version compatible with the virtualized environment. Hover over the drive where your deleted files were located and click Scan to continue.

Step 2. Preview found files

Quick Scan and Deep Scan will find all your lost or deleted save files. MyRecover will search for files that have been deleted but are still recoverable.

Step 3. Recover the files

Select the files and click Recover X Files. Please save the recovered file to a different location from the original.

Way 3. Recover Deleted Files Using Citrix's Rollback Features

Citrix also has features for creating snapshots of virtual desktops. These snapshots are essentially save points that preserve the state of your system at a particular moment. If you frequently use Citrix with snapshots enabled, you might be able to recover deleted files by rolling back to a snapshot that contains the file.

How to Use Citrix Snapshot to Recover Deleted Files from Citrix Desktop:

Step 1. Access your Citrix Desktop environment as you normally would by logging into Citrix Workspace. 

Step 2. If your Citrix environment supports snapshots, you should find the snapshot feature within your Citrix Admin Console or through the Citrix management software. 

Step 3. Look for a snapshot taken before the file deletion occurred. You’ll need to identify the snapshot that contains the version of your desktop before the file was lost. 

Step 4. Select the relevant snapshot and initiate the Rollback process. This will restore your virtual desktop to its previous state, bringing back any files that existed at the time of the snapshot.

Conclusion

So, how to recover deleted files from Citrix Desktop? As you’ve learned from the above methods, there are several ways to recover your files, from checking the Recycle Bin to third-party tools like MyRecover and using snapshots. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your IT administrator for help if needed, and always remember to keep backups of critical files to avoid future headaches. Here, you can try this free and reliable backup software for Windows like AOMEI Backupper Standard. 

FAQs on Citrix Files Recovery

1. Can I recover deleted files from Citrix Desktop without backup?

Yes, it’s possible to recover deleted files from Citrix Desktop without a backup by using recovery tools like MyRecover, which can scan for deleted files that haven’t been overwritten.

2. How long do files stay in the Citrix Recycle Bin?

Files typically stay in the Citrix Recycle Bin until it’s manually emptied or until the system is set to automatically clear it. It’s a good idea to check the Recycle Bin as soon as you realize a file is missing.

3. What if I don’t have access to snapshots?

If you don’t have access to snapshots, try using the Citrix backup system or a third-party recovery tool like MyRecover to recover your files.

4. Can I recover files from Citrix if they were permanently deleted?

Yes, in many cases data recovery software like MyRecover can recover permanently deleted files, it will scan your system for files that can still be recovered.

5. How can I avoid losing files in the future on Citrix Desktop?

To avoid data loss, regularly back up important files, use Citrix's built-in file recovery features, and ensure your virtual desktop environment has snapshot and backup systems in place.