How to Retrieve Deleted Files on USB Drive Windows 11
In today’s digital age, USB drives have become an essential tool for storing and transferring data. However, accidents can happen, and you might find yourself in a situation where you need to retrieve deleted files from a USB drive on Windows 11. Don’t worry; there are several methods you can use to recover your lost data. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to retrieve deleted files on USB drive Windows 11.
1. Check the Recycle Bin
The first and simplest step in retrieving deleted files on Windows 11 is to check the Recycle Bin. When you delete a file from a USB drive, it is often moved to the Recycle Bin instead of being permanently deleted. To check the Recycle Bin:
1. Insert the USB drive into your computer.
2. Open the Recycle Bin by clicking on its icon on the desktop or searching for “Recycle Bin” in the Start menu.
3. Look for the deleted files in the Recycle Bin.
4. Right-click on the files you want to recover and select “Restore.”
If you find the deleted files in the Recycle Bin, you can restore them to their original location on the USB drive.
2. Use File Recovery Software
If the deleted files are not in the Recycle Bin, you can use file recovery software to recover them. There are many free and paid file recovery tools available for Windows 11. Here’s how to use file recovery software:
1. Download and install a reputable file recovery tool, such as Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.
2. Run the software and select the USB drive as the location to scan for deleted files.
3. Choose the file types you want to recover (if the software allows it).
4. Start the scanning process and wait for the software to complete.
5. Once the scan is finished, preview the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore.
6. Choose a location on your computer to save the recovered files and click “Restore.”
3. Use the Command Prompt
If you are comfortable using the Command Prompt, you can try using the “chkdsk” command to repair the USB drive and potentially recover deleted files. Here’s how to use the Command Prompt:
1. Insert the USB drive into your computer.
2. Press “Windows + X” and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the menu.
3. Type the following command and press Enter: `chkdsk /f /r /x X:`
(Replace “X” with the drive letter of your USB drive, e.g., “D:” for Drive D.)
4. Follow the prompts to schedule a disk check on the next system restart.
5. Restart your computer, and the disk check will run automatically.
6. Once the disk check is complete, try to access the USB drive and check if the deleted files have been recovered.
4. Contact a Professional Data Recovery Service
If the above methods do not work, or if the deleted files are of high importance, it might be best to contact a professional data recovery service. These services have advanced tools and expertise to recover data from damaged or corrupted USB drives. However, this option can be expensive, so it is recommended to try the other methods first.
In conclusion, retrieving deleted files on a USB drive in Windows 11 can be done using various methods, from checking the Recycle Bin to using file recovery software and the Command Prompt. If all else fails, seeking professional help is the best course of action.
