Recover Deleted Files from USB Flash Drive on Windows & Mac

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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.

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 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 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

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.

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.

Donemax Data Recovery

One of the best data recovery programs to recover deleted, formatted or lost data from PC, Mac, HDD, SSD, USB drive, SD card, camera, RAID, Sever or other storage devices.

 Download for Win  Download for Mac

FAQs About Recovering Deleted Files from USB Flash Drive