USB flash drives are mobile storage devices that are often used for work and leisure purposes. They are used to back up important data and transfer files between different devices. If you cannot find your important files on your USB flash drive, then the following are some of the possible causes:
- ❌ Sudden deletion of directories or files from your USB flash drive without backup.
- &️ Unexpectedly formatting the USB flash drive and forgetting to back up your files.
- & Accidental removal of USB flash drive during a file transfer.
- & A virus attack has caused all files that were stored on the drive to disappear.
- ⛔ The USB flash drive refuses access, requires reformatting, or some other reason has led to the data loss.
These are the common reasons for data loss on USB flash drives. The question that arises: Can I recover deleted files from a USB flash drive? Don't worry – in this article we will show some ways to get them back. Continue reading!
Recover deleted files on USB flash drive with data recovery software
If you accidentally deleted files from your USB flash drive, you cannot easily retrieve them from the Recycle Bin on your computer. But they are lost forever? No, because when you delete files from your USB flash drive, they are marked as deleted and hidden by the system, waiting to be overwritten by new data. So if there are no rewritten files, the deleted data will remain on the USB flash drive, and this will give us a chance to recover the deleted files.
To help you eliminate this hassle, you should use reliable software that you can trust for this task. As an example, iBeesoft data recovery software is used all over the world to recover deleted files from USB flash drives on Windows 7/10/11 and on the Mac. This advanced tool provides quick recovery of deleted data from USB flash drive after malware attack, accidental deletion, formatting or other causes. In short, iBeesoft data recovery software takes only seconds to fix the problem.
Pros: The software can quickly recover files from a hard drive, USB drive, memory card and other storage media. USB data recovery software can also repair partially damaged files. There are versions for both Windows and Mac available. Disadvantages: So far, no disadvantages have been found with this software.
To permanently recover deleted files from a USB drive in Windows 11/10/7, follow these steps:
- Download, install and launch the iBeesoft data recovery software. Click the "Go to Settings" button to deselect the unwanted file types. You can also skip this step if you need to find multiple types of files at the same time.
- Under the "External Devices" option, you can see all your removable devices connected to your computer. Select the target drive and click the "Scan" icon to extract the deleted files from your USB flash drive.
- After the scanning process of your USB flash drive is finished, you can take a look at the lost files. Then select the files you want and click the "Recover" icon to save them to your PC or other drives.
Tip: If you can't find all your lost files on the USB flash drive or you can't open them, please go to the "More lost files" and "Tags" directories and check them out. You can also use this step to recover deleted files from USB flash drive on Mac.
Recover deleted files from USB flash drive without software
Can you recover a deleted file from a USB drive without software? There are a few methods to perform this task, most of which require a few prerequisites to be met. But let us try it out first.
Method 1. Use keyboard shortcuts to undo the deletion of data from the USB flash drive
Generally speaking, yes, you need to connect the USB flash drive to the computer first before you can edit, copy, delete and more with the backed up files. Therefore, if you accidentally deleted a file on the USB drive, you can press CTRL + Z to undo this action. This method is simple: just press this key combination a few times in a row until all your deleted files are restored back to the USB drive.
Advantages: The easiest way to recover deleted files from USB drive Disadvantages: This method is only suitable for immediate use. After deleting the files, not many other actions must have been performed.
Method 2. Recovering deleted files from a USB stick using the command line
CMD, also known as command line, is part of every Windows installation. The command "attrib" can be used here to remove the write protection or the hidden attribute of a file. Therefore, you can use this method to recover deleted files using CMD.
Advantages: Provides comprehensive control over the operating system Eliminates the need to use third-party software The simple command-line interface lends itself to quick troubleshooting Disadvantages: You must be very savvy with the syntax and attentive while typing the commands. The command line will not work even if you make only small errors.
Follow the step-by-step guide below to recover your deleted files from the USB flash drive using the "attrib" command.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the "Run" dialog.
- Type "CMD" and press the Enter key to open the command line.
- In the command line that opens, type: chkdsk : /f, followed by Enter.
- Type the following command: attrib-H -R -S /S /D :*.*, followed by Enter.
After proper execution you can access your files in a new directory on your USB drive. Be sure to change the file extensions before using the files with other applications.
Method 3. Check for backup copies in other places
The primary function of a USB flash drive is to store important files that you can use anywhere and anytime. Usually these files are copied from our computers. So, if we want to avoid data loss, we should check if there might be other storage devices that have copies of the data, provided, of course, that the device has not been removed after the transfer ended. So if you find that your USB drive has been accidentally erased, you may be able to remember what other devices/directories etc. have been copied to. you have otherwise backed up data from it.
Pros: A way to recover deleted files from a USB flash drive Disadvantage: The data in the copy may not be completely up-to-date
Method 4. Recovering deleted files using a previous version
This feature is available in versions 7, 8, 10 and 11 of the Windows operating system. You can recover deleted files from a USB drive using the "Previous versions" option without the help of any other tools. This feature is available only if you have enabled this option before deleting the files.
Advantages: Ease of use Additional commercial software is not needed Disadvantages: Lack of accuracy The method does not work after you delete your file version history.
To recover your lost data from your USB flash drive, follow the steps below.
- Connect your USB flash drive to your device.
- Go to "This PC" to access the Start menu.
- Right click on the icon for the USB flash drive and select "properties".
- Click on the "Previous Versions" tab and check out the entire list of recovery options. Select one of the previous versions and click "Recover" button.
If you don't see previous versions, then this free method to recover deleted files from a USB flash drive won't help you. In such a case, you should proceed with iBeesoft data recovery software to get guaranteed results.
Have USB flash drive recovered by a data recovery service
Assume that all the methods shown above have failed. You could now also look for a data recovery service in your area that can help you. These services specialize in data recovery, data/database repair, database decryption and more. You have laboratories with a class 10 clean room, magnetic heads, advanced equipment such as locators, electronic magnifiers and other equipment. Even if your USB flash drive is physically damaged, these service providers can still recover files from it using open disk technology.
Pros: Can solve almost all known problems related to data loss. Disadvantages: Expensive and time-consuming When using these services, there is a risk of revealing personal information
How to protect your files on a USB flash drive
Accidentally deleting a directory or file is common among many PC users. However, it can lead to extreme stress as the user searches for various ways to recover the deleted files on the USB flash drive. For example, it can be very frustrating to have copies of important audio files or photos stored on your USB flash drive.
Some precautions you should always practice for this case to minimize the probability of data loss on your USB flash drive. These would be something like:
- & Make regular backups of your data – you should follow this rule with any type of storage device. You could otherwise get into trouble if you don't have backups of your important files right now.
- &️ Store your USB flash drives carefully – A USB flash drive is susceptible to physical damage and can break easily, for example, making it difficult to recover your data. So if you're worried about your data, that also means being careful with your devices.
- & Check regularly for virus or malware attacks – a virus can mean the complete loss of your files. However, if you have antivirus software on your system, it will help you reduce the likelihood of corrupted files from viruses or malware.
How to repair a broken USB flash drive to avoid data loss
The USB flash drive may be damaged after a long period of time when it has not been used or has been used improperly. This may result in it no longer being able to be opened or not being displayed on the computer. You can now try the following methods to repair the USB flash drive and get back the files stored on it.
- & Repair USB flash drives that deny access or need to be formatted to be used. Start the command line as administrator and enter: chkdsk : /f.
- & Repair USB flash drives that do not show up in the PC: Open Disk Management, select USB and right click and finally select "Change drive letter and path" and choose a free drive letter for it.
- & Repair USB drives that cannot be copied. – Right click on the drive icon and then select "properties". Click on 'Tools' in the window and then click on the "Check" button.
- & Repair drives that cannot store files larger than 4 GB by running CMD as administrator and typing: "convert :/fs: NTFS".
- & Unlock USB password protection – open the settings, select "BitLocker Drive Encryption", and then click "Unlock Drive" in the "Drive Encryption" window. After entering the password in the window that opens, click on 'Unlock'.
Conclusion
The loss of data on a USB flash drive can cause considerable stress. Thus, it is crucial to perform adequate steps to reduce the risk of being affected by data loss, but finding a trustworthy method that promises the hundred percent protection of your files is tricky.
You may need to recover files from USB flash drives due to situations beyond your control. Professional "Undelete" or " Unformat USB flash drive" tools, such as iBeesoft data recovery software, provide top-notch service to make your recovery process a success. Therefore, stop using your USB flash drive as soon as you notice any data loss and instead let iBeesoft work for you to retrieve your files again.
Frequently asked questions
Q1. Where do the deleted USB files end up??
Normally, all deleted files are immediately deleted from your USB flash drive and not placed in the recycle bin as usual.
Q2. Can files on a USB stick be restored?
You can recover data by making a backup copy. If you don't have one, then you can also use iBeesoft data recovery software that will help you with it. It has no limitations and can quickly restore your files from your USB stick after you have deleted or formatted them.
Q3. Is it easy to recover permanently deleted files from USB flash drive without any software?
- Assume that 'F' is the drive letter of your USB flash drive.
- Right click on the directory that contains the deleted files and select "previous versions".
- Under the "Previous Versions" tab in the window that opens, select the version you want from the file version history, and then click "Recover".
If this variant does not work, you can also try iBeesoft USB recovery software.
Q4. How to recover pictures from a USB flash drive?
You can try it by using CMD or by using the previous version. If both options do not work for you, rely on iBeesoft data recovery software to help you recover photos from your USB flash drive on a Mac or Windows PC.
Q5. Can I recover files from formatted USB flash drive?
Whether deleted or formatted, the files are marked as deleted and hidden on the USB flash drive. For this reason you can also recover them using data recovery software. Among them, iBeesoft data recovery software is your best choice. It can recover USB flash drives and repair corrupted data.
Q6. How to recover deleted files from USB drive for free?
- Connect USB flash drive to your computer
- Download and open the iBeesoft free data recovery software
- Select your USB flash drive and then go to "Scan"
- Go to the "Deleted files" directory and check the found data.
- Select them to save them.
Q7. Which is the best data recovery software for USB flash drives?
- iBeesoft data recovery software
- TestDisk
- Disk Drill
- Stellar data recovery
- R-Studio
- Recuva
- Wondershare Data Recovery
- EaseUS Data Recovery