[5 Methods] How to Recover Deleted Files from a USB Flash Drive?

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USB flash drives are widely used for storing and transferring important files due to their portability and convenience. However, data loss can occur for various reasons. If you've lost valuable files from your USB flash drive, do not loose hope. This article will help you explore different methods to recover deleted files from your USB flash drives and prevent future data loss.

Losing files from any storage device can be frustrating, especially if they contain essential documents, photos, or work-related data. While it may seem like the files are gone forever, there are several ways to recover them - provided you act quickly and avoid overwriting the lost data.

Primary Causes of File Deletion from a USB Flash Drive

• Unintentional Deletion: You may have unintentionally deleted files.
• Formatting: Formatting erases all stored data, but recovery may still be possible.
• Corruption: File system errors, malware attacks, or unsafe ejection can lead to corrupted or lost data.
• Hardware Failure: USB flash drives may become physically damaged, making data recovery more challenging.

Methods to Recover Deleted Files from a USB Flash Drive

Stop using the USB flash drive, then choose a method to get the deleted files back.

Method 1. Recover Deleted USB Flash Drive Files from Recycle Bin or Trash

If you deleted the files while your USB was connected to a Windows or macOS computer, they might be in the Recycle Bin or Trash.

For Windows:

• On your desktop, open the Recycle Bin.
• Search for the files that were erased.
• To restore the file to its original location on the USB, right-click on it and choose Restore.

For macOS:

• Click Trash icon on Dock, open Trash.
• Find the deleted files.
• Right-click the wanted files, choose Put Back to recover them.

Method 2. Restore Deleted Files from USB Flash Drive via Previous Versions or Time Machine Backups

Windows has a built-in feature called File History that allows you to recover previous versions of files.

• Perform a right-click on the folder containing the removed files.
• Choose to restore earlier iterations.
• If available, select the version before the deletion and click Restore.

💡 Note: This method works only if File History was enabled before file deletion.

For macOS, if you have backed up the USB flash drive with Time Machine, you can restore the deleted files via Time Machine backups.

• Go to System Settings > General > Time Machine.
• Open USB flash drive on your Mac.
• Then click Time Machine icon on Apple menu, choose Browse Time Machine Backups.
• Find the deleted files and select them, click Restore.

Method 3. Repair and Unhide Files on the USB Flash Drive

If your USB drive is corrupted, files might be hidden rather than deleted. You can use Command Prompt to restore them.

On Windows:

Using CHKDSK to Fix USB Errors

CHKDSK (Check Disk) scans and repairs file system errors on storage devices.

• Attach your PC to the USB flash drive.
• Launch the Command Prompt in administrator mode.
• Type the command:

  chkdsk X: /f

  (Replace "X" with your USB drive letter.)

• Press Enter and wait for the process to complete.

Using ATTRIB Command to Recover Hidden Files

• Launch the Command Prompt in administrator mode.
• Type the following command:

  attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:\*.*

  (Replace "X" with your USB drive letter.)

• Press Enter and check if the files reappear.

On macOS:

Using First Aid to Repair the USB Flash Drive

• Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility, open Disk Utility.
• Select the USB flash drive, click First Aid.

• Click Run to check errors and fix them.

💡Note: These methods are effective for fixing minor USB corruption but may not restore permanently deleted files.

Method 4. Use Data Recovery Software to Recover Deleted Files from USB Flash Drive

If built-in methods fail, third-party recovery tools can help retrieve deleted files. Donemax Data Recovery is one of the best USB flash drive data recovery programs. It supports to recover deleted, formatted and inaccessible files from HDDs, SSDs, USB flash drives, memory cards, etc.

It supports to recover deleted files from a USB flash drive on Windows and macOS and it also can repair damaged USB flash drive on your computer.

Step 1. Download and install Donemax Data Recovery on your computer, then connect the USB flash drive to the computer.

Step 2. Open Donemax Data Recovery, just select the USB flash drive to start data recovery.

Step 3. Click on Scan button to deeply scan the USB flash drive and find all recoverable files including the deleted files.

Step 4. Once the scan is completed, you can preview all found files. Then select the wanted files, click on Recover button to save them.

If the USB flash drive gets corrupted, just choose Disk Manager. Then select the USB flash drive, click on Repair button to repair it.

Method 5. Try Professional Data Recovery Services (If Software Fails)

While software-based recovery solutions work in most cases, there are situations where they may not be enough. If your USB flash drive is physically damaged or unrecognized by your computer, expert data recovery services may be your best option. These specialized services use advanced techniques to recover lost data from damaged or failing storage devices.

When to Consider Professional Data Recovery Services:

If you experience any of the following issues, you may need expert help:

1. Physical Damage – Your USB flash drive may be broken, bent, or cracked, making it unreadable by regular computers.
2. Water or Liquid Damage – If the USB drive has been exposed to water, it may have short-circuited, affecting data accessibility.
3. Not Recognized by Computer – If your computer doesn't detect the USB at all, the internal components may be failing.
4. Repeated Error Messages – If you get error messages like "USB device not recognized" or "Insert a disk into USB drive," the file system may be severely corrupted.
5. Failed DIY Recovery Attempts – If software-based recovery tools cannot retrieve your files, professional recovery may be the only solution.

How Professional Data Recovery Services Work:

Professional recovery services follow a structured approach:

1. Diagnosis & Assessment – Experts examine the USB drive to determine the type and extent of damage.
2. Quotation & Approval – After diagnosis, they provide a cost estimate.
3. Data Extraction & Recovery – Using specialized hardware and software, they retrieve lost files from the damaged drive.
4. Data Delivery – Recovered files are usually returned on a new USB drive or sent via cloud storage.

Best Professional Data Recovery Services:

If you decide to go with a professional service, choose a reputable provider with high success rates and strong customer reviews. Here are some trusted options:

1. Ontrack Data Recovery – One of the most well-known recovery services with worldwide locations.
2. DriveSavers – Offers emergency recovery for critical data loss situations.
3. Secure Data Recovery – Provides free evaluations and a "No Data, No Charge" policy.
4. Gillware Data Recovery – Known for affordable pricing and high success rates.

Precautions When Choosing a Recovery Service:

• Check Customer Reviews – Ensure the service has positive feedback and a good reputation.
• Avoid Suspiciously Cheap Offers – Some services promise ultra-low prices but may not be reliable.
• Look for a Free Evaluation – A reputable service should diagnose your USB drive before charging a fee.
• Verify Security Policies – If you have sensitive data, choose a service that ensures confidentiality.

When Professional Recovery Might Not Work:

While professional data recovery services can handle most cases, there are situations where data may be unrecoverable:

• If the USB memory chip is completely fried or burned beyond repair.
• If the drive has suffered extreme physical damage (e.g., shattered into multiple pieces).
• If data has been securely overwritten multiple times.

By considering professional data recovery services, you can improve your chances of retrieving important files, especially when DIY methods fail. However, it's crucial to act quickly and choose a reputable service to maximize your chances of success.

Prevent Future Data Loss on the USB Flash Drive

To avoid future data loss, follow these best practices:

▪️ Regular Backups

• Use cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox) for important files.
• Keep multiple backups on different devices.

▪️ Use Reliable USB Flash Drives

• Buy from trusted brands like SanDisk, Kingston, or Samsung.
• Avoid cheap, unbranded flash drives that have a higher failure rate.

▪️ Safely Eject the USB Drive

• Always use the "Safely Remove Hardware" option before unplugging.
• Avoid removing the USB during file transfers.

▪️ Scan for Malware Regularly

• Make use of third-party antivirus software or Windows Defender.
• Run a USB scan before opening files, especially on shared computers.

Conclusion

Recovering deleted files from a USB flash drive is possible with the right approach. Start with basic recovery options like checking the Recycle Bin and using built-in Windows tools. If that fails, use Command Prompt methods or try data recovery software like Donemax Data Recovery. For serious cases, professional data recovery services can help retrieve lost files.

To avoid future data loss, make regular backups, use high-quality USB drives, and follow best practices for safe usage. Acting quickly increases the chances of successful file recovery - so don't delay when you notice data loss.

FAQs About Recovering Deleted Files from USB Flash Drive

1. How to recover permanently deleted files from a USB flash drive?

Data recovery software - Donemax Data Recovery can help you recover permanently deleted files from your USB flash drive:

• Download and install Donemax Data Recovery on your computer.
• Open Donemax Data Recovery, select the USB flash drive.
• Click on Scan button to deeply scan the USB flash drive and find the deleted files.
• Preview and recover the deleted files after scanning.

2. What is the best software for deleted file recovery on a USB flash drive?

Here is the list of top 5 data recovery software which can recover deleted files from a USB flash drive:

• Donemax Data Recovery
• Recuva
• Do Your Data Recovery
• Magoshare Data Recovery
• MiniTool Data Recovery

3. How to prevent deleted file recovery on a USB flash drive?

If you are going to sell or donate your USB flash drive, you can use disk wipe software to securely wipe the USB flash drive. All data stored on the USB flash drive will be lost for good, can't be recovered by any method.

4. Is it possible to recover files from a corrupted USB flash drive?

Donemax Data Recovery can help you recover inaccessible or lost files from a corrupted USB flash drive. The deep scan mode will find all recoverable files. Then you can select the wanted files, click on Recover button to save them.