Folder disappeared from flash drive? Don’t know how to recover lost folder? Rest assured, you could check several feasible methods in this tutorial.
USB flash drives feature their tiny size and portability. It may not provide massive storage space for users, but they are preferred among many people due to its convenience.
Since the USB thumb drive usually does not possess a huge space, users tend to organize the files in it from time to time. Therefore, during the operation like deletion, folders and files are missing from the USB.
I am using Windows 10, and I have a Scandisk Ultra 32 GB flash drive. In the last 2 months, 2 different folders disappeared. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
- Question from TenForums
Actually, several reasons could lead to this.
◆ Deletion. It is no doubt the biggest reason for data loss in general. Once deleted from an external storage device, you will find deleted folder not in Recycle Bin, making it difficult to recover from the trash bin.
◆ Hidden files. Your files/folders might be hidden, deleted, or encrypted by viruses once infected.
◆ Corrupted flash drive. A corrupted device would meet issues like data loss, system crash, etc. If so, you need to recover corrupted hard drive.
◆ Read and write errors. If you don’t choose to safely remove the USB device, your data in it can be lost due to errors.
Quite a lot of users are facing issues like folder disappeared from flash drive. To solve this problem, some practicable methods are offered in the next part for you to give it a shot.
Some tested solutions will be introduced to help you.
How to find missing folder in windows 10? Firstly, before the solutions, it is suggested to check the status of the folder. The folder can be deleted, or just invisible and inaccessible.
On one hand, the folder might have been hidden by your misoperation or hidden by viruses maliciously. You could change settings to access it.
Step 1. Connect the flash drive to the Windows PC > go to This PC.
Step 2. Double-click the USB flash drive > View > Options > View> Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
In this way, the hidden folders will be accessible.
If showing the hidden folders could not make it, the folder was likely to be deleted. No matter whether it was deleted by yourself, viruses, or somehow, you could follow the methods below to fix it.
USB thumb drive as an external device, could not be backed up with Windows inbuilt features like File History, Backup and Restore, etc.
But luckily, there are data recovery tools that can help. Windows File Recovery is one of the eligible tools.
Offered by Microsoft, it is designed for users who are familiar with commands or who have the experience of using Command Prompt to manage and organize their machines.
This app uses recovery modes and switches to scan and recover lost data from external/internal devices.
Check the detailed explanation of recovery modes/switches in “How to use Windows File Recovery” to learn more about this app.
Step 1. Connect the USB flash drive > go to This PC > right-click the USB drive > Properties. Check the File System.
Step 2. File System and how the data was lost are to decide which mode to use. The regular mode only works for NTFS drive.
| File system | Scenarios | mode |
| NTFS | Deleted recently | Regular |
| NTFS | Deleted for a while | Extensive |
| NTFS | Formatted disk | Extensive |
| NTFS | corrupted disk | Extensive |
| FAT and exFAT | Any | Extensive |
Step 3. Switches can help you filter and detect the wanted files faster.
| Switches | Meaning | Supported mode(s) |
| /n | Filter the scan range: scans for a specific file with its file name/path/type, etc. | All |
| /y: | Recovers specific extension groups. | Signature |
| /k | Recovers system files. | NTFS Segment |
| /segment | Segment mode; recovers files under NTFS drives using file record segments. | Segment |
| /signature | Signature mode; recovers files under all file system types using file headers. | Signature |
| /u | Recovers undeleted files, for example, from the Recycle Bin. | NTFS Segment |
Step 4. Go to Microsoft Store > search for Windows File Recovery > click Get to install this app.
Step 5. A command is necessary to recover lost files.
Command format: winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches]
E.g., input winfr F: D: /extensive /n *.jpg
With this command, jpg files detected in the F: drive will be recovered to the D: drive.
As mentioned above, due to the complex commands and no intuitive user interface, Windows File Recovery is not suitable for ordinary users without specific knowledge and experience. To get free of these problems, you need an easier tool.
If you find it difficult for you to use the commands, another way is also feasible. MyRecover, developed by the leading benchmark in the data recovery industry, is easy and efficient, even green hands could use it effortlessly.
This app can help you target specific types of data effectively.
Now use this app to recover deleted files in 3 steps.
Step 1. Run the software > connect the USB device > hover the mouse over the drive, and click Scan.
Step 2. All files scanned could be viewed, sorted, and searched using filters: Date modified, Size, Type, Path, etc.
Step 3. Go to Other missing files and select the wanted files, e.g., Compressed files, Documents, Images, etc. > click Recover x files to restore them quickly.
This utility could not only help you solve the problem of how to find missing folder in windows 10 but also assist you in fixing the SD card deleting files by itself issue.
The solutions of folder disappeared from flash drive are all introduced with details in this post. In case you need extra help in folder recovery, check the Q&A below.
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