← All posts

Retrieve Deleted Files from a USB Flash Drive Easily

August 5, 2026 · DiskRescue Blog

Losing important files from a USB flash drive can be incredibly frustrating. Whether it was an accidental deletion or a drive malfunction, the sense of urgency to recover those files is understandable. Fortunately, there are methods available that can help you retrieve your lost data.

Quick answer: If you've previously enabled Windows File History, you can restore deleted files from a USB flash drive. Alternatively, you can use DiskRescue for a straightforward scan and recovery of files from damaged or reformatted drives.

Understanding Windows File History

Windows File History is a built-in backup feature that automatically backs up files from your documents, music, pictures, and videos to an external drive. If you have set up File History before losing your files, you may be able to restore them easily. This feature is designed to provide a simple way to keep your files safe from accidental deletions or corruption.

Benefits of Using Windows File History

1. Automatic Backups: Once set up, File History continuously backs up files as you modify them, ensuring you have the latest versions available for recovery.
2. Version History: You can access previous versions of your files, allowing you to restore not just the most recent version but also earlier iterations.
3. User-Friendly Interface: The process of restoring files is straightforward and does not require technical expertise.

How to Enable Windows File History

If you haven't already set up File History, here’s how to do it:

1. Connect an external drive to your PC. This drive will store your backups.
2. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
3. Click on Add a drive and select the external drive you connected.
4. Turn on Automatically back up my files.

Once enabled, File History will continuously back up your files as you modify them. It’s a good practice to periodically check that your backups are functioning correctly.

Recovering Deleted Files from a USB Flash Drive with File History

If your USB flash drive was included in your File History settings, follow these steps to restore deleted files:

1. Connect your USB flash drive to your computer.
2. Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where you stored the deleted files.
3. Click on the Home tab in the File Explorer ribbon.
4. Click on History to see available backups.
5. Use the arrows to browse through different versions of your files.
6. Select the files you want to restore and click the Restore button.

This method will replace the deleted files with their previous versions without losing any data. If you have been diligent about using File History, this process can save you a lot of time and stress.

What to Do If File History Isn’t Available

If you didn’t enable File History or the files are not there, don’t panic. You can still attempt to recover your lost files using recovery software. One effective solution is to utilize DiskRescue. This software can scan damaged or unreadable drives and help you recover files that may not be accessible otherwise.

Why Use Recovery Software?

Recovery software is particularly useful in scenarios where traditional methods fail. It can help recover files that have been deleted, lost due to formatting, or become inaccessible due to drive corruption. The software works by scanning the drive for remnants of deleted files, allowing you to restore them.

Using DiskRescue to Recover Files

Here’s how to recover your deleted files using the DiskRescue free trial:

1. Download our tool free trial: Visit the official website to get the trial version.
2. Run a read-only scan: Install and open the software, selecting your USB flash drive to scan for recoverable files. The scan is designed to be non-intrusive, ensuring that no further damage is done to the drive.
3. Preview recoverable files: Once the scan is complete, browse through the list of recoverable files. You can preview the files to verify what can be restored, which is particularly useful for ensuring you’re recovering the correct files.
4. Recover files to a different drive: Select the files you want to recover and save them to a different healthy drive to ensure the best results. This step is crucial because recovering files to the same drive can lead to overwriting data, making recovery more difficult.

This approach not only gives you a glimpse of what can be recovered but also allows you to restore files securely and efficiently.

Checklist: Steps to Take After File Loss

1. Stop using the USB flash drive immediately: This is vital as continued use can overwrite lost data, making recovery much harder.
2. Check if Windows File History is enabled: If it was set up, you may have backups available.
3. Try restoring files from File History: Follow the steps outlined above to see if your files are recoverable.
4. If unsuccessful, download recovery software: The software can help scan and restore files that are not accessible through File History.
5. Run a scan on the USB drive: This will help identify any recoverable files.
6. Preview and recover files to a different drive: Always save recovered files to another drive to avoid further complications.

Important Considerations

When attempting to recover files, keep in mind that continued use of your USB flash drive can lead to overwritten data, making recovery much harder, if not impossible. If the drive shows signs of physical damage or malfunction (like clicking, beeping, or not being recognized), it’s best to consult a professional recovery service. These issues often indicate a physical failure that software cannot resolve.

Signs of Physical Drive Failure

• Clicking or Beeping Sounds: These noises can indicate mechanical issues within the drive.
• Drive Not Detected: If your computer does not recognize the USB drive, it may be failing.
• Unusual Heat: Overheating can be a sign of internal problems.

In these cases, using recovery software may not be effective, and seeking professional help is advisable.

FAQ

Can I recover files after formatting my USB flash drive?

Yes, you may be able to recover files after formatting, especially if the data hasn’t been overwritten. Using recovery software can help you scan for and restore those files.

Is the software suitable for all types of data loss scenarios?

The software is effective for various data loss scenarios, including accidental deletions, formatted drives, and unreadable drives. However, it’s important to know that physical drive failures require professional recovery assistance.

What if I can’t find my files even with recovery software?

Not all files may be retrievable, especially if they have been overwritten or if the drive is physically damaged. Always consider data prevention strategies, such as regular backups using tools like Windows File History.

If you find yourself facing data loss on your USB flash drive, utilizing Windows File History or recovery software can be your best course of action. While recovery isn’t always assured, taking the right steps can greatly increase your chances of getting your files back. By understanding the tools available and acting quickly, you can navigate the recovery process more effectively.

How DiskRescue Compares

On a lifetime license, DiskRescue costs about 1/5 what the big-name recovery suites below charge — paid once and used for life, with no auto-renewal.

Prices, features, and free-tier limits checked on each official site (Windows editions) on July 14, 2026 — they may change with sales or updates. The price comparison uses DiskRescue's launch price ($29.99). EaseUS free recovery is 500 MB by default, expanding to 2 GB after a social-media share (kb.easeus.com); Disk Drill's official free limit is 100 MB (cleverfiles.com).

Further reading

• What to Do When Your USB Drive Shows No Files
• Fix USB Flash Drive Showing as "Raw" and Recover Files
• "The Parameter Is Incorrect" on an External Drive: What It Means and How to Get Your Files Back