Files Deleted from USB Flash Drive Not in Recycle Bin (4 Ways)

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?

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.

How to Recover 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. 

FastRecovery, 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:

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• 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, such as SanDisk, PNY, Samsung, etc.
• 1000+ data formats: Any lost data on the USBs, including photos, videos, audio files, texts, emails, compressed files, etc., can be recovered, up to 21000+ 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.

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Now, Free download and install FastRecovery on your computer. Meanwhile, connect your flash drive to the computer.

Step 1. Open FastRecovery and click Deleted Files Recovery for quick recovery. You can also choose a more suitable alternative. All of them can help you retrieve data without causing any damage.

Step 2. Hover the mouse over the flash drive containing deleted files and click Scan to scan it.

Step 3. It will automatically run Quick Scan to search for deleted files. You don't need to wait too long. Scan time mainly depends on disk size and health, especially regarding bad sectors or file system corruption

Step 4. Wait for the process to complete, then select files by Type (default) or Path, with options to sort, search, filter, and preview files. 

👉Under the Type section: 

• Specify the data type and click the arrow next to type, size, date modified, etc., to sort files. 
• To locate files quickly, type the file name or extension in the search box.
• Or use the filter feature, similar to the Type category, allowing you to further specify the size of files, from less than 512 KB to 1GB above.
• Once found, double-click the files to preview. 

👉 Under the Path section: Directly navigate to the original location where you saved deleted files. Sort files if needed.

Step 5. Select the deleted files you want and click Recover to save the restored files. Please select a new location to save the recovered files. R

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 - FastRecovery 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.

🧷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 FastRecovery.

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?

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