Recovering deleted files from USB without using software is a common concern for many users. We all know how valuable these files are. And losing them can be a real headache. Whether it’s because of a virus attack or accidental deletion. File loss is something we all want to avoid. Luckily, the good news is that you can recover lost files and important information.
But here’s this: You don’t always need special software to recover erroneously deleted files from USB flash drives. Contrary to common belief, there are ways to restore these files without relying on file recovery software.
Can You Recover Permanently Deleted Files from USB without Software?
Now you may wonder whether it is possible or not to recover deleted files from USB without software. The answer is, yes. When files are erased, the area they use on USB drives will be marked as new. However, delete items are not removed immediately. If you understand this concept, you can recover the delete files.
One option is to check your computer’s trash or recycling tank. If you delete files from your USB drive while it’s connected to your computer, there’s a chance that these directories may still have them. The other option is using the “previous generation” feature that exists in various operating systems. This feature allows you to recover data that’s lost from a trash or a recycled tank. Also, Windows File Recovery is a tool that can help you recover the contents of USB drives.
It is worth noting that the way these manuals have their limitations. They work best for recently deleted files as USB drives may have been overused and overwritten since then.
Now let’s get to how you can recover deleted files from USB with or without software. Here are several effective ways:
Method 1: Recover USB through the “Recover Previous Version” feature.
You can use this method without using any additional tools to recover deleted files from USB. Before trying this step, make sure the file history is set to automatically back up your files.
- Connect the USB flash drive and turn on “This PC” from the Start Menu.
- Right-click on the USB drive and select “Properties” from the list.
- Go to the “Previous” tab to explore other recovery options.
- Click “Restore” and select the previous version to recover the file.
Method 2: Use Windows File Recovery to recover deleted files from USB
Windows File Recovery is a useful application for Windows 10 version 2004 and above. It allows you to recover items you deleted from any USB drive.
- Get Windows File Recovery from Microsoft Store
- Messages of your USB drive before connecting to your computer
- Open Command Prompt (CMD) in admin mode
- Enter “winfr E: C: /extensive” (replace “E:” with the drive letter of your USB and “C:” with the drive letter of the storage device where you want to save the recovered files).
- Windows File Recovery will start the process and try to recover lost files.
Method 3: Recover removed files from USB using WinfrGUI
WinfrGUI is a powerful data recovery freeware for Windows 10 and 11, which can recover damaged files quickly and easily.
- Install WinfrGUI on your Windows 10/11 computer
- Open the software and start the scan.
- View the scanned files before proceeding.
- Select the file you want to recover and click on “Recover”.
- Select a location to store the received and completed process.
Method 4: Recover removed files from USB using CMD (Command Prompt) without software.
Using command line language in Windows, you can recover deleted data from USB drives. However, this method requires familiarity with command lines and may not guarantee the recovery of all delete files.
- Connect your PC to a USB flash drive and start the program using the Win + R buttons.
- In the dialog box, type “cmd” and click OK to open Command Prompt.
- Execute the following commands in the specified order:
- chkdsk X: / f (replace “X” with the assigned drive letter of your USB flash drive).
- Properties -h-r-s G:*.* /s /d (replace “G” with the letter that represents your USB drive on the computer).
- When the process is complete, check the recovered data on the flash drive.
It is important to note that USB drives are not designed for long-term file storage, even though they will store data for many years. In order to ensure that important information is secure. It is always a good idea to have a backup plan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you do not need software to recover data from USB drives. By following the methods mentioned above, you can increase your chances of receiving valuable data. Do not forget to do it quickly and carefully when deleting data to increase your chance of successful recovery.