USB discs occasionally get corrupted. When that happens, they either don’t function at all or your files vanish. Here, the key question is whether can you recover corrupted files from USB and, if yes, how? While you’ll be happy to know it’s viable, there’s a problem that it’s only possible under certain conditions.

However, worry not. In this full guide, we’ll share the reasons and symptoms for flash disk corruption, alongside methods about how to recover corrupted files from USB. We’ll also share some tips to reduce the chances of flash disk corruption in the near future.

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Part 1: Reasons Your USB Files Get Damaged

USB files can get damaged due to logical errors, hardware issues, and countless other factors. Here are the most popular reasons for flash disk corruption:

  • The USB connector or internal components may be broken due to dropping, bending, or other rough treatment.
  • The frequent plugging and unplugging of the flash disk into the port also damages the port or disk.
  • Water, heat, or sunlight may cause damage to the USB, and salt water in particular is very destructive.
  • Power loss during data transfer can damage the file system.
  • Data can be destroyed or lost through viruses or malware.
  • USB memory has fewer write/erase cycles, and those flash disks that are less expensive have a shorter lifespan.
  • Low-quality or fake USBs may use poor components or show fake storage sizes.

Part 2: Symptoms and Signs of USB File Corruption

When a USB is corrupted, it displays numerous signs and symptoms of corruption, such as the following:

  • USB drive isn’t recognized or shows errors like “Drive not accessible” or “Please insert a disk.”
  • The computer asks to format the flash disk or shows it as RAW.
  • USB files show messages like “File is corrupted” or “Cannot be opened.”
  • I/O errors appear when trying to open files in the flash drive.
  • Flash disk files open with unreadable or missing content.
  • USB shows the wrong size or says 0 bytes.
  • The USB drive doesn’t appear on the computer at all.

Part 3: How do I Recover Corrupted Files from USB?

First, you must have a clear answer to whether can you recover corrupted files from USB before actually trying to extract data. Extracting files from a damaged flash disk is viable with the aid of a specialized USB recovery tool, till the data is not overwritten. You can also learn how to recover corrupted files from USB using CMD​, to precisely repair the corruption.

But if the data is overwritten, you can look for a backup of your flash drive files. However, sometimes you can’t access the USB because of configurations that have hidden the USB from your view. In such a case, you can unhide it to recover files. Here’s how to recover corrupted files from USB in Windows 10/11 in 4 ways:

Fix 1: Use a Dedicated USB Recovery Tool

If you want to know how to recover corrupted files from USB for free when the flash disk is not overwritten, employ a dedicated USB data recovery tool. 4DDiG Data Recovery can extract files from corrupted, formatted, unbootable, and inaccessible internal/external storage mediums with high success. The tool offers countless other advantages as well, such as the following:

  • The tool does not require any technical skills, and it has a user-friendly interface.
  • The application has two scan types, Quick Scan and Deep Scan.
  • This is a professional software that supports 2000+ file formats, audio, video, images, RAW files, documents, etc.
  • This app provides a free version for Windows users (up to 2GB of data recovery).
  • This software shows a preview of recovered files prior to saving them.
  • The tool offers a high success rate and suits all major Windows systems.

Here’s how to recover corrupted files from USB flash drive​ with this tool:

Step 1: Connect the corrupted USB to your computer. Then, execute the USB retrieval tool. Choose the corrupted USB.

Step 2: Pick the file types to scan. Next, hit “Scan.” You can pause or stop the scan to preview results. Adjust tags or input keywords to locate exact files.

Step 3: Once you’ve recovered your desired files, tap “Recover.” This will move the files to a secure place on your computer or cloud.

Fix 2: Run CHKDSK to Repair Disk Errors

CHDKSK is a Windows-embedded CMD utility that can repair file system errors and bad sectors. So, if any of these are the reasons for flash disk file corruption, you can learn how to recover corrupted files from USB using CMD CHKDSK.

Step 1: Secure your corrupted USB to your computer. Then, type “cmd” in the Windows search. Next, open “Command Prompt.”

Step 2: Type the following command. Hit “Enter” afterward:

  • chkdsk [Here place the corrupted USB’s drive letter]:/f /r /x

Step 3: CHKDSK will scan and repair the errors. Once the scan is complete, exit CHKDSK. This is how to recover corrupted files from USB for free.

Fix 3: Show Hidden Files

Many times, your USB shows no files because it’s set to hide in the system settings. But you might mistakenly believe the flash disk to be corrupted. In such a case, here’s how to recover corrupted files from USB flash drive​ by revealing the files:

Step 1: Secure your corrupted USB to your computer. Then, type “con” in the Windows search. Next, open the “Control Panel.”

Step 2: Choose“Appearance and Personalization.” Then, pick “Show hidden files and folders” beneath “File Explorer Options.”

Step 3: Afterward, select “Show hidden files, folders, and drives.” Tap “Apply.” This is how to recover corrupted files from USB for free by revealing them.

Fix 4: Look for Backup Copies of Corrupted Files

In case your USB files are so severely corrupted that you’re unable to retrieve them or they’re overwritten, then look for a backup if you possess one. The following is how to recover corrupted files from USB flash drive by looking for the backup:

  • Inspect your cloud storage accounts like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox, as you may have a copy of your USB files.
  • Look for copies of your flash disk on your computer or internal storage mediums.
  • You might have activated the Windows “Backup and Restore” feature before the USB got corrupted. If your flash disk backup is also included in it, you can restore it from this feature.
  • In case you’ve employed an external hard drive or a NAS device for backups, check there as well.

Fix 5: Contact Data Recovery Services

And you are still asking, “How to recover corrupted files from USB Windows 10/11?” There are times when you may not be able to salvage the information from a flash disk when the corruption is too deep or when your data is overwritten. In this situation, you have to contact your closest reputable data recovery service. Experts are equipped with facilities and skills to salvage files that have been seriously corrupted and those that are complicated to recover.

Part 4: How to Prevent USB File Corruption in the Future?

Once you learn how to recover corrupted files from USB Windows 10/11, it is not certain whether your USB will not be corrupted once more. But you may halt its possibilities from getting corrupted. The following are some of the tips that will allow you to do exactly that:

  1. Always safely eject the USB prior to unplugging so as to avoid damaging data.
  2. Do not remove the flash disk when files are being copied, and ascertain the light has disappeared before taking it out.
  3. Be careful, do not drop, bend, or put heavy things on the flash disk.
  4. When not in use, protect the flash disk by using a cover or a case.
  5. Keep the USB in a cool and dry place, not in the presence of heat, sunlight, or moisture.
  6. Periodically make a backup of sensitive USB files based on the 3-2-1 principles (3 copies, 2 types, 1 offsite).
  7. To prolong the life of the USB, do not write and erase files on it as frequently.

Bottom Line

We have answered your queries regarding whether can you recover corrupted files from USB and if yes, how?” USB file corruption can manifest for many reasons, like physical damage, unsafe removal, or viruses. You might notice this corruption through signs like missing files, strange names, or the USB not opening at all.

But if the data isn’t overwritten, you can learn how to recover corrupted files from USB using a tool like 4DDiG Data Recovery. It’s simple to use, supports many file types and storage mediums, and lets you recover up to 2 GB for free.