MyRecover
4 FREE Ways to Recover Deleted Photos from SD Card
This a free SD card photo recovery tutorial to help you recover deleted or lost photos from SD card step by step. The most effective method is using software like MyRecover.
By Lora / Updated on November 27, 2024
Tiny and portable SD card storage devices, designed for a bunch of digital devices, for instance, cameras, video recorders, music players, PCs, etc., are prevailing and widely used to store pictures, videos, etc. However, like other devices, SD cards are prone to data loss.
You may experience a similar situation as below.
“How to recover photos from a deleted SD card? I accidentally deleted all files from my SD card. All pictures I took this month are there and I can’t afford to lose them. Any suggestions will be appreciated.” – Question from DPREVIEW
The question arises, is it possible to recover SD card photos? Why do I lose SD card photos? How to recover deleted or lost SD card photos?
Can SD card photos be recovered?
Well, it is possible to perform SD card data recovery, but it depends on how your photos on SD cards are lost and whether the data is overwritten. Then, let's get a close look at the possible causes:
- Accidental deletion. (one of the biggest reasons for data loss on any device.)
- SD card formatting.
- Loose connection between the SD card and your computer, resulting in data being inaccessible.
- Improper ejection while reading and writing data.
- Viruses maliciously modify the properties or attributes (hidden, deletion) of card data.
- Physically damaged/broken SD card, resulting in data loss. It requires a corrupted SD card recovery.
It will be an easy task to recover deleted photos from SD cards, even permanently deleted files, as long as you find a reliable data recovery tool. But if there is physical damage or the data is corrupted, it's gone for good. To avoid data overwriting, please be sure:
- Don't use the SD card after data loss.
- Don't add new photos to the SD card.
- Don't format the SD card.
How does SD photo recovery software work?
Photo recovery software like MyRecover is designed to recover deleted photos from an SD card, USB drive, external disk, HDD/SSD, etc. It will perform a complete and in-depth scanning process to find all recoverable data on the SD card and save them in the Recently Deleted/Recycle Bin/Other Missing Files folder.
You can search & filter the desired data through the scanned result, even during the scanning process. Also, it allows you to preview and selectively recover photos you want by ticking the checkbox or leaving them blank. In addition, it can recover data in any disaster, such as accidental deletion, permanent deletion, virus infection, lost partition, system crash, etc.
3 easy steps to recover deleted photos from SD card
Although there are many data recovery software, only professional and trustworthy software will free you from trouble. MyRecover will be a good choice. No matter how you lost/deleted images, from normal deletion, permanent deletion, or even format the SD card, you can use it.
MyRecover- Provide 2 advanced scanning methods - Quick Scan and Deep Scan.
- Fast speed and high recovery rate.
- Support up to 42 image files as well as other data types in over 1000+ formats.
- Retrieve data from SD cards like SanDisk, Transcend, Kingston, etc.
- Provide highlight features, such as search & filter, file preview, selective restore, etc.
- Support Windows 11/10/8/7 SP1 and server computers including the latest Windows Server 2025.
100% SecureNow follow the steps to restore deleted or lost pictures from SD card.
Step 1. Select the SD card to scan
Install and run the software > connect the SD card to your computer with a card reader > hover the mouse over the SD card drive saved deleted files before, and click Scan.
Step 2. Locate the desired data
It will automatically scan the SD card with Quick Scan & Deep Scan to separately search for deleted files and missing files. Here are two ways to locate the photos quickly:
#1: Search & Filter.If you remember the file name or extension, you can type it in the search box. If not, try to use the filter feature, such as size, Path, Type, Date modified, etc.
- Name: Type part or the entire filename of the desired files.
- Date modified: Specify the date (today, yesterday, last 7/30 days, etc.)
- Size: Set file size (<128KB, 128KB~1MB, 1MB~512MB, etc.)
#2: Sidebar directories. Go to Deleted files/Other missing files> find deleted or lost photos in their original location.
Step 3. Start SD card photo recovery
Preview the scanning result or wait for the complete result. Then, select the pictures you want to restore > click Recover x files. In this way, you can retrieve deleted photos from SD card with the original names, formats, path, and quality.
- Choose a new path to save the recovered files to avoid file overwriting.
- Not only photos, you could also use it to perform SD card video recovery in any disaster.
- If the photos are on a Windows PC, you can recover items permanently deleted from Recycle Bin.
MyRecover allows you to recover deleted photos from SD cards over 500MB in the Free edition. For larger photo recovery, please upgrade to advanced editions. The lifetime edition is recommended, i.e. one-time payment for all features with no time limit. So you can always recover data at the first time.
Other feasible SD card photo recovery methods
In addition, you can also attempt to recover deleted photos from SD card in the following methods.
Way 1: Try some quick fixes
Here is a collection of some simple solutions to recover SD card photos.
- Check if your SD card is properly/correctly connected.
- Try to connect to another interface/port.
- Use a different card reader.
Way 2: Unhide SD card photos
Sometimes, your photos on an SD card may be hidden instead of deleted. Try to show hidden files in the File Explore.
Step 1. In This PC, select the SD card. Then, click View in the toolbar and Options.
Step 3. In the Folder Options window, click View > Advanced settings, and toggle Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
Way 3. Try Windows File Recovery
Windows File Recovery, a free command-line data recovery app designed by Microsoft, can help recover deleted files from healthy/corrupted/formatted SD cards, external disks, hard drives, etc., in Windows 10 2004 (build 19041)and above. You are required to learn the syntax and necessary parameters below. It won't be easy to handle for users who are not tech-savvy.
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The syntax: winfr source-drive: destination-folder /mode /switches
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The target drive cannot be the same as the source drive.
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Since SD cards usually use FAT/FAT32/exFAT, Regular mode is not available on SD cards. Please choose Extensive mode.
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You need to check the file system of the SD card first, which helps decide the recovery mode.
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The switch narrows the search. Just type winfr /? to get details.
To get more details on how to use Windows File Recovery.
Prepare for SD card photo recovery:
- #1: Check the file system of the SD card first.
Connect the SD card properly to your computer > go to This PC > right-click on the SD card > Properties. See what type of file system you are using.
- #2: Choose a recovery mode according to the file system and data loss situation.
- #3: Choose one or more switches to filter the scanning range.
Step to recover deleted photos from SD card:
Step 1. Search and download Windows File Recovery from Microsoft Store. Then, open this software after installing.
Step 2. To recover deleted jpg and png files from F: to D:, type the following command. Replace the source drive and destination drive to yours.
winfr F: D: /extensive /n *.jpg /n *.png
Then, press y continue and wait for the processing. Finally, a folder named “Recovery_date and time” will be generated automatically in the destination drive.
While using Windows File Recovery, you may encounter different errors, for example,
- Windows File Recovery failed to create destination folder
- There was an error parsing your command
- Windows File Recovery stuck at 99% and cannot have the process ended.
- ....
Fortunately, there are some helpful methods to fix it. Click the corresponding tutorial above to get them.
How to decrease the risk of losing photos
Here are some useful suggestions you can follow to avoid data loss.
- Handle your SD card gently.
- Properly connect the SD card (with a compatible card reader).
- Safely eject the SD card.
- Clean the SD card from time to time; keep it away from dirt, oil, and liquid.
- Back up files or the SD card itself regularly.
AOMEI Backupper Standard would be of great help with multiple backup features. So you can use it to backup any items on the SD card you want. Scheduled tasks will greatly save time and space. It allows you to backup daily, weekly, monthly, and only changed files every time.
Conclusion
MyRecover is a free and easy-to-use data recovery software, suitable for all users to perform SD card photo recovery, with fast scanning and high success rate. You don't need to learn any knowledge before using it. Why not give it a try?
Users who are familiar with commands can utilize another recovery tool - Windows File Recovery from Microsoft. Or you can try other feasible methods described in the above. At last, don't forget to backup photos containing your precious moments.
FAQs
Can photos be retrieved from a corrupted SD card?
How can I avoid overwriting deleted photos on my SD card?
Are deleted photos gone forever?
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