How Do I Recover Deleted Files for USB or External Hard Drive?

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction: External Drive: Recover Deleted Files

If you ever lose files on your external drive, it can be a very frustrating or even heartbreaking experience. While lost work can sometimes be re-done, missing photos and videos can be lost forever. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to save you from potentially having to re-create documents and protect those precious memories.

This guide will get you to the right place for the best chance of recovering your files.

2. External Drive: Connect to Computer

Make sure your external drive is connected to your computer, and you can open the drive.

Losing important files from a USB drive or external hard drive can be a disheartening experience, but it's not always the end of the road. Whether you're using a Mac or a PC, there are several methods to attempt file recovery. In this guide, we'll explore various strategies to recover deleted files from USB drives and external hard drives for both Mac and PC users.

For Mac Users

1. Check the Trash Bin

First Stop: When you delete files from a USB or external hard drive on a Mac, they often move to the Trash. Check there first and restore if you find them.

2. Use Time Machine Backup

Time Machine: If you have Time Machine set up, you can use it to recover deleted files. Connect your backup drive, open Time Machine, navigate to the date before the files were deleted, and restore them.

3. Try Data Recovery Software

Software Options: There are various data recovery software options available for Mac, such as Disk Drill, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Stellar Data Recovery. Most offer a free version with limited recovery capabilities.
Process: Download and install the software, connect your USB or external hard drive, and follow the software’s instructions to scan and recover deleted files.

4. Seek Professional Help

Data Recovery Services: If the files are extremely important and you can't recover them through software, professional data recovery services are an option, though often expensive.

For PC Users

1. Check the Recycle Bin

Initial Step: Similar to Mac’s Trash, the Recycle Bin might hold your deleted files. If they're there, you can easily restore them.

2. Use File History

File History Feature: If you've set up File History on your Windows PC, you can use it to restore previous versions of files. Connect your drive, right-click on the folder where the files were, and select “Restore previous versions.”

3. Data Recovery Software

Options for Windows: Software like Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Stellar Data Recovery can help recover deleted files.
Procedure: Install the chosen software, connect the USB or external hard drive, and follow the on-screen instructions to recover your files.

4. Professional Recovery Services

Last Resort: If other methods fail and the data is crucial, consider a professional data recovery service.

General Tips for Successful Recovery

Stop Using the Drive: To avoid overwriting the deleted files, stop using the drive as soon as you realize files are missing.
Avoid Installing Software on the Drive: Install the recovery software on your computer's main drive, not on the affected external drive.
Preview Before Recovery: Many recovery software options allow you to preview files before recovering them. This feature helps you identify the files you need.

Prevention Tips

Regular Backups: Regularly back up your data to another drive or cloud storage.
Safe Removal: Always safely eject the drive before unplugging it from your computer.
Avoid Physical Damage: Handle your USB and external hard drives carefully to avoid physical damage.

Conclusion

Recovering deleted files from a USB or external hard drive is often possible, but it depends on how quickly you act and the tools you use. Whether you're a Mac or PC user, start with the simplest solutions like checking the Trash or Recycle Bin and then move on to more advanced methods like data recovery software. Remember, prevention is key, so regular backups and careful handling of your drives are essential to avoid data loss in the future.

3. Computer: OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your computer is using.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for personal computers currently available, Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS.

Microsoft WindowsApple macOSMicrosoft Windows runs on computers produced by multiple companies, such as Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and Sony.Apple is the only company that makes macOS computers.

4. Go To: How Do I Recover Deleted Files for Windows?

The following guide will walk you through the steps to recover files on your Windows computer.

Show Me How

Clicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

5. Go To: How Do I Recover Deleted Files for Mac?

The following guide will walk you through the steps to recover files on your Mac computer.