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Files Deleted from USB Flash Drive Not in Recycle Bin (4 Ways)
This article describes why files deleted from flash drive are not in Recycle Bin and how to recover deleted files from flash drive step by step in 4 ways. Scroll down to explore more!
By Ellie / Updated on December 11, 2024
As we all know, USB drives are essential tools for storing and transporting data. However, there are instances where files get deleted from a flash drive and are not found in the recycle bin.
This can be a distressing situation, especially those precious photos, sentimental videos, crucial work documents, etc., holding your memories, milestones, or a piece of life's story. You must not want to lose them.
Fortunately, it's possible to recover deleted files from USB flash drive and there are 4 effective methods below. The reason is also included.
Why Files Deleted From Flash Drive Not In Recycle Bin?
“I accidentally deleted some photos from my flash drive. I tried to get them back from the computer Recycle Bin. But they were not there. Why don’t deleted files and folders from a flash drive appear in the Recycle Bin? Where do deleted files go?” – Question from USB file recovery forums
Do deleted files from flash drive go to Recycle Bin? The answer is NO because Microsoft only offers Recycle Bin for local hard drives and the USB flash drive is an external device. Thus, the files deleted from USB flash drive will be permanently deleted instead of going to the Recycle Bin. But before deleting, it will ask if you want to permanently delete this file.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to recover deleted files from a USB drive, but the success rate depends on whether there is a backup copy, the actions taken after deletion, the number and size of the deleted files, and the recovery method.
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Stop using the flash drive immediately after deleting files.
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Don't add new files to flash drive or reformat this drive.
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Attempt to recover deleted files using software or form backup, with a high success rate.
How to Deleted Files from USB Drive using Software
Even if you can’t find files deleted from a flash drive in Recycle Bin, they still can be recovered using the software. Because your files are still there until they are overwritten by new data.
MyRecover, with a seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and user-friendly design, empowers you to effortlessly bring back what was lost, whether it's pictures, videos, documents, emails, etc. Below are the key features or advantages of it:
MyRecover- All-inclusive: It can handle different level of data loss scenarios, such as human error like accidental orpermanent deletion, corrupted or formated drive, system crashes, etc.
- USB brands: It supports data recovery from various USB devices, SanDisk, PNY, Samsung, etc.
- 200+ data formats: Any lost data on the USBs, including photos, videos, audio files, texts, emails, compressed files, etc., can be recovered, up to 200+ formats.
- Locate the desired files quickly: Filter specific files, folders,or data types,preview and recover them during the scanning process.
- Widely-compatible. It works flawless withWindows 11/10/8/7 & Windows Server, as well as file systems like NTFS,FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS.
100% SecureNow, Free download and install MyRecover on your computer. Meanwhile, connect your flash drive to the computer.
Step 1. Open MyRecover. Hover the mouse over the flash drive containing deleted files and click Scan to scan.
Step 2. It will automatically run Quick Scan & Deep Scan to search for deleted files. Once found, it will display your deleted files that are recoverable here. You don’t need to wait for the process to complete if you find the files you want to recover.
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Search invidual files or folder through its file name or the extension.
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Filter the scanned files using Types (e.g.images), Date modified (from today to last 30 days, or custom), Size (including 5 different options ), etc.
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Preview the scanned files by clicking the Preview button. Check if it is the target file you need.
Step 3. Select the deleted files you want and click Recover xx files to save the restored files. You can also click Recycle Bin in the left panel to select files in their original location.
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The recover button displays the number of selected files and their size.
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MyRecover allows you to recover deleted files from USB drive for free over 500MB. Once exceeded, please upgrade to MyRecover Pro or Technician to enjoy unlimited data recovery.
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Please select a new location to save the recovered files. Restoring deleted files to original location may cause data overwriting, making data recovery more difficult.
How to Recover Deleted Files from Flash Drive without Software
You can also recover deleted files from flash drive without software. Here are 3 available ways in the following:
Option 1. Recover Deleted Files from USB Flash Drive from Previous Versions
Prior to employing this technique, ensure that File History is activated for automatic file backups. If this feature hasn't been enabled, disregard this approach and consider using data recovery software - MyRecover to help you.
Step 1. Press Win + E to launch Windows File Explorer > locate and click on This PC > find your USB flash drive.
Step 2. Access the context menu for the USB flash drive by selecting Properties.
Step 3. Navigate to the Previous Versions tab. Note that these earlier versions are derived from either File History or restore points.
Step 4. Select a previous version in the Folder versions, and click Restore to restore deleted files from USB drive. Or click Open to confirm it is the deleted files.
In addition, you could also use this tool to find previous versions of Word documents, PDF files, PPT, etc.
Option 2. Restore Lost USB Files using Windows Backup
Microsoft also provides specialized backup utilities like Windows Backup and Restore to help users backup files to external hard drive. You can check if you have enabled this feature. It's useful to recover deleted files in Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7.
Step 1. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7). Then, click on Restore my files.
Step 2. Choose Browse for files or Browse for folders to designate the previously generated backup that contains deleted files on a flash drive.
Step 3. Determine the location for storing the backup: In the original location or In the following location. Then click Restore, and your files or folders will reappear on your PC.
Thus, you can easily restore files from backup in Windows 10.
Option 3. Recover deleted files from flash drive via CMD
You can also recover deleted files from flash drive using CMD via the Windows File Recovery. Please take note that this tool only functions with Windows 10 versions 2004 and up. You need to learn some necessary parameters including the syntax, file system, recovery mode and switches.
- The syntax: winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches]
- The source disk's file system: You need to go to the Properties window of the flash drive to confirm this. It helps to decide the recovery mode.
- The recovery mode: It has two basic modes -Regular & Extensive, and two advanced modes -Signature & Segment. Select it based on the file system and data loss scenarios, such as deleted recently, deleted for a while, formatted disk, etc.
- The switches: It helps to narrow the scan range. Select one based on your purpose and the meaning of different switches.
- The destination folder: Don't use the source drive to store the recovered files, which may cause data overwriting.
🧷You can also learn how to use Windows File Recovery in detail.
Step 1. Download and install Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.
Step 2. Open Windows File Recovery. Click Yes to allow this app to make changes to your device. In the command prompt window, type the commands to recover deleted files.
For example, to recover deleted PNG files from C: drive to D: drive, the command will be like: winfr C: D: /n *.png
If it warns you "Windows File Recovery failed to create destination folder", it may indicate that the command syntax is wrong. Check the tutorial and correct it.
How to safeguard against data loss on USB flash drives
Equally crucial is the implementation of effective measures to protect USB data from loss. To prevent the adversity of USB data loss, consider adopting the following strategies:
✐ Implement Regular File Backups: Safeguard your files by routinely employing file backup software to facilitate automated backups.
A reliable option is AOMEI Backupper Standard, which not only backs up the current USB drive but also newly added files or modified files. You could use “File Backup” to backup files on flash drive.
✐ Employ Proper USB Usage: Adopt correct procedures when connecting or disconnecting a USB device from your computer or laptop. Upon disconnection, utilize the "eject USB" option by right-clicking.
✐ Combat Viruses on USB: Shield your computer against malicious viruses, trojans, and other forms of malware by employing reliable anti-virus software. To ensure the utmost security, regularly update your anti-virus software with the latest patches and signature files.
The bottom line
This post mainly introduces why files deleted from flash drive not in Recycle Bin and how to recover deleted files from a flash drive step by step in 4 useful methods. The two best methods to do this are to use software or backup images.
However, most users do not get into the habit of backing up their files. If you don't have backup copies, then it will be a good choice to employ professional software like MyRecover.
It offers users a GUI interface, advanced scanning technologies, abundant data loss scenarios, 200+ supported formats, some highlights, etc., to bring you easy & fast recovery, with a high success rate. Why not give it a try?
MyRecoverBest Data Recovery Software for Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Windows Server
