Need to know how to recover deleted files from USB without software? You can read this passage to get 3 ways for quick and easy USB data recovery without software.
There are several reasons why files may be lost from a USB flash drive or pen drive, such as accidental deletion, hard drive formatting, storage device failure, or virus attacks. Among these, unintentional deletion is the most common cause of data loss on USB devices.
Can you recover deleted files from USB without software? When you delete a file from a USB flash drive, where do deleted files go? The file does not go to the Recycle Bin as it would with internal storage but is instead permanently removed. However, it is still possible to recover deleted files from a USB drive using effective recovery methods.
To maximize your chances of successful recovery, avoid copying or pasting files to the USB drive, as any read or write operations could overwrite the deleted data and make recovery more difficult. Besides, you should stop using the USB drive entirely and refrain from writing new data to it, as overwritten data cannot be restored easily. It is also important to disconnect the USB drive from your computer until you are ready to start the recovery process. Following our guide can improve the chances of recovering lost files, either with or without professional recovery software.
To learn how to recover deleted files from USB without software, here are 3 methods. You can use command lines or a backup to perform USB data recovery.
Command Prompt (CMD) serves as the command line processor for Windows, enabling users to execute commands directly. Using the command line, you can recover deleted files from USB by following these steps:
Step 1. Connect the USB device to the computer and confirm that the system recognizes it.
Step 2. Press the Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run window. Type cmd and press Enter to grant access to the Command Prompt window.
Step 3. Enter the command chkdsk g: /r/f/x and press Enter (replace "g" with the exact letter assigned to the USB.)
Step 4. Type attrib -h -r -s /s /d F:\*.* and press Enter (replace "F" with the exact letter assigned to the USB.)
After successful execution, the deleted files should be visible on the USB drive.
If you don't have a backup, you can use Windows File Recovery to recover permanently deleted files or folders from a USB drive or hard drive that are not in the Recycle Bin. Since it is a command-line tool, you'll need to enter commands in CMD or PowerShell. A commonly used command is winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [mode] [switches], which helps retrieve lost data using Windows File Recovery's built-in tools.
Step 1. Download and install Windows File Recovery on your computer from Microsoft Store.
Step 2. Open the USB hard drive’s Properties, check its File System, and choose the mode you should use to recover data.
Step 3. Open Windows File restore and type in the restore command line you created.
For instance, winfr F: D: /extensive /n *.jpg is the correct command line to bring back JPG files that were deleted for a while from the source USB drive (F drive) to the target drive (D drive).
If you have created a backup before delete the files from USB thumb drive, you can use this method to recover data without software.
Step 1. Open Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
Step 2. Tap on the Restore my files button.
Step 3. Click Browse for files or Browse for folders > Select the files you need > Next.
Step 4. Choose the destination for saving stored files > tap Restore.
CMD tools require knowledge of specific commands and syntax, which can be challenging for users unfamiliar with them. Mistakes during the process can even lead to further data loss. In contrast, recovery software like AOMEI FastRecovery is much easier to use for its user-friendly interface, making it suitable even for those without technical expertise.
Besides, it can perform deep scans to recover a wide range of file types, including those lost due to corruption or accidental formatting—something CMD tools like Windows File Recovery are limited in handling. AOMEI FastRecovery also offers helpful features such as file previews, filtering options, and support for various file systems, making the process more efficient and customizable. With its ability to address different data loss scenarios, the professional recovery tool provides a higher success rate compared to manual methods like CMD.
User-friendly interface: The software features an easy-to-use graphical interface, making it simple for users of all skill levels. It also provides 24/7 technical support.
Versatile functionality: The tool boasts high-speed and reliable data recovery from external hard drives and various storage media, including HDD, SSD, USB drives, and SD cards. It supports over 1000 types of data with recovering unlimited data, covering texts, deleted photos, videos, audio, emails, and compressed files, among others.
Wide compatibility: The software works with almost all Windows versions, including Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Windows Server. It also supports various file systems like NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS, making it compatible with a wide range of devices.
Performs well in complex cases: Recover data from formatted disks, encrypted hard drives, system crash, overwriting, and corrupted USB drives.
Security assurance: You can download the software without worrying about unwanted programs or harmful ads, ensuring a safe and secure experience.
Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI FastRecovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your data lost and click Scan.
Step 2. Then, the recovery tool start to scan and search. lt will execute the “Quickly Scan" first for finding your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching other lost data.
Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted files, recycle bins and other missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".
Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.
Step 5. Wait patiently for this process of recovering ends.
How to recover deleted files from USB without software? This passage gives 3 methods. If you want to make USB data recovery effective and easy, it is still recommended to use a powerful data recovery tool like AOMEI FastRecovery as it can provide more advanced features.
