Formatting a USB stick erases all of the data on it, but that does not mean the files are gone forever. With the right tools and techniques, it is often possible to recover deleted files from a formatted USB stick. In this article, I will explain the best methods for recovering files from a formatted USB stick in 2023.
Why Files Can Be Recovered From a Formatted USB Stick
When you format a USB stick, the file system information telling the operating system where your files are located is erased. However, the actual contents of the files are not wiped right away. The data remains on the USB stick until it gets overwritten by new data.
Therefore, if you act quickly after formatting a USB stick and do not save new files to it, you have a good chance of recovering your deleted files. The key is to use data recovery software before the operating system reuses the space occupied by your deleted files.
Steps to Recover Files From a Formatted USB Stick
Here are the steps I recommend for recovering files from a formatted USB stick:
1. Stop Using the USB Stick
First, stop using the formatted USB stick immediately. Every new file you save could overwrite deleted file data you want to recover.
2. Try Using Recovery Software Built Into Your OS
Both Windows and MacOS have built-in utilities that can help recover deleted files. For Windows, try using Recuva or the Previous Versions feature. On Mac, the Time Machine backup can restore lost files.
These built-in tools are convenient but have limitations. If they do not find your lost files, move on to option 3.
3. Use Third-Party Data Recovery Software
For the best chance of recovering all lost files, use dedicated third-party data recovery software. These tools are specifically designed to restore deleted files and have advanced capabilities.
Some top data recovery programs in 2023 include:
- Stellar Data Recovery – works on Windows, Mac, USB sticks and storage devices
- EaseUS Data Recovery – Windows and Mac, free and paid versions available
- Disk Drill – great for Mac users
Follow the instructions for the recovery software. Typically, you will:
- Connect the USB stick to your computer
- Select the USB drive and choose a scan to search for deleted data
- Preview files found and select those to recover
- Choose a location to save the recovered files
The best recovery software can restore lost files from even severely damaged media like a formatted USB stick.
4. Try a Data Recovery Service For Critical Files
If DIY recovery does not work, for very important lost files consider using a professional data recovery service. Experts have access to advanced techniques in a controlled lab environment to recover data. The cost is higher but can be worth it for irreplaceable files.
Tips to Avoid Losing Files When Formatting a USB Stick
Prevention is always better than trying to recover deleted files. Here are some tips to avoid losing your data:
- Always eject the USB stick safely before disconnecting to avoid corruption
- Make backups – regularly backup important files to another drive or cloud storage
- Double-check before formatting – be very careful to select the correct drive to format
- Consider encryption – encrypt your USB stick data for added security if lost
Conclusion
Accidentally formatting a USB stick does not necessarily mean your files are permanently gone. Using good data recovery practices, there is a very good chance of recovering deleted files from a formatted USB stick. Simply stop using the drive, use recovery software, and avoid overwriting data. With the right tools and techniques, you can get back your lost files this year.
