In today’s time, it can be frustrating for users if they lose important files from a USB drive. Though USBs are mainly used to store and transfer documents, images, videos, and even backups, users can face a common problem where they unintentionally delete a file. Many believe that once it’s deleted from a USB drive, it cannot be recovered. However, this may not be true as Windows includes a built-in tool called Command Prompt (CMD) that can restore certain deleted or hidden files from a USB drive. This step-by-step guide will help you understand different methods to recover deleted files from USB using CMD and common mistakes to avoid, along with tips to prevent the deletion of files. 

What Really Happens When You Delete Files from a USB Drive

When a user accidentally erases a file from a USB drive, many think it is immediately removed from the storage device. Fortunately, this is not the case as the space they occupy is marked as available for new data. Hence, the deleted data can remain hidden in the background until new files overwrite it, allowing a chance for recovery.

It has also been found that in some cases, files are not deleted but, in fact, they are hidden due to a virus attack or file system corruption. So ultimately, the files remain on the USB drive but are invisible in File Explorer. Now, to solve this, the CMD commands can help users to show and recover deleted files from a USB using CMD. However, CMD cannot always recover files if they have been overwritten or if the USB drive is physically damaged, then it is not possible to recover data through CMD may not be possible.

Ways to Recover Deleted Files from a USB Using CMD

With the correct technique applied, anyone can restore deleted files from a USB drive using the command prompt. For many users, CMD is a practical and true solution when files are deleted by mistake or even if they are hidden. Here, we will discuss some of the methods that can be used by users according to their requirements.

#1. Easy Automated USB File Recovery 

 A quick and beginner-friendly way to recover deleted files from a USB using CMD, then using an automated tool like SysTools Hard Drive Recovery Tool is the ultimate solution. This easy-to-use professional data recovery tool is designed to restore deleted, lost, or inaccessible files from internal and external hard drives. To proceed, follow these steps: 

1. Start by downloading and installing a trusted automated recovery tool 
2. Then, connect the USB drive from which files were deleted and confirm that the system detects it.
3. Access the data recovery tool and then select the connected USB drive from the list.
4. Start by searching the USB drive to automatically detect deleted, hidden, or lost files.
5. After the completion of scanning, make sure to preview the files to confirm the data quality before recovery.
6. Lastly, you can choose the files you want to restore and save them to a trusted location on your system.

#2. CHKDSK Method for Restoring Deleted USB Files

Another efficient way to get back deleted files from a USB through CMD is by using CHKDSK, which is used to check and fix file system errors on a USB drive that may prevent files from appearing normally. This is not used for physical damage or for overwritten data; it is most effective when data loss is caused by file system issues.

1. Insert the USB drive into your computer and ensure it is properly detected.
2. Press Windows + R, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
3. Check the drive letter assigned to your USB
4. Type the following command and press Enter: chkdsk E: /f
5. Allow CHKDSK to scan and fix file system errors on the USB drive.
6. Once the process finishes, open the USB drive and see if the files are restored or visible.

Author’s Suggestion: Read this blog if you want to recover data from a failed and crashed SSD (Solid State Drive) all by yourself.  

Common USB Recovery Mistakes to Avoid

A user who wants to recover data from a USB drive has to handle it carefully, as small mistakes can reduce the chances of successful recovery. If a person avoids some of the common errors, then they can easily protect their files and can recover deleted files from a USB using CMD. Some of the mistakes to avoid are:

1. Using the USB drive after data loss can overwrite deleted files.
2. Placing recovered files back onto the original USB drive.
3. Avoid running multiple recovery tools at the same time
4. Do not ignore warning messages or scan results
5. Never attempt to recover files from a physically damaged USB drive.
6. Avoid disconnecting the USB drive during the recovery process

Simple Ways to Protect USB Data

One can easily secure their USB data if they follow some of the simple habits and practices. Here, a user can reduce the chances of accidentally deleting, corrupting, or physically damaging their USB drive. So, to recover deleted files from a USB using CMD, one can just follow the steps to avoid any kind of error. 

1. Always be careful while ejecting the USB drive before removing it from your computer
2. Make sure to keep regular backups of important files on an alternative drive or cloud service
3. Avoid using USB drives on unsafe or untrusted computers
4. Do not pause file transfers while copying or moving data
5. Protect USB drives from physical damage, heat, and humidity 
6. At all times, use reliable antivirus software to scan USB drives

End Note: 

It is clear that restoring deleted files from a USB using CMD can be extremely helpful for many, especially when users face problems when their files disappear due to accidental deletion, viruses, or even when there are file system errors. Here, using methods to recover deleted files from a USB using CMD according to their requirements and avoiding common errors can help users restore their data.