4 Ways to Recover Deleted Files from Flash Drive without Software

How do I recover deleted data from usb flash drive without software when deleted files did not go to the recycle bin in Windows 11/10/8/7?

If this is the data loss on your flash drive that you concerned about, we would recommend you try some free flash drive recovery software without cost, you may check out the following link to get to know a list of free flash drive recovery software.

If you insist on recovery flash drive permanently deleted files without software, you may follow this article since it would provides some efficient ways for you to restore permanently deleted files from usb without software.

Part 1 - Recover deleted files from usb drive with free tool

iCare Recovery Free is able to restore unlimited files from usb flash drives without a cost, and it has a portable edition too for users to use the program without installation.

recover files

Download for Windows

Also read: how to recover deleted files from usb flash drive with/without software

Part 2 - Recovering permanently deleted files from pen drive without software

The KEY - attrib -h -r -s /s /d *.*

Insert your pen drive to a computer
Open cmd
Type F: (Replace f with your own drive letter of your pen drive)
Type attrib -h -r -s /s /d *.*, press Enter.

cmd pen drive recovery Recover permanently deleted files from flash drive without software

🔍 Technical Explanation

The attrib command is used to remove attributes such as hidden (-h), system (-s), and read-only (-r) from files and folders. Many times, malware or accidental user actions only hide the files instead of truly deleting them. Running this command makes hidden items visible again.

✅ When it Works

If files are hidden by a virus or set as system/hidden attributes.
If the directory structure still exists and files are not overwritten.

❌ When it Won’t Work

If the files were permanently deleted (Shift+Delete, emptied Recycle Bin, or deleted directly from USB).
If the USB drive is formatted or turned into RAW file system.
If files have been overwritten with new data.

Video - How to retrieve permanently deleted files from flash drive using cmd

Part 3: attrib -r -a -s -h /s /d

Open cmd
Connect your flash drive to computer
Type 'f' when f is your flash drive letter that you need to replace it with your own drive letter that your flash drive appears in your computer
Type 'attrib -r -a -s -h /s /d'

🔍 Technical Explanation

This version of the attrib command removes more attributes, including archive (-a). Some files hidden by malware or improper system flags may remain invisible until these attributes are cleared.

✅ When it Works

If your files are hidden, flagged as system files, or marked as read-only/archived.
If the issue is caused by incorrect file attributes rather than actual deletion.

❌ When it Won’t Work

If the files were deleted from disk space rather than hidden.
If the USB file system is corrupted (RAW, unreadable).
If new data has already overwritten the deleted files.

Video - how to recover deleted files from flash drive using attrib

Part 4 - Recover Permanently Deleted Files from USB with Previous Versions

The previous versions provided by Windows is an efficient way of recovering deleted files from flash drive, it could be easily operated without software.

Firstly, connect your flash drive to a computer

pen drive recovery Connect usb drive to a computer

Secondly, open 'This PC', right click your flash drive -> Properties

Thirdly, check whether previous versions is available for your flash drive

pen drive recovery Previous Versions to recover permanently deleted files folder from usb

🔍 Technical Explanation

"Previous Versions" relies on Windows File History, System Restore, or Shadow Copies. It lets you roll back the drive or folder to a snapshot state that includes older files.

✅ When it Works

If File History or System Protection was enabled before deletion.
If snapshots were created when the USB was connected.
If the file you need existed at the time of backup or restore point.

❌ When it Won’t Work

If no restore points or previous versions exist for the drive.
If the USB was not included in Windows backup settings.
If the drive has been formatted or corrupted since the last snapshot.

What if there is no previous versions available?

Option: Professional flash drive recovery software needed? Try iCare Recovery Free which is able to help recovering files from flash drive with best file recovery.

Comparison Table: Data Loss Cases vs. Recovery Methods

The following table compares common flash drive data loss cases and how well each recovery method (CMD, Attrib, Previous Versions, Free Recovery Software) performs. Recovery score is rated from ★☆☆ (low) to ★★★★ (high). We also added overall recovery marks, difficulty level, and the reason for difficulty.

Data Loss Case	CMD (basic commands)	Attrib Command	Previous Versions	Free Recovery Software	Overall Mark	Difficulty	Why It’s Easy / Difficult
Deleted Files	★★★☆	★★★☆	★★★☆	★★★★	85%	✅ Easy	Files are only logically removed; data clusters remain until overwritten.
Formatted Drive	★☆☆☆	★☆☆☆	★★☆☆	★★★★	70%	⚠️ Medium	Formatting rebuilds the file system; recovery depends on whether deep scan can find old data.
RAW File System	★☆☆☆	★☆☆☆	★☆☆☆	★★★★	65%	❌ Hard	File system is corrupted or missing; requires rebuilding structures and scanning raw data.
Unreadable Storage Media	★☆☆☆	★☆☆☆	★☆☆☆	★★★☆	55%	🔴 Very Hard	Hardware failure, bad sectors, or I/O errors make logical recovery tools less effective.
Virus Attack	★★☆☆	★★★☆	★★☆☆	★★★★	75%	⚠️ Medium	Viruses usually hide or encrypt files; recovery works if files aren’t fully damaged.

Tip: Deleted files are easiest to recover since the data remains until overwritten. Complex cases like unreadable media or RAW drives are harder, often requiring advanced software or professional services.

Where Do Deleted Files Go from USB Drive without Recycle Bin

When you clicked delete, or when you used shift+delete to delete your flash drive files, they would disappear from your usb drive, the deleted files did not go to the recycle bin since flash drive does not provide a recycle bin, neither did the deleted files go to the computer recycle bin.

Flash drive deleted files did not go to the recycle bin

Don't worry, when files deleted from usb did not go to the recycle bin, there is still hope and chance to retrieve deleted files.

NEVER DO THE FOLLOWING

There are some urgent tips for keeping your flash drive safe one you have removed files, folders from the usb and the files never went to the recycle bin.

Stop using your flash drive, disconnect it from your media
Do not save new data to the flash drive since it could overwrite the permanently deleted files/folders

Question: Where Do Deleted Files Go from USB Drive without Recycle Bin

Answer: Restore deleted files from usb with command lines

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Last updated on Aug 22, 2025

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