Windows 10: Everything got deleted by Windows Defender and gone forever

So I downloaded a file to desktop, and Defender decided that was a threat and quarantined it. At that moment, everything that was saved on my desktop disappeared but I can still access them through recent files from Word/Excel. Defender offered 2 options, remove or restore. As I looked over the report, it showed me that the only affected file was the one I downloaded. Out of panic, I chose remove. Guess what? Now I can't open any of the files that I was able to few seconds ago. What do I do now? I've tried Windows file recovery and other recovery software but nothing works for me. It's not e

:)

 

Why did the startup window get cleared?

I didn't missed any step, the list was gone and gone , even after using lot of programs the programs were not listed in that list.

 

All files on Downloads folder gone after updating windows defender

Hi,

I understand the inconvenience caused to you. We will help you to resolve the issue.

I suggest you to follow the below steps to recover the deleted files in Windows Defender and check if it helps.

• In the search box type as ‘Windows Defender’ and click on it.
• Under the tab ‘History’ select the option ‘Quarantined items’.
• Click on ‘View Details’ and check if any files are available.
• If the files are present then click on the file and click on ‘Restore’.

Please get back to us with an update on this issue, we will be happy to assist you further.

Thank you.

 

defender scans

Hi Ian,

Thanks for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

This issue might occur if you have set any task scheduler for Windows Defender.

I suggest you to delete the task for Windows defender and check if it helps.

Follow the below steps:

• 
  Search and open Schedule tasks.
  
• 
  In the left-hand menu, open the Task Scheduler Library, then select
  Microsoft >Windows >Windows Defender.
  
• 
  Double-click Windows Defender Scheduled Scan.
  
• 
  Select the Triggers panel, then select Delete.
  

Hope it helps, reply to us with the status of your issue. We will be happy to assist you.