Free | How to Recover Files from Corrupted USB Flash Drives

“Can I recover data from a corrupted USB?”

Thumb drives have revolutionized the world of computers, surpassing the limitations of floppy disks and time-consuming CDs. With a flash drive, you can effortlessly save and share files with friends and colleagues by plugging them into a USB port.

However, there comes a dreadful moment when you insert the flash drive into your device, hoping to access a crucial file or enjoy a movie, only to discover that the drive is unreadable. The need to recover those files becomes urgent.

Is it possible to recover files from a corrupted flash drive? Absolutely! You can recover files from corrupted USB flash drives. The first action upon discovering a corrupted flash drive is to stop using the device immediately. This increases your chances of successfully retrieving the missing data.

How to recover files from a corrupted USB drive

How to retrieve files in corrupted USB? This section explores 5 feasible solutions to retrieve files from corrupted USB drives.

Method 1. Recover files from corrupted USB efficiently & safely🔥

When it comes to USB recovery software, our preferred choice is MyRecover. This robust tool provides a reliable solution for recovering data from corrupted USB flash drives, even if they do not appear in File Explorer.

MyRecover supports scanning RAW USB drives and recovering files from drives that prompt for formatting. With its versatility, it proves valuable in various data recovery scenarios.

MyRecover

👍Professional USB Data Recovery Software

• Recover 1000+ file types, including DOC/XLSX/PDF/PPT documents, JPG/PNG/TIF photos, MP4/MOV/AVI videos, archive, emails, etc.
• Advanced scanning method:Quick and Deep scans can search as many files as possible and recover them with a high success rate.
• Locate files quickly: search, filter specific files or folders, and preview them to confirm that you have selected the right files for recovery.
• Highly compatible: support NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS on Windows 11/10/8/7 & Windows Server.
• 🔥 500 MB of data can be recovered for free.

Download Freeware
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 & servers

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To recover your deleted files, download MyRecover, the reliable data recovery software. For unlimited file recovery, consider upgrading MyRecover. Currently, you could choose from 3 subscription plans: Monthly, Yearly, and Lifetime.

Step 1. Launch MyRecover, the top data recovery software > Hover the mouse over the USB drive saved deleted files before, and click Scan.

Step 2. The program will conduct a deep scanning process to promptly locate all the deleted files on the USB drive. You can even begin file recovery without waiting for the scanning process to complete.

Notes:✎...

Due to the frequent use of USB flash drives (such as data writing, reading, and deleting), files on the USB are majorly fragmented. Thus, MyRecover uses Deep Scan to locate them. You could find them under the Other missing files folder.

Step 3. All detected files will be categorized into different types. Check and choose the wanted files and click Recover x files for easy recovery. It is advised to store the recovered files somewhere safe other than the original location.

Thus, you could successfully recover files from corrupted USB flash drives.

Method 2. Recover data from corrupted USB drive using CMD

When dealing with a corrupted pen drive and the need to access its stored data, the "chkdsk" and "recover" command in CMD can prove valuable. These Windows inbuilt apps fix potential file system issues and recover readable info. Thus, it can help you regain access to data on a corrupted USB flash drive.

In this section, we will guide you through how to retrieve files from corrupted USB drives using "chkdsk" CMD commands.

Notes:✎...

If meeting CHKDSK not working issues, check the tutorial to fix it.

Step 1. Start the Command Prompt by inputting “command prompt” in the Windows search bar. Remember to choose Run as administrator.

Step 2. In the prompt, type "chkdsk H: /f /r" (replace H with the drive letter of the corrupt USB drive) and press Enter.

Also, there are some more available parameters.

Method 3. Recover Corrupted Flash Drives using Windows File Recovery

While local drives allow for file restoration through backup tools and restoring previous versions, USB drives directly delete data, making it seemingly unrecoverable.

What’s more, the functions of “CHKDSK” and “recover” are too limited and inconvenient. However, file recovery tools such as Windows File Recovery can be a solution.

This tool enables users to recover deleted and missing files from healthy, corrupted, or formatted hard drives in batch using commands.

It employs recovery modes and switches to scan for the desired files. The appropriate recovery modes depend on the file system of the hard drive.

To determine the file system, right-click the USB flash drive in This PC and select Properties.

With the file system and recovery mode determined, you could use switches to target your files.

For detailed instructions on how to use Windows File Recovery and understand recovery modes and switches, refer to the provided guide. Now, learn how to recover corrupted USB data via Windows File Recovery.

Notes:✎...

This app is only available for Windows 10 2004 (Build 19041) and above.

Step 1. Go to Microsoft Store, search for Windows File Recovery, click "Get," and then open the software.

Step 2. Input the recovery command: "winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches]."

If you receive the message: “Windows File Recovery failed to create destination folder”, it might indicate that the command syntax is wrong. Please check the tutorial to correct the syntax.

Ensure that the source drive differs from the target drive. For example, using the command "winfr F: D: /extensive /n *.jpg" enables the recovery of all pictures from the USB drive.

Method 4. Retrieve files in corrupted USB via File History

Windows has a built-in backup tool called File History, which can help you recover lost files. In Windows 10 and earlier, File History allows you to back up custom folders, including those on external devices like USB drives.

If your lost files were stored in one of these default locations in Windows 11, or if you're using Windows 10 and have manually added your USB drive as a File History backup location, follow these steps to recover your files:

Step 1. Start Control Panel > System and Security > File History.

Step 2. Click Restore personal files.

Step 3. Select the deleted files you need > click the Recover. Click the arrow icon to see earlier versions. For example, you could go to the desktop folder and recover a deleted folder from the desktop.

Method 5: Contact a Professional Data Recovery

If the above methods don't work, you may need to turn to a professional data recovery service. They usually have advanced tools and techniques to recover data from damaged or corrupted USB.

Simply look for a reputable data recovery service in your area or online. Then, contact them and explain your situation, including details about the deleted or lost files and the condition of your device. If necessary, send your device to the service provider for a detailed analysis. After recovery, they will return your device.

Why did your USB flash drives go corrupted?

USB flash drives can become corrupted due to various factors, and it's crucial to grasp these causes to determine the most effective data recovery approach.

✐ File System corruption: When the file system on your USB becomes corrupted or displays as RAW, accessing it becomes impossible, leading to potential file loss. Thus, you need to recover data from RAW USB.

✐ Power issues: Insufficient power supply or sudden power outages can result in data corruption during file transfers.

✐ Improper removal: Modern operating systems emphasize safely ejecting flash drives to prevent corruption caused by abrupt interruptions to read/write processes.

✐ Bad blocks: Flash-based storage devices consist of numerous small blocks with a limited lifespan. When these blocks exceed their capacity, they may malfunction and cause data corruption.

✐ Physical damage: Physical damage like jolting/dropping can influence the USB flash drive's stability, leading to corruption.

How to avoid USB flash drive corruption?

Taking proper precautions to protect your flash drives can minimize data loss. Common portable USB drives are not particularly durable and can easily be damaged if not handled correctly.

Here are some tips to help preserve your USB flash drives and the data they contain:

• Use a Case to Protect Your USB: Keep your USB safe from drops and damage by storing it in a protective case.
• Avoid Heat and Moisture: Keep your USB away from extreme heat and moisture to prevent damage.
• Disconnect When Not in Use: Remove and cover the USB when not using it to protect the connector.
• Safely Eject Your USB: Always eject the USB using the proper option on your computer to avoid data loss.
• Use Safe Computers: Only plug your USB into computers that are virus-free.
• Don’t Edit Files on the USB:Avoid editing files directly on the USB to prevent damage.
• Back Up Important Data: Regularly back up your files using professional data backup software to avoid losing important data.

Conclusion

While a damaged or corrupted USB flash drive may initially seem like a major problem, there are 5 solutions available to recover files from corrupted USB.

By following the tips provided and utilizing tools like MyRecover, Command Prompt, Windows File Recovery, File History, or data recovery services, you increase your chances to recover files from corrupted USB flash drives. These tools are free to download, so give them a try, and good luck in recovering your files.

FAQs on USB corrupted file recovery

1. How to recover corrupted USB files?

To recover corrupted flash drive files:

• Plug the corrupted USB into your computer. Download and open MyRecover.
• Choose your USB drive and click "Scan".
• Select the files you want to recover.
• Click "Recover X Files" and save them to a safe location.

2. Can I fix a corrupted USB flash drive without losing data?

Yes, you can often repair a corrupted USB drive without losing data using built-in tools like CHKDSK:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type: chkdsk X: /f (replace "X" with your USB drive letter).
3. Press Enter and let CHKDSK scan and repair your drive.

3. How to recover deleted files from a flash drive without software?

If files disappear due to changed attributes, you can restore them with a simple command:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type: ATTRIB -H -R -S /S /D X:*.* (replace "X" with your USB letter).
3. Press Enter to fix the file attributes.

4. How to recover data from USB flash drive not recognized?

• Change the USB drive letter in Disk Management.
• Update or reinstall USB drivers.
• Reinstall USB controllers in Device Manager.
• Run the Hardware Troubleshooter in PowerShell.
• As a last resort, format the USB drive.

5. How to fix a flash drive that won't read?

• Unplug and reconnect the drive.
• Restart your computer.
• Check for physical damage or dust on the USB drive or port.
• Ensure the USB drive is powered on, if applicable.
• Verify all necessary drivers and software are installed.