How to recover deleted files from usb without software

​USB flash drives are some of the most convenient and widely used storage devices. From transferring school assignments to backing up important documents, these small tools carry data that often holds immense value. But what happens when you accidentally delete files from your USB drive?

Panic usually sets in. We instinctively search for recovery software, hoping a program will restore our lost files. However, not everyone wants to download or install third-party tools—whether due to security concerns, system restrictions, or simply a preference for manual control.

To understand how to recover files, you need to know what happens when they’re deleted. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

When you delete a file from a USB drive, it does not go to the Recycle Bin (on Windows) or Trash (on Mac). It’s immediately marked for deletion.

The file system marks the space as “available,” but the data still exists until it’s overwritten.

This means if you act quickly, you might be able to retrieve the file using built-in system tools or file history.

So while the file may appear gone, the data could still be there—at least temporarily.

Important First Step: Stop Using the USB Drive

As soon as you realize files have been deleted:

Stop saving new files to the USB drive.

Avoid formatting or reusing the drive.

Why? Because every new file you add might overwrite the space that your deleted file was occupying. Once overwritten, recovery becomes nearly impossible without advanced forensic tools.

Your best chance of recovery comes immediately after deletion.

Method 1: Check Other Locations on Your Computer

Although USB deletions bypass the Recycle Bin, it’s worth checking whether the file might have been moved instead of deleted.

What to do:

Search your computer’s Recycle Bin or Trash.

Sometimes files are mistakenly dragged from the USB to your desktop or another folder.

Open the Recycle Bin and look for familiar file names.

Use the search bar inside the Recycle Bin to search by keyword or extension (e.g., .docx, .jpg).

Check common folders like Downloads or Documents.

Users sometimes copy instead of cut and delete the original, believing they moved it.

Use your file manager’s search tool.

On Windows, use File Explorer.

On Mac, use Finder.

Search the full computer, not just the USB drive.

This may sound simple, but misplaced files are often mistaken for deleted ones.

Method 2: Use Windows Command Prompt (CMD)

For Windows users, the Command Prompt offers a powerful way to navigate drives and attempt recovery.

Step-by-step:

Insert your USB drive into your computer.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

Type cmd and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.

In Command Prompt:

Type:

bash

CopyEdit

chkdsk X: /f

Replace X: with your USB drive’s letter (for example, E:). This command checks and repairs errors on the disk.

Wait for the scan to finish. If corrupted files are found, Windows might recover lost file fragments or “orphaned” files into a hidden folder.

After the scan:

Use dir /a to list all contents, including hidden files.

Look for a folder like FOUND.000.

Navigate to it using:

bash

CopyEdit

cd FOUND.000

Files inside this folder may have .chk extensions. Rename them with their original extensions if you recognize them (for example, change file000.chk to photo.jpg).

Notes:

This method won’t restore files in all cases, but it can recover fragments from logical errors or bad sectors.

If you find data in the FOUND.000 folder, copy it elsewhere immediately.

Method 3: Restore from Backup

Even if you didn’t back up your USB drive specifically, you may still have copies of the files elsewhere.

Try these places:

Cloud storage: Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, Dropbox, etc., often sync documents automatically.

Email attachments: If you sent or received the files via email, check your sent items or inbox.

Phone storage: If your USB was used to transfer files to/from a phone, the data may still be on the device.

Shared computers: If the file was moved from another computer, ask others who might still have it.

Using these indirect recovery methods often helps retrieve at least part of your lost data.

Method 4: Use Previous Versions (Windows)

If your USB drive was used on a Windows system with File History or System Protection enabled, you might be able to recover previous versions of files—even if they were on a removable drive.

To check:

Right-click the folder (or the USB drive letter) where your file was stored.

Click Properties.

Navigate to the Previous Versions tab.

If available, you’ll see a list of restore points.

Select a version dated before the file was deleted.

Click Open to view the contents.

Click Restore to recover the folder or individual files.

Important:

This only works if File History or restore points were enabled prior to deletion.

It’s most reliable when used on internal drives but can sometimes apply to USB drives used frequently on the same system.

Method 5: Check for Hidden Files

Sometimes files are not deleted but simply hidden due to corruption, user error, or a misbehaving USB drive.

Here’s how to check for hidden files manually.

On Windows:

Open File Explorer.

Click the View tab at the top.

Check the box for Hidden items.

You may now see previously hidden folders or files on your USB drive.

Using Command Prompt:

Open CMD.

Type:

bash

CopyEdit

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

Replace X: with your USB drive letter.

This command removes hidden, read-only, and system attributes from all files, making them visible again.

On Mac:

Open Terminal.

Type:

pgsql

CopyEdit

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE

Then type:

nginx

CopyEdit

killall Finder

Your Mac Finder will now show hidden files. Look carefully in the USB folder for unfamiliar or gray-shaded files — they may be your missing data.

Method 6: Manually Search for Temporary Files

Sometimes your file may not be on the USB anymore, but the system might have created a temporary or autosave copy elsewhere.

Try these locations:

Temporary folders on your system:

Windows: Open Run (Windows + R), type %temp%, and press Enter.

Search the folder for recently created or edited files.

Microsoft Office autosave:

Word and Excel often save temporary backups.

Open the application and go to File > Info > Manage Versions.

If your deleted file was edited recently on a computer before being moved to USB, these autosaves may help you recover a version.

Method 7: Use Command-Line Scripts to Extract Fragments

For tech-savvy users, scripting can be a last resort to extract remaining data. This method is more advanced and involves searching for known file headers or extensions.

Example:

Let’s say you know a deleted file was a .jpg image.

Use findstr (on Windows) or grep (on Linux/macOS) to search the raw binary data for JPEG headers:

bash

CopyEdit

findstr /c:”ÿØÿà” X:\ > output.txt

Open the output file and inspect binary patterns.

This approach is extremely manual and requires understanding file signatures and hex data, but it’s an option for those willing to dive deeper into digital forensics without traditional software.

Can You Recover Files After Formatting the USB?

Technically, formatting erases the file table — not the data — especially if it was a quick format.

If you formatted your USB drive accidentally:

Do not write any new files to it.

Try using Command Prompt + chkdsk as described earlier.

If the drive was heavily used after formatting, recovery chances are slim without advanced tools.

Without software, the ability to recover after a full format is limited but not impossible — especially if only a file system error occurred.

How to Prevent Data Loss from USB Drives

While recovery is sometimes possible, prevention is always better. Follow these tips to avoid losing files again.

1. Always Safely Eject USB Drives

Use “Safely Remove Hardware” on Windows or Eject on Mac before removing the drive.

This ensures all data is written properly and prevents corruption.

2. Regularly Back Up Important Files

Copy critical files from USB to your computer or cloud storage.

Use services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to automatically sync key documents.

3. Avoid Editing Files Directly on USB

Instead, copy them to your computer first, make changes, and then copy them back.

Editing directly from the USB can increase risk of corruption, especially with Office or media files.

4. Check USB Health

Run chkdsk or Disk Utility regularly to ensure the drive is healthy.

Replace any USB drive showing signs of slow performance or frequent errors.

5. Label and Organize

Use clear folder names and avoid placing all files in the root directory.

This helps avoid accidental deletions and keeps backups organized.

Losing important files from a USB drive can be stressful, but recovery is often possible even without third-party software. Whether you’re using Command Prompt, searching hidden folders, or restoring from cloud backups, there are practical ways to reclaim your lost data.

Acting quickly and avoiding further use of the USB drive greatly improves your chances. While there’s no guarantee that all data can be recovered, the methods in this guide offer the best chance of success without installing extra tools.

​

​

​