How to Recover Deleted USB Files After Formatting a Drive

Losing important files after accidentally formatting a USB drive can feel like a disaster. Photos, documents, videos, or work files may seem permanently gone with a single click. The good news is that in many cases, file recovery after formatting a drive is still possible—especially if you act quickly and follow the correct recovery process.

When a USB drive is formatted, the data itself is usually not erased immediately. Instead, the system removes references to the files and marks the storage space as available for reuse. Until new data overwrites that space, recovery remains achievable. This article explains how USB formatting works, what affects recovery success, and how you can recover deleted USB files safely and effectively.

Understanding What Happens When a USB Drive Is Formatted

To understand why recovery is possible, it helps to know what formatting actually does to a USB drive.

Quick Format vs Full Format

There are two main types of formatting:

Quick Format
A quick format deletes the file system structure but does not erase the underlying data. The files are no longer visible, but they still physically exist on the USB drive. This type of format offers the highest chance of recovery.

Full Format
A full format scans the drive for errors and may overwrite data, making recovery more difficult. However, even after a full format, partial data recovery may still be possible depending on usage and storage conditions.

In most real-world cases, users perform a quick format, which means deleted files can often be restored with proper recovery tools.

Factors That Affect USB File Recovery Success

Not all recovery attempts have the same results. Several factors influence how much data can be recovered:

• Time since formatting – The sooner you attempt recovery, the better
• Drive usage after formatting – Writing new data reduces recovery chances
• File system type – FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS behave differently
• USB drive health – Physical damage lowers success rates
• Recovery method used – Professional tools outperform basic scans

Stopping USB usage immediately after formatting is one of the most important steps you can take.

What to Do Immediately After Formatting a USB Drive

If you realize you’ve formatted a USB drive by mistake, follow these steps right away:

1. Stop using the USB drive immediately
   Do not copy files, install software, or save anything to the drive.
2. Safely eject the USB drive
   Disconnect it to prevent background system writes.
3. Prepare a separate storage device
   You will need another drive (internal or external) to store recovered files.

These steps help prevent overwriting deleted data, which is the main reason recovery fails. 

Choosing the Right Tool for File Recovery After Formatting a Drive

Recovering USB files requires specialized recovery software that can scan raw storage sectors and rebuild lost data. One reliable solution is WinfrGUI, which is built on Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery engine but provides a much easier graphical interface.

You can learn more about professional file recovery after formatting a drive here:

Why WinfrGUI Is a Good Choice

• Uses Microsoft’s official Windows File Recovery technology
• Simple graphical interface (no command-line required)
• Supports FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, and ReFS
• Works well for formatted USB drives
• Free to download and use

If you want a reliable and user-friendly recovery solution, get WinfrGUI here:

Step-by-Step Guide to Recover Deleted USB Files After Formatting

Step 1: Install Recovery Software on a Different Drive

Never install recovery software on the USB drive you want to recover from. Doing so can overwrite deleted files and permanently destroy recoverable data.

Install WinfrGUI on:

• Your computer’s internal drive, or
• Another external storage device

Step 2: Connect the Formatted USB Drive

Plug the formatted USB drive into your computer and make sure it is recognized by the system. Do not allow any automatic repair or formatting prompts to run.

Step 3: Launch WinfrGUI and Select the USB Drive

Once WinfrGUI opens:

• Select the formatted USB drive as the source
• Choose a different destination drive for recovered files

Never save recovered data back onto the same USB drive.

Step 4: Choose the Correct Scan Mode

WinfrGUI typically offers two scan types:

Quick Scan

• Faster scan
• Best for recently deleted files
• Preserves file names and folder structure when possible

Deep Scan

• Slower but more thorough
• Best for formatted USB drives
• Can recover files even if file names are lost

For formatted USB recovery, Deep Scan is usually the best option.

Step 5: Start the Scan and Wait Patiently

Deep scans may take time depending on:

• USB drive size
• Storage speed
• Amount of data

Avoid interrupting the scan, as stopping it early may reduce recovery results.

Reviewing and Restoring Recovered Files

After the scan completes, WinfrGUI will display a list of recoverable files.

How to Identify Important Files

• Look for recognizable file types (DOCX, PDF, JPG, MP4, etc.)
• Preview files when possible
• Sort results by size or extension

Some recovered files may have generic names if file metadata was lost. This is normal for deep recovery scans.

Save Files to a Safe Location

Select the files you want to restore and save them to:

• A different USB drive
• An external hard drive
• Your computer’s internal storage

Once recovery is complete, verify files by opening them.

Common Issues During USB File Recovery

Corrupted or Incomplete Files

Some files may open but appear damaged. This can happen if:

• The file was partially overwritten
• The format process removed file headers

In such cases, file repair tools may help restore usability.

Missing File Names or Folders

Deep scans often recover raw data without original folder structures. Sorting by file type and size usually helps locate important content.

USB Drive Not Detected

If your USB drive is not recognized:

• Try a different USB port
• Use another computer
• Check Disk Management

If the drive has physical damage, professional recovery services may be required.

When Software Recovery May Not Work

Software recovery has limitations. You may need professional help if:

• The USB drive is physically damaged
• Data was heavily overwritten
• The drive firmware is corrupted
• Recovery attempts fail repeatedly

Professional services use advanced hardware techniques but are usually expensive. Software recovery should always be tried first.

Best Practices to Prevent Future USB Data Loss

While recovery is possible, prevention is always better. Follow these tips:

• Back up important USB files regularly
• Avoid removing USB drives without safe eject
• Double-check before formatting any drive
• Use reliable storage devices
• Keep multiple copies of critical data

Cloud backups combined with physical storage backups provide the best protection.

Final Thoughts

Accidentally formatting a USB drive does not always mean permanent data loss. With the right approach, file recovery after formatting a drive is often successful, especially if you act quickly and avoid further drive usage. Understanding how formatting works, choosing a reliable recovery tool, and following best practices greatly increases your chances of restoring lost files.

By taking the right steps, you can turn a stressful data loss situation into a successful recovery—and protect yourself from future mistakes.