How to Recover Deleted Files from a USB Drive

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

USB DriveFile RecoveryData ManagementStorageBackupSettingsComputersWindowsMacDevices

USB drives are convenient for storing files, transferring data between devices, and creating backups. However, accidental deletion of files from USB drives is a common problem. Fortunately, there are ways to recover deleted files from USB drives. This guide explains these methods in detail.

Understanding file deletion

When a file is deleted from a USB drive, the file is not immediately erased permanently. Instead, the space occupied by the file is marked as available for new data. The file's data remains on the drive until new data overwrites it. This means that we have a chance to recover deleted files until new data overwrites them.

Precautions before attempting recovery

Before attempting to recover deleted files, follow these precautions:

• Avoid using the USB drive until recovery is attempted. This helps prevent deleted files from overwriting new data.
• Make sure the USB drive is safely ejected from the computer to avoid data corruption.
• Use recovery software from a trusted source to ensure the safety and integrity of your data.

Ways to recover deleted files from a USB drive

There are several ways to recover deleted files from a USB drive:

• Using file recovery software
• Using the command prompt
• Using a backup

Method 1: Using file recovery software

File recovery software can scan the USB drive for deleted files and help recover them. Here are the steps to recover files using a popular recovery software called Recuva:

1. Download and install Recuva from its official website.
2. Launch Recuva and choose the type of files you want to recover (e.g., images, documents, etc.)
3. Choose the location to scan: Select "At a specific location" and choose your USB drive.
4. Click "Start" to begin scanning the USB drive for deleted files.
5. After the scan is complete, Recuva will display a list of deleted files. You can confirm which files you want to recover by previewing these files.
6. Select the files you want to recover and click "Recover". Choose a different location (not on the USB drive) to save the recovered files.

Other popular file recovery software include EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Disk Drill, and Stellar Data Recovery. The steps to use these software are similar to Recuva.

Method 2: Using command prompt

You can also use the Command Prompt on a Windows computer to recover deleted files. Here's how:

1. Connect the USB drive to your computer.
2. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box. Type cmd and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type chkdsk X: /f and press Enter. Replace X with the drive letter of your USB drive.
4. Type ATTRIB -H -R -S /S /DX:\*.* and press Enter. Replace X with the drive letter of your USB drive. This command will apply to all files and directories on the USB drive.
5. After the process is complete, check your USB drive to see if the deleted files have been recovered or not.

Method 3: Using a backup

If you have a backup of your files, you can recover deleted files from the backup. Here's how you can restore files from a backup:

Windows backup

1. Connect your USB drive to the computer.
2. Go to the Control Panel and select "System and Security."
3. Click "Backup and Restore."
4. Click "Restore my files" and follow the instructions to restore files from your backup.

File history (Windows 10)

1. Connect your USB drive to the computer.
2. Go to the Control Panel and select "File History."
3. Click "Restore personal files" to open the File History window.
4. Browse the backup and select the files you want to restore. Click the "Restore" button to recover the selected files.

Mac OS Time Machine

1. Connect your USB drive to your Mac.
2. Open Time Machine from the Time Machine menu on the menu bar.
3. Use the timeline on the side of the screen to find the backup date your files existed on.
4. Select the files or folders you want to recover and click "Restore". The files will be restored to their original location.

Tips to prevent data loss

Although it is possible to recover deleted files, taking preventive measures can help you avoid the hassle of file recovery. Here are some tips to prevent data loss:

• Back up your files regularly to an external drive or cloud storage.
• Use reliable antivirus software to protect your USB drive from malware and viruses.
• Safely eject your USB drive from the computer to avoid data corruption.
• Avoid using the same USB drive to store important files for a long time. USB drives can wear out over time.

Conclusion

It is possible to recover deleted files from a USB drive using recovery software, command prompt, or backup. Acting quickly and carefully can increase the chances of successful recovery. Always remember to backup your important data and take preventive measures to avoid data loss in the future.

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