USB Data Recovery

Recover Deleted Files From Flash Drive With High Success Rate

Lost USB files due to deletion, formatting, virus infection, or other reasons? No worries. Recoverit USB data recovery software and 4 other flash drive recovery methods are here to assist. Discover how to recover files from USB of popular brands such as Kingston, Toshiba, Sandisk, Sony, PNY, etc. Get your data back now!

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What Causes Data Loss on USB/Pen Drive?

Why would your files stored on a USB flash drive get lost? There are several problems that can lead to data loss from the USB drive, such as hardware failures, accidental deletion, formatting errors, and more. Below, we'll explore the common factors that can result in significant data loss on a USB drive, memory stick, pen drive, or flash disk:
damaged usb data recovery

Physical Damage

Physical damage, such as water exposure, heat, or impact can damage the internal components or the storage medium itself, rendering a flash drive or pen drive unreadable.

recover deleted files from flash drive

Accidental Deletion

Accidentally deleting files or folders from a USB drive without having a backup can lead to permanent data loss. Be cautious when deleting files to avoid unintended consequences.

recover formatted usb drive

Formatting Errors

Accidentally formatting your USB drive or encountering format errors can erase all the data stored on it. However, formatting is not instantly irreversible, offering potential for data recovery.

recover virus infected files from usb

Virus or Malware Infections

USB drives can be susceptible to viruses or malware, especially when connected to infected computers. These malicious programs can corrupt files or render them inaccessible.

usb raw file system repair

File System Corruption

File system errors or corruption can occur on a USB drive, making the files unreadable or causing data loss. This can happen due to improper ejection, power outages, or software glitches.

remove flash drive improperly

Improper Ejection

Removing the USB drive abruptly without properly ejecting it from the computer can result in file system errors or data corruption. Always use the "Safely Remove Hardware" option to minimize the risk.

flash drive recovery from power surges

Electrical Issues

Sudden power surges or electrical issues, while the USB flash drive is connected, can damage the drive's circuitry or the files stored on it, leading to data loss or file corruption.

usb partition recovery

Partition Loss

Incompatibility between the USB drive and the device it's connected to can cause data loss or file corruption. This can happen when using an incompatible file system or connecting to an unsupported device.

What To Do When Your Data Got Lost From USB Flash Drive?

When your data is lost from a USB or pen drive, it's important to remember that the lost data is often recoverable. This is because when data is deleted or lost, it is typically not immediately erased from the drive. Instead, the space it occupies is marked as available for new data to be written.
stop using usb with data loss

Stop Using the USB Drive

The first and most crucial step when facing data loss on a flash drive is to stop using the drive immediately. Continued use or saving of new files can overwrite the lost data, making it much harder or even impossible to recover. By ceasing any further use of the drive, you minimize the risk of permanent data loss and increase the chances of successful flash drive data recovery.

Step 1
use usb data recovery software

Use Data Recovery Software

After stopping the use of the USB drive, you can proceed with data recovery methods such as using reliable USB recovery software - Wondershare Recoverit. This software program can scan the drive and retrieve the lost files. Additionally, you can consider utilizing CMD or leveraging the automatic backup feature of Windows to recover deleted files from the USB without software.

Step 2
consult flash drive recovery service

Consult Professional Services

If the data recovery software doesn't provide satisfactory results, it is worth considering professional flash drive recovery services. These experts possess specialized tools and techniques to retrieve data from severely damaged USB drives. However, it's important to note that professional data recovery services can be quite expensive and time-consuming.

Step 3

Which Kinds of USB Recovery Tool Will be Your Option?

Among the multitude of USB recovery tools available, Wondershare Recoverit stands out as the leading choice due to its patented technology and advanced scan and recovery algorithms. This powerful and user-friendly software is designed to address all data loss scenarios concerning removable flash drives. It provides several significant advantages, including:
√ Intuitive interface for easy USB drive data recovery in 3 steps.
√ Support for all USB flash drive brands and types.
√ Support recovering 1000+ file types.
√ Effective handling of 500+ data loss scenarios.
√ Instant file preview and ability to repair corrupted documents and photos during preview.

*Free download to scan and preview your lost or deleted data.

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Let's Check How To Recover Files From USB Drive With Only 3 Steps

To recover files from a USB drive using Wondershare Recoverit, follow the steps below. Before proceeding, ensure that you have downloaded and installed this USB recovery tool on your Windows or Mac PC and connected your flash drive to the computer.

Step 1:Choose the USB drive

Launch Recoverit Flash Drive Recovery on your computer and select the USB drive containing the files you're trying to recover to initiate the process.

Step 2: Scan lost files in the USB drive

The USB recovery software will begin scanning the device to search for your lost or deleted files. You can easily locate a specific file type by using the Filter feature and the Search option. Moreover, you have the flexibility to pause the scanning process at any time once you've found the desired files.

Step 3: Preview and restore your files

After previewing and locating the lost files from your USB drive, select the desired files and click on the Recover button. Then, choose a secure destination to save all the recovered files. It is important to avoid saving the recovered files back to the same USB drive where the data loss occurred.

select the usb flash drive
scan files in usb flash drive
recover files from usb drive

Recover Deleted Files From Any USB Storage Devices

Regardless of the type of USB drive you possess, you can trust our recommended USB recovery solution, Wondershare Recoverit, to restore lost files from any USB drive. It is specifically designed to efficiently and reliably retrieve data from all USB mass storage devices.
Supported USB Devices
recover deleted files from pen drive

Pen drives

recover deleted files from usb flash drive

USB flash drives

external harddrive data recovery

External hard drives

android phone data recovery

Android phone and tablets

recover files from usb-based digital cameras

USB-based digital cameras

recover files from usb-based gaming consoles

USB-based gaming consoles

(e.g. X-box, PlayStation)

recover files from portable ssds

Portable SSDs

recover deleted files from usb-based players

USB-based MP3/MP4 Players

recover files from usb-based camcorders

USB-based camcorders

Supported USB Types
usb type a

USB-A

USB-A

USB-A is the most common and recognizable type of USB connector. It's typically used to connect peripherals like keyboards, mice, printers, and flash drives.

usb type b

USB-B

USB-B

USB-B connectors are less common than USB-A connectors and are typically found on printers, scanners, and larger devices.

mini usb

Mini-USB

Mini-USB

Micro-USB connectors are smaller than USB-A and USB-B connectors. They were widely used in the past for devices like digital cameras, MP3 players, and older smartphones.

micro usb

Micro-USB

Micro-USB

Micro-USB connectors are smaller than USB-A and USB-B connectors. They were widely used in the past for devices like digital cameras, MP3 players, and older smartphones.

usb type c

USB-C

USB-C

USB-C supports faster data transfer speeds and can deliver higher power levels, making it suitable for a wide range of devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and external storage devices.

Recover All File Formats Stored on USB Drives

Wondershare Recoverit is a comprehensive USB data recovery tool capable of retrieving a wide range of file formats. Whether it's documents, file archives, images, videos, or audio files, this software can recover them all. With support for over 1200 file formats, it surpasses the needs of most users and ensures successful recovery in various scenarios.
recover deleted documents from flash drive

Documents

DOC/DOCX (Microsoft Word Document), PDF (Portable Document Format), XLS/XLSX (Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet), PPT/PPTX (Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation), TXT (Plain Text), RTF (Rich Text Format), CSV (Comma-Separated Values), HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), etc.

usb photo recovery

Images

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), PNG (Portable Network Graphics), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), BMP (Bitmap Image File), RAW (Camera RAW Image), PSD (Adobe Photoshop Document), SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), etc.

usb video recovery

Videos

MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14), AVI (Audio Video Interleave), MOV (QuickTime Movie), MKV (Matroska Video), WMV (Windows Media Video), FLV (Flash Video), MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group), 3GP (3GPP Multimedia), etc.

recover audio files from flash drive

Audio Files

MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer III), WAV (Waveform Audio File Format), AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), WMA (Windows Media Audio), FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec), OGG (Ogg Vorbis), AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format), M4A (MPEG-4 Audio Layer), etc.

recover archive files from usb drive

Archives

ZIP (ZIP Archive), RAR (RAR Archive), 7Z (7-Zip Archive), TAR (Tape Archive), GZ (Gzip Compressed Archive), Z2 (Bzip2 Compressed Archive), ISO (Disk Image File), CAB (Cabinet File), etc.

retrieve files from usb

Other Files

PST (Personal Storage Table), EDB (Exchange Database), EML (Email Message File), EMLX (Apple Mail Message File), SQL (Structured Query Language), CAP (Packet Capture File), DB (Database), ASPX (Active Server Page Extended), etc.

Can't see your files listed? Don't worry, Recoverit can retrieve virtually any file type stored on your hard drive.

Comparing the Popular USB Flash Drive Recovery Tools

When it comes to recovering data from USB flash drives, having the right recovery tool can make all the difference. If you're in search of the best USB flash drive recovery software, look no further. This comprehensive comparison will assist you in selecting the most suitable solution for recovering your valuable data from USB drives.
wondershare recoverit
Wondershare
Recoverit
stellar usb data recovery
Stellar Data
Recovery
minitool power data recovery
MiniTool Power
Data Recovery
recuva free usb data recovery
Recuva
testdisk free usb recovery
TestDisk
Star Rating 5 star rating 4 star rating 3 star rating 3 star rating 3 star rating
Modern UI (GLI Tool)
Supported OS Windows, Mac Windows, Mac Windows Windows Windows, Mac, Linux
Supported USB File Systems exFAT, FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, ReFS, HFS+, Encrypted HFS, HFSX, APFS, BTRFS, XFS, BFS, EXT4 exFAT, FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, HFS+, APFS FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, exFAT, VFAT, NTFS, NTFS5 exFAT, FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, EXT2/3/4 FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, HFS, HFS+, HFSX, JFS, BTRFS, XFS, EXT2/3/4
Supported File Types 1000+ 400+ 100+ 50+ 100+
Quick and Deep Scan
File Preview Partial Support
Resume Scanning Process
BitLocker/T2/M1/M2 Encrypted USB Drive Recovery Partial Support
RAW Photo Recovery Partial Support Limited support Limited support Limited support
RAW Video Recovery
Lost Partition Recovery
Document/Photo/Video Repair Partial Support Partial Support
Price Starts at $59.99 Starts at $39.99 Starts at $69.99 Starts at $24.95 Free and open source
Based on the comparison table above,Wondershare Recoverit is the clear winner when it comes to USB data recovery software. With its advanced features, compatibility, and competitive pricing, it's the ideal choice for anyone looking to recover lost data from USB flash drives. Don't hesitate – download Wondershare Recoverit today and experience its powerful capabilities for yourself.

How To Recover Deleted Files From USB Without Software

If you prefer not to install a USB data recovery software application, there are alternative methods available to recover deleted files from a USB drive/USB stick. These methods allow you to retrieve your lost data without relying on additional software.
use cmd to recover deleted files from usb without software
Way 1. Use the Command Prompt (Windows)

If you're familiar with command-line operations, you can recover deleted files from a USB drive using simple commands. This method is especially effective for retrieving data from corrupted USB drives. Follow the step-by-step guide below to use the Command Prompt utility on Windows. By running a specific command, you can initiate a scan on the USB drive and potentially retrieve your lost files.

1. Connect the USB drive to your computer.
2. Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + R, typing "cmd," and pressing Enter.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command: chkdsk X: /f (replace X with the drive letter assigned to the USB drive).
4. Press Enter to execute the command.
5. The command will scan and attempt to recover any lost data on the USB drive.
6. After the process completes, check the USB drive for recovered files.
Way 2. Utilize Previous Versions (Windows)

Windows has introduced the Restore Previous Versions feature to assist users in recovering deleted files. So, if you have enabled the "File History" feature or created system restore points on your computer, you can freely access previous versions of files and restore them from the USB drive without the need for third-party software.

1. Connect the USB drive to your computer.
2. Right-click on the USB drive and select "Properties."
3. In the Properties window, go to the "Previous Versions" tab.
4. Choose a previous version of the folder that contained the deleted files.
5. Click on the "Restore" button to recover the files to their original location on the USB drive.
use previous versions to recover usb data without software
use temp files to recover usb data without software
Way 3. Check for Temporary Files

Sometimes, temporary copies of files are created and stored on the USB drive. These temporary files might provide an opportunity to recover deleted files from USB without software. By searching for files with specific extensions, you can identify temporary copies and potentially restore your deleted data.

1. Connect the USB drive to your computer.
2. Open the USB drive in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
3. Look for files with extensions like ".TMP" or ".Bak" on the USB drive.
4. These temporary files often have names similar to the deleted files.
5. Select any files that match the criteria and rename them by removing the ".TMP" or ".Bak" extension.
6. Attempt to open the renamed files using the associated application (e.g., a Word document with ".docx" extension can be opened with Microsoft Word). If the renamed files open successfully, you have likely recovered the deleted files.
Note: These methods may not guarantee a successful recovery, and professional USB recovery software is generally more reliable. Remember
to stop using the USB drive immediately after data loss to avoid overwriting the deleted files.

Consult a Professional Data Recovery Service if All the Above Methods Failed

In the unfortunate event that none of the above USB data recovery methods prove successful, it may be necessary to seek the expertise of a professional data recovery service. These specialized experts possess the knowledge and tools required to handle complex data loss scenarios. Here is a guidance for selecting the right service to retrieve your valuable files from a flash drive.

Step 1: Research and compile a list

Start by researching reputable data recovery service providers that specialize in USB data recovery. Look for companies with a proven track record and positive customer reviews.

Step 2: Assess expertise and experience

Evaluate the expertise and experience of each data recovery service. Check if they have specific knowledge and success in recovering data from USB drives. Look for certifications or affiliations that demonstrate their expertise in data recovery.

Step 3: Check for cleanroom facilities

USB data recovery often requires specialized cleanroom facilities to handle delicate hardware components. Ensure that the data recovery service has a certified cleanroom environment to perform the necessary procedures safely.

Step 4: Consider security and confidentiality

Data privacy is paramount when choosing a data recovery service. Ensure the company follows strict security protocols and maintains confidentiality throughout the recovery process. Look for certifications such as ISO 27001 to ensure adherence to industry standards.

Step 5: Inquire about the recovery process

Contact the data recovery services on your list and ask about their recovery process. Seek information on the techniques, tools, and methods they use to recover data from USB drives. A transparent and detailed explanation of their process is a positive sign.

Step 6: Request a quote and turnaround time

Contact the shortlisted services and request a quote for your specific USB data recovery needs. Inquire about the estimated turnaround time for the recovery process. Compare pricing and timeframes among different providers.

Step 7: Verify data recovery success rates

Ask the data recovery services about their success rates for USB data recovery. While they may not provide specific percentages, a reputable service should give you an idea of their track record in successfully recovering data from USB drives.

Step 8: Consider customer support and after-recovery services

Assess the level of customer support provided by each data recovery service. Inquire about any after-recovery services they offer, such as data transfer or assistance with accessing the recovered files.

Step 9: Make an informed decision

Evaluate all the gathered information, including expertise, security measures, pricing, success rates, and customer support. Choose the data recovery service that aligns best with your requirements and inspires confidence in their ability to recover your USB data effectively.
Note: If data recovery software fails, professional data recovery services may be necessary. However, they have drawbacks: they can be time-
consuming and expensive. These services require thorough analysis, it could take days or even weeks to retrieve your data. Additionally,
specialized tools and expertise contribute to higher costs. Consider the importance of the data and weigh the cost and time factors before opting
for professional assistance.

Protect Your Precious Data:
Preventive Measures to Avoid USB Data Loss Again

Data loss can be a frustrating experience, especially when it happens to important files stored on a USB flash drive. Fortunately, by taking proactive measures, you can minimize the risk of USB flash drive data loss and ensure the security of your files. In this article, we will share essential tips to help you avoid data loss and maintain the integrity of your flash drive.

Regularly Back Up Your Data

One of the most effective ways to prevent data loss is to create regular backups of your flash drive. By regularly copying your files to another storage medium, such as a computer, external hard drive, or cloud storage, you can ensure that even if your USB device becomes inaccessible or gets damaged, you still have a copy of your important data.

Tip 1

Eject Safely

Always practice safe removal of your USB flash drive from the computer or device. Use the "Safely Remove Hardware" or "Eject" option provided by the operating system to ensure that all data transfers are complete and the drive is ready for safe removal. This helps prevent data corruption or loss that can occur when the drive is disconnected abruptly.

Tip 2

Protect Against Physical Damage

USB flash drives are compact and portable, but they can also be fragile. To avoid physical damage that can lead to data loss, handle your USB drive with care. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, moisture, or physical impact. Use protective cases or covers to shield the drive from potential harm.

Tip 3

Scan for Malware

Before transferring files to your USB stick, make it a habit to scan them with reliable antivirus software. Malware-infected files can corrupt data on the drive and compromise the security of other devices it connects to. Regularly update your antivirus software to ensure optimal protection.

Tip 4

Avoid Overloading the Drive

USB flash drives have limited storage capacities. Avoid overloading the drive with files and ensure it has sufficient free space. Running out of storage can lead to data corruption or loss. Consider using larger capacity drives or transferring older files to other storage solutions to free up space.

Tip 5

Keep Firmware and Drivers Updated

Manufacturers often release firmware updates for USB flash drives to enhance performance and address potential vulnerabilities. Check the manufacturer's website for updates and ensure that your drive's firmware and drivers are up to date. This can help prevent compatibility issues and improve the overall reliability of the drive.

Tip 6
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FAQs About Flash Drive Data Recovery

  • Yes, data on a USB flash drive can often be recovered. When files are deleted or lost from a USB drive, they are not immediately erased from the device. Instead, the space they occupy is marked as available for new data. Until new data is written over that space, the deleted files can potentially be recovered using data recovery software.
  • In cases of slight physical damage to a USB drive where the internal components remain intact, it is often possible to recover the data using data recovery software like Wondershare Recoverit. These software tools can scan the drive and attempt to retrieve the lost files.However, if the USB drive has suffered severe physical damage that affects the internal components, such as a broken circuit board or damaged storage chips, data recovery software may not be sufficient. In such cases, seeking the assistance of a professional data recovery service is recommended. These services have specialized equipment and expertise to handle complex physical damage scenarios.
  • Yes, it is possible to recover files from a formatted USB drive using Wondershare Recoverit.
    1. Download and install Wondershare Recoverit.
    2. Connect the formatted USB drive to your computer.
    3. Launch the software and select the formatted USB drive from the list of storage devices.
    4. Click the Scan button to initiate the search for lost files.
    5. Preview the found files and select the ones you wish to recover.
    6. Click the Recover button to save the selected files to your desired location.
  • Yes, there are free data recovery tools available for USB flash drive recovery. Here are the 10 best free USB recovery tools:
    1. Recoverit Data Recovery Free
    2. Photorec
    3. TestDisk
    4. FreeUndelete
    5. Puran File Recovery
    6. Recuva
    7. UndeleteMyFiles Pro
    8. Windows File Recovery
    9. iBeesoft Data Recovery Free
    10. Wise Data Recovery
  • To recover files from a corrupted flash drive, you can follow these steps:
    1. Download and install Wondershare Recoverit
    2. Connect the corrupted flash drive to your computer.
    3. Launch Recoverit and select the corrupted flash drive as the target.
    4. Scan the flash drive for recoverable files.
    5. Preview and select the files you want to recover.
    6. Click the Recover button to restore the files to a safe location.
    It's important to note that in some cases of severe corruption, data recovery software may not be able to recover all files. If this is the case, it is recommended to consult a professional data recovery service to enhance the chances of a successful recovery.
  • To recover permanently deleted files from a USB drive, you can try the following steps:
    1. Stop using the USB drive immediately to prevent further data overwriting.
    2. Download and install reliable data recovery software like Wondershare Recoverit.
    3. Connect the USB drive to your computer.
    4. Launch Recoverit and select the USB drive as the target location for recovery.
    5. Initiate the scanning process to search for the permanently deleted files.
    6. Once the scan is complete, preview the found files and select the ones you want to recover.
    7. Click the Recover button to restore the selected files to a safe location.
  • If your flash drive is not recognized by your computer, try connecting it to a different USB port or a different computer to rule out any connection issues. If it still doesn't work, it might indicate a problem with the flash drive itself, and you may need to consult a professional data recovery service.
  • The time required for USB flash drive data recovery can vary depending on factors such as the size of the drive, the extent of data loss, and the efficiency of the recovery process. In some cases, it can be completed within a few minutes, while more complex recoveries may take several hours or even days. It's important to be patient during the recovery process to maximize the chances of successful data retrieval.
  • When you delete files from a USB drive, they do not go to the Recycle Bin or Trash like they would on a computer's internal hard drive. Instead, the file system marks the space occupied by the deleted files as available for reuse. Until new data is written to those sectors, the deleted files remain physically intact on the USB drive. However, they become inaccessible to the operating system. This means that with the help of data recovery software, it is often possible to recover deleted files from a USB drive before they are overwritten by new data. It's important to avoid using the USB drive or saving any new files on it after deletion to maximize the chances of successful file recovery.
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