Method 1: Check the Recycle Bin
The first step is to check the Recycle Bin or Trash on your computer. When you delete files from a pen drive, they may end up in the Recycle Bin instead of being permanently erased. To check, simply open the Recycle Bin or Trash and look for the files you wish to recover. If you find them, you can restore them to their original location on the pen drive.
Method 2: Use File Recovery Software
If the files aren’t in the Recycle Bin, you can turn to file recovery software to help you retrieve your deleted data. There are several reliable and free options available, such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill. These programs work by scanning your pen drive for any recoverable files and allow you to restore them. It is important to note that the success of file recovery software largely depends on how quickly you act, as overwritten data becomes more difficult to recover.
Method 3: Command Prompt (Windows)
Another free method that can be used on Windows systems is utilizing the Command Prompt. Follow these steps carefully:
- Connect your pen drive to your computer
- Press the Windows key and search for “Command Prompt”
- Right-click on “Command Prompt” and choose “Run as administrator”
- Type “chkdsk [pen drive letter]: /f” (e.g., chkdsk E: /f) and hit Enter
- Wait for the process to complete
- Check your pen drive for the recovered files
Method 4: Time Machine (Mac)
If you are using a Mac and have enabled Time Machine, you’re in luck. Time Machine creates backups of your files, including those on external drives like pen drives. To recover deleted files using Time Machine:
- Connect your pen drive to your Mac
- Open the Time Machine app from your Applications folder or click on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and select “Enter Time Machine”
- Use the timeline on the right-hand side to navigate to a time before the files were deleted
- Find the deleted files and select them
- Click on the “Restore” button to recover the files to their original location
Losing important files from a pen drive can be a distressing experience, but with the right knowledge and tools, it is possible to recover them. In this blog post, we discussed free methods to recover deleted files from a pen drive, including checking the Recycle Bin, using file recovery software, using the Command Prompt (Windows), and utilizing Time Machine (Mac). Remember to act quickly and avoid overwriting any data on the pen drive to maximize your chances of successful recovery. Good luck!