Introduction: Deleted Files from a USB Drive — Can You Still Recover Them?
“I deleted files from my USB drive by mistake. Can I get them back?”
“My USB drive was emptied. Is there any safe way to recover the data?”
If you are asking these questions, you are not alone. Losing important files from a USB drive is a common and stressful experience for many users. Photos, work documents, Excel files, and personal data can disappear suddenly due to accidental deletion, formatting, virus attacks, or improper removal of the USB drive.
The good news is this: in most cases, deleted files are not permanently lost right away. As long as the USB drive has not been overwritten, recovery is still possible. The key is knowing how to recover deleted files from usb drive safely and correctly, without causing further damage.
This guide is written for ordinary computer users with moderate technical skills. You will learn clear, step-by-step methods—from free DIY solutions to professional recovery tools like pandaoffice drecov—so you can recover your USB files with confidence.
Why Files Are Lost from a USB Drive (Common Causes Explained)
Before learning how to recover deleted files from usb drive, it’s important to understand why the files disappeared. Different causes require different recovery methods.
Common Reasons for USB File Loss
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Accidental Deletion | Files deleted manually or with Shift + Delete |
| USB Drive Formatting | USB was formatted intentionally or by system prompt |
| Virus or Malware | Files hidden, encrypted, or removed by malware |
| Improper Removal | USB unplugged without “Safely Remove” |
| File System Errors | USB shows as RAW or unreadable |
In many of these cases, the files still exist on the USB drive, but the system can no longer access them normally.
📌 Insert: USB data loss troubleshooting flowchart here
Core Solutions: How to Recover Deleted Files from USB Drive (Step-by-Step)
Below are six proven methods, arranged from easiest to most advanced. Beginners should follow them in order.
Method 1: Check the Recycle Bin (Easiest Method)
Best for: Recently deleted USB files
Difficulty: Very easy
When learning how to recover deleted files from usb drive, always start with the Recycle Bin.
Steps:
Step 1: Double-click the Recycle Bin on your desktop
Step 2: Look for files deleted from the USB drive
Step 3: Right-click the file and select Restore
💡 Tip: This works only if the files were deleted normally and the Recycle Bin was not emptied.
Limitations:
- Does not work for Shift + Delete
- Files deleted from some USB drives may bypass the Recycle Bin
Method 2: Restore Files Using Windows File History
Best for: Users who enabled backup
Difficulty: Easy
File History can help recover deleted USB files if backups were created earlier.
Steps:
Step 1: Open Control Panel
Step 2: Go to File History
Step 3: Click Restore personal files
Step 4: Browse previous versions and restore files
This method is helpful for users searching how to recover files from usb flash drive with backups enabled.
Limitations:
- Must be enabled before file loss
- Backup drive must still be accessible
Method 3: Use Previous Versions (Shadow Copies)
Best for: Overwritten or modified files
Difficulty: Easy
Windows may store shadow copies of folders.
Steps:
Step 1: Right-click the folder on the USB drive
Step 2: Select Properties
Step 3: Open Previous Versions
Step 4: Restore an earlier version
This method is especially useful for documents and Excel files.
Limitations:
- Requires System Protection or File History enabled
- Cannot recover permanently deleted files
Method 4: Use CMD Command (Advanced DIY Method)
Best for: Hidden or virus-affected files
Difficulty: Medium
CMD can sometimes reveal hidden files on a USB stick.
Steps:
Step 1: Press Win + R, type cmd, press Enter
Step 2: Type:
attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:\*.*
(X = USB drive letter)
💡 Tip: This method does NOT recover deleted files, but can restore hidden ones.
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect CMD usage may cause data loss.
Method 5 (Recommended): Use pandaoffice drecov to Recover Deleted Files from USB Drive
Best for: Deleted, formatted, corrupted USB drives
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
Success Rate: High
When users search how to recover deleted files from usb drive, professional software is often the safest option.
Why pandaoffice drecov?
pandaoffice drecov is a reliable usb drive data recovery software designed for non-technical users. It supports USB flash drives, USB sticks, memory cards, and external storage devices.
Step-by-Step Recovery Process
Step 1: Download and Install
Download pandaoffice drecov from the official website.
Download Drecov ⚠️ Install it on your computer, not on the USB drive.
Step 2: Insert the USB Drive
Connect the USB drive and launch the software.
Step 3: Select the USB Drive
Choose the correct USB device from the list.
Step 4: Scan for Deleted Files
The tool performs a quick scan followed by a deep scan.
Step 5: Preview Files
Preview photos, documents, and videos to confirm recoverability.
Step 6: Recover and Save Files
Save recovered files to a different location.
⭐ Key Advantages:
- Supports how to recover permanently deleted files from usb drive
- Works on Windows 10 & 11
- Simple interface for beginners
- More affordable than recovery services
👉 Download pandaoffice drecov | Learn More
Method 6: Professional USB Data Recovery Services
Best for: Physically damaged USB drives
Difficulty: Professional-only
If the USB drive is not detected, has physical damage, or shows severe errors, software recovery may fail.
Typical Cost Range
| Recovery Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Logical recovery | $100 – $300 |
| Physical repair | $500 – $2000+ |
Use professional services only when DIY methods fail.
How to Fix USB Drive Errors After Data Recovery
After learning how to recover deleted files from usb drive, repairing the USB can prevent future loss.
Basic Checks
- Try different USB ports
- Change USB cable
- Check Disk Management
Advanced Repairs
- Windows Error Checking
- Manufacturer diagnostic tools
- PandaOffice repair utilities
📌 Insert: pandaoffice repair tool screenshot here
⚠️ Always recover data before repairing or formatting the USB drive.
Important Warnings You Must Read
⚠️ Warning:
- Do NOT format the USB drive before recovery
- Do NOT install recovery software on the USB drive
- Avoid repeated scans with multiple tools
- CMD commands may overwrite file data
Incorrect actions can permanently destroy your files.
FAQ: How to Recover Deleted Files from USB Drive
Yes, using professional usb flash drive data recovery software.
Only for simple deletion cases.
Use beginner-friendly recovery software.
Yes, preview before recovery to ensure integrity.
Only for physically damaged USB drives.
Final Summary: Best Way to Recover Deleted Files from USB Drive
If files disappear from a USB drive, stop using the drive immediately. Acting fast greatly improves success.
Recommended Recovery Order:
- pandaoffice drecov ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Windows built-in tools ⭐⭐⭐
- Professional recovery services ⭐⭐
👉 Learn More Drecov
Download DrecovFinally, remember: regular backups are the only guaranteed protection. Prevention is always easier than searching for how to recover deleted files from usb drive again.
