Undo Delete on USB Flash Drive: Recover Your Lost Files in 5 Steps
Lost important files? Learn the best strategies to undo delete on USB flash drive. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step process to undo delete from usb, helping you recover deleted data from any flash drive model before it's lost forever.
Last Updated August 29, 2025
How to Undo Delete on USB Flash Drive?
Recovery of files from USB accidentally deleted!
Is it possible to retrieve a whole folder full of files that were accidentally deleted while I was deleting one file? Somehow, the entire folder was deleted! No warning before doing this…
There is no visible deleted or recycle file, but I imagine they must be somewhere on the USB. I have googled it, and there seems to be software, but I am very wary of doing this as it may be detrimental to my laptop's hard drive.
Does Sandisk have a step-by-step or recommended way of retrieving files? This must happen a lot. Thank you
- Question from forums.sandisk.com
In that case, it’s very important to learn how to undo delete on a USB flash drive. If you encounter the above situation, please be calm and read the following for effective solutions.
Why Undo Delete on USB Flash Drive Matters
USB flash drives are used for storing important files. However, there are some risks that USB flash drive does not have a trash bin; if you delete files on a USB drive, they might seem gone forever, but in most cases, they aren’t.
Understanding how to undo delete on USB flash drive is critical because:
⭕ Accidental deletions happen frequently. Quick recoveries prevent frustration and potential work disruptions.
⭕ Time-sensitive files matter. Recovering important documents or media quickly can save projects or personal memories.
No matter who you are, knowing how to undo delete from USB ensures your data is safe even after mistakes happen. Now, how to recover files from USB flash drive, check the following part.
Best Way to Undo Delete on USB Flash Drive
In this situation, Windows data recovery software like MyRecover is your lifesaver. The data recovery software can recover files from difficult situations, which is useful than other solutions. It’s worth trying.
- Compatible with all Windows operating systems. You can use MyRecover in Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, and Windows Server 2025/2022/2019/2016/2012/2008.
- Easy recovery. You can recover in simple clicks, connect, scan, and recover.
- 99% recovery rate. It’s the highest recovery rate in the market, which helps you to recover files easily and quickly.
- Precisely recovery. Previewing files is the best before recovery, which is helpful for you to find the right files.
- Smart search: You can use file type, file size, file name, even the file path to find your missing files, you can find files quickly.
So, how to undo delete from flash drive with MyRecover:
1. Connect your USB flash drive with your computer, and ensure it can be detected by Windows. Launch MyRecover after installing it.
100% Secure2. Tap USB/SD Card Recovery, click Scan while pointing the USB flash drive that missing files.
3. It will start scanning using the deep scan, hit OK once done.
4. Select the deleted files and folders you find, and hit Recover.
5. Choose a location on your computer or external hard drive, and hit Select Folder to undo delete on USB flash drive.
- Tips:✎...
- With MyRecover, you can also create a bootable media to boot up your computer then recover files easily if your computer is unbootable.
- To recover data from unlimited computers, you can upgrade to MyRecover Technician to enjoy.
Alternative Ways to Undo Delete on Flash Drive
Besides, you can also use other ways to undo delete on flash drive, let’s try them one by one.
Way 1. Recover Files from Backups
If you have backed up files on the USB flash drive using File History, this is the simplest and most stress-free method to undo delete from flash drive. If your USB files were included in a backup, you can restore them perfectly.
1. Open Windows Settings: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
2. If you have File History enabled with a backup drive connected, click "More options" and then "Restore files from a current backup".
3. Navigate through the timeline to find the folder containing your lost files. Select them and click the green "Restore" button to put them back on your USB drive.
If you use cloud services like Google Drive or OneDrive, check their web interfaces or "Trash" folders. Deleted files are often kept there for a set period (e.g., 30 days) before being permanently erased.
Way 2. Windows File Recovery
For users comfortable with command-line interfaces, Microsoft offers a free tool called Windows File Recovery. It's powerful but less intuitive than graphical software.
1. Download Windows File Recovery from Microsoft Store and install it.
2. Launch the application from the Start Menu. It will open a Command Prompt window.
- The basic syntax is: winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches]
- Use Regular mode for recently deleted files.
- Use Extensive mode if the drive is corrupted or formatted.
3. Input the command to recover PDF and Word files from drive G: to a recovery folder on drive E:, you might use:
winfr G: E: /regular /n *.pdf /n *.docx (Replace G with your USB flash drive, and the following screenshot is only for reference)
4. The tool will create a recovery folder on your destination drive with any found files.
FAQs About Undoing Delete on USB Flash Drive
How can I undo delete on USB flash drive?
A: To undo delete on a USB flash drive, use reliable data recovery software like MyRecover. Connect your USB drive to a computer, run the software, scan the drive, preview deleted files, and restore them to a safe location. Avoid saving recovered files back to the same drive to prevent overwriting.
Can I recover files after formatting a USB flash drive?
A: Yes, it’s often possible. Formatting typically doesn’t erase data completely; it just marks the space as available. Using recovery software like MyRecover can scan and recover deleted files from the formatted drive. The sooner you attempt recovery, the higher the success rate.
How to undo delete on USB using Command Prompt?
A: Advanced users can try the Command Prompt with commands like chkdsk to repair file system errors and attrib to recover hidden files. This method requires careful typing and a bit of technical knowledge but can sometimes restore files that recovery software misses.
How long does it take to recover deleted files from a USB?
A: Recovery time depends on the size of the drive and the number of deleted files. Small drives may scan in minutes, while larger drives or heavily used USBs may take longer. Using efficient software like MyRecover optimizes the scanning process.
Can overwritten files be recovered from a USB flash drive?
A: Unfortunately, once a file has been overwritten, recovery becomes nearly impossible. Always act quickly and avoid writing new data to the USB drive after deletion. This maximizes the chances to undo delete on USB flash drive successfully.
How to show hidden files on USB flash drive?
Sometimes files aren't deleted—they're marked as "hidden" by the system. You have two ways to show the hidden files: the first one is to insert your flash drive and open File Explorer. Go to the flash drive's folder. Click View -> Show > Tick "Hidden items". Look for your file (it may appear faded). If found, right-click - Properties - Untick "Hidden".
Another one is to use the Attrib command, connect your USB flash drive to computer, run CMD as administrator, then input "attrib -h -r -s G:\*.* /s /d" and hit Enter (replace G with the drive letter of your hard drive or external storage device where you lost files).
The End
Recovering deleted files doesn't have to be a nightmare. By using reliable tools like MyRecover and understanding how to reverse delete on a USB flash drive, you can safely and successfully recover erased files.
Keep in mind that your success rate is increased if you act fast and refrain from writing to the drive any more. Your data is only a few steps away from recovery, whether it be important media, professional documents, or personal recollections.