How to recover deleted files from a thumb drive can be a daunting task, especially when you realize that important data has been lost. Whether it’s due to accidental deletion, formatting, or a corrupted drive, there are several methods you can try to retrieve your deleted files. In this article, we will explore the various ways to recover deleted files from a USB thumb drive and provide you with step-by-step instructions to help you get your data back.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to act quickly when you realize that files have been deleted from your thumb drive. The longer you wait, the higher the chances that the deleted files will be overwritten by new data, making recovery more difficult. Here are some steps you can take to recover deleted files from a USB thumb drive:
1.
Stop using the thumb drive immediately. Any further use of the drive can potentially overwrite the deleted files, making them irrecoverable.
2.
Connect the USB thumb drive to a computer. If the drive is not recognized, try using a different USB port or computer to rule out hardware issues.
3.
Use a file recovery tool. There are several free and paid file recovery tools available that can help you recover deleted files from a USB thumb drive. Some popular options include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill.
4.
Follow the instructions provided by the file recovery tool. Most tools will guide you through a simple process, such as selecting the drive, choosing the file types to recover, and initiating the scan.
5.
Preview and recover your files. Once the scan is complete, the tool will display a list of recoverable files. Take your time to browse through the list and select the files you want to recover.
6.
Choose a location to save the recovered files. It’s important to save the recovered files to a different drive or location than the original USB thumb drive to avoid overwriting any remaining deleted files.
7.
Backup your recovered files. After successfully recovering your deleted files, it’s a good idea to create a backup of the important data to prevent future data loss.
In some cases, the deleted files may not be recoverable using file recovery tools. If this happens, you can try the following alternative methods:
1.
Check the Recycle Bin or Trash. If you deleted the files from the USB thumb drive on a Windows or macOS computer, they might still be in the Recycle Bin or Trash, respectively.
2.
Use the “Previous Versions” feature in Windows. This feature allows you to restore previous versions of files and folders on your computer, including those from USB drives.
3.
Consult a professional data recovery service. If all else fails, you may need to seek the help of a professional data recovery service. These experts have advanced tools and techniques to recover data from damaged or corrupted drives.
Remember, the key to successful file recovery from a USB thumb drive is to act quickly and avoid using the drive further. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to recover your deleted files and restore your important data.
