Recover deleted files on usb

​They’re compact, portable, and convenient. Whether you’re a student saving an assignment, a photographer transferring images, or a business professional sharing documents, chances are you’ve relied on a USB drive at some point. Unfortunately, they’re not immune to accidents. One common and stressful mishap is deleting files sometimes unintentionally and often at the worst possible time.

When you realize you’ve deleted important files from a USB, it can feel like a catastrophe. Whether it’s family photos, work presentations, or critical backups, that sinking feeling is universal. But here’s the good news: in many cases, deleted files are recoverable especially if you act quickly and use the right tools and techniques.

This means your deleted files are still there, hidden and waiting at least for a while. That’s why one of the most important rules in data recovery is this: Stop using the USB drive immediately after deletion. Don’t copy new files onto it. Don’t reformat it. The less activity the drive sees, the better your chances of recovery.

Common Causes of File Deletion on USB Drives

Understanding how data gets deleted can help prevent future losses and determine the best recovery strategy. Here are some typical scenarios:

Accidental deletion: You thought you were deleting the right file but clicked the wrong one.

Formatting errors: Formatting a USB without backing up files first.

Virus attacks: Malware can delete or corrupt files on your USB.

File transfer interruptions: Unplugging a USB during file transfer may result in missing or corrupted files.

System crashes or power outages: Unexpected shutdowns can cause file system errors leading to data loss.

Logical errors: These include file system corruption or drive becoming RAW.

Regardless of the cause, don’t panic—there are recovery solutions for each of these situations.

Step-by-Step Recovery Methods

Method 1: Check Another Computer

Sometimes, the simplest solution is overlooked. Plug your USB into another computer. There’s a chance the files were not deleted but are instead hidden due to a system error or virus. If they appear, copy them to your computer immediately and scan the USB for issues.

Method 2: Use File History (Windows)

If you had File History or Backup and Restore set up on your Windows computer, you might be able to restore a previous version of the USB contents.

Plug in your USB.

Go to the folder where files were stored.

Right-click in the folder and select “Properties.”

Navigate to the “Previous Versions” tab.

Choose a version that predates the deletion and click “Restore.”

Note: This only works if the drive was part of the backup system.

Method 3: Use Command Prompt (CMD) to Recover Hidden Files

Sometimes files appear deleted but are actually hidden due to malware or errors.

Plug in the USB.

Open Command Prompt as administrator.

Type the following and hit Enter:

bash

CopyEdit

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

Replace X with your USB drive letter.

This command unhides files that were hidden by system attributes.

Method 4: Recover Using Data Recovery Software

Panda Data Recovery

Panda Data Recovery is designed for simplicity and effectiveness, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced users. The moment you realize files have been deleted, it’s essential to stop using the USB drive immediately to prevent overwriting the lost data. Then, launch Panda Data Recovery and connect your USB drive to your computer. The software will automatically detect the drive and guide you through a deep scan to search for recoverable files.

The scan identifies various types of files documents, photos, videos, and more even if the USB has been formatted or corrupted. You’ll be able to preview the deleted files before selecting the ones you want to restore. Best of all, Panda Data Recovery ensures that recovered files are saved to a safe location, not back on the USB, preserving data integrity.

With Panda’s user-friendly interface and powerful recovery engine, you can retrieve your lost data in just a few clicks. Whether your files were deleted accidentally, lost due to a virus, or disappeared during a transfer, Panda Data Recovery gives you a second chance.

How to Use Recovery Software:

Stop using the USB immediately.

Download and install the recovery software but do not install it on the USB drive you’re recovering from.

Launch the software and select your USB drive from the list of devices.

Choose the recovery mode quick scan or deep scan.

Let the program analyze your USB (this may take time depending on drive size).

Preview the recoverable files and select the ones you want to restore.

Save recovered files to a different location, not back on the USB.

Each software may vary slightly in interface, but the general steps remain the same.

What to Do If Your USB Drive Isn’t Recognized

Sometimes your computer won’t even detect the USB drive, making recovery feel impossible. Here’s what you can try:

Try another port or computer: Rule out hardware issues.

Update or reinstall USB drivers:

Go to Device Manager.

Locate the USB under “Disk Drives.”

Right-click and choose “Update driver” or uninstall and then restart.

Use Disk Management:

Press Win + X > Disk Management.

Look for your USB. If it appears as unallocated, you may need to assign it a drive letter.

Run CHKDSK:

Open CMD and run:

bash

CopyEdit

chkdsk X: /f

Replace X with your USB drive letter. This can repair minor file system issues.

Recovering Files from a Formatted USB

If you accidentally formatted your USB, don’t lose hope. Many recovery tools specialize in retrieving files even from formatted drives. The key is to ensure the format was quick (which it usually is), as this doesn’t erase the data completely—it only marks the sectors as available.

Most of the software mentioned above (Panda Data Recovery) can scan formatted USB drives and help recover documents, images, videos, and more. Always save recovered files to a different location.

What If the USB Is Physically Damaged?

Physical damage complicates recovery significantly. Signs of hardware damage include:

USB not detected at all.

Strange noises when plugged in.

Overheating.

In such cases, it’s best to avoid DIY attempts, as they could worsen the damage. Contact a professional data recovery service that has the tools and cleanroom environment needed to work on damaged drives.

Tips to Improve Recovery Success

To maximize your chances of recovery:

Act fast. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of data being overwritten.

Avoid writing new data to the USB. This includes installing recovery software on the same device.

Use deep scan if quick scan fails—it may take longer but is more thorough.

Save files elsewhere. Never restore recovered files back to the USB during the same session.

Preventing Future Data Loss

While you can often recover deleted files, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some habits to adopt:

Backup regularly. Use cloud storage, external drives, or both.

Eject USB drives properly. Avoid unplugging them during file transfers.

Install antivirus software. Protect your devices from malware.

Use write protection. Some USBs have physical write-protect switches.

Be cautious during formatting. Triple-check which drive you’re formatting.

When to Seek Professional Help

If none of the above methods work, or if the data is mission-critical, consider turning to professionals. Data recovery labs can handle physically damaged or corrupted drives and use sophisticated techniques not available to the average user.

Keep in mind that these services can be expensive and may charge based on the type and severity of the damage. Still, for irreplaceable files, they may be worth every penny.

Losing files from a USB drive can be deeply frustrating—but it’s rarely the end of the road. Most deleted data is recoverable with the right approach and tools. Whether you’re using free software or seeking expert help, time and care are your most valuable resources. Always act quickly, avoid overwriting data, and back up your files regularly to safeguard against future losses.

USB drives are incredibly useful, but like all storage media, they’re vulnerable. With a little knowledge and the right tools, you can turn a potential disaster into a small inconvenience. So next time deletion strikes, stay calm—and follow the steps outlined in this guide to bring your files back to life.