Deleted file
File type: Backup file
A .deleted file is a file retained after deletion, usually as part of a backup or recovery process.
It is not a separate standardized format. The suffix marks a file that may be restorable rather than identifying the file's original contents.
File type category:
Backup file
Date updated: October 12, 2026
The deleted file extension is used by some programs to label files that were deleted but retained for backup or recovery purposes.
A .deleted file usually represents the original file with its former extension replaced by .deleted. In other cases, the .deleted suffix is appended after the original extension, such as when the original filename is preserved.
The suffix is therefore a software-specific deletion marker, not an indication of a particular file format or operating system. Its contents and original format depend on the file from which it was created.
A .deleted file is normally restored by removing or renaming the .deleted suffix. If the suffix was appended to the original extension, remove only the .deleted part.
After restoration, open the file with the program associated with its original extension. If that extension is unknown, the program that created the backup or deletion record may be able to restore it.
A .deleted file cannot be meaningfully converted as a format of its own. Restore the original filename and extension first.
Once restored, the file can be converted or exported using software that supports its original format.
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