iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Sometimes—but no app can repair every USB flash drive. If Windows can read the stick and the problem is a file-system error, CHKDSK may be able to fix it. If files have gone missing, Windows File Recovery may help retrieve them. Neither utility repairs failed hardware, and repair attempts can put existing data at risk.
First decide whether you need the files or the stick
The safest next step depends on what matters most: preserving the contents or making the drive usable again. Before running a repair or formatting the stick, copy any accessible important files to a different drive. If the files are missing or inaccessible and valuable, prioritize recovery rather than reuse.
- Files open normally: copy them elsewhere before trying a file-system repair.
- Files are missing, deleted, or lost after formatting: use a recovery approach; do not format the stick or create a new partition first.
- You do not need the existing contents: formatting may be an option if the drive is detected and appears to have a logical, rather than physical, problem.
- The drive is not detected, physically damaged, or remains unreliable: software may not be able to help. Consider warranty support or professional recovery if the data is worth the cost.
What each Windows tool can—and cannot—do
CHKDSK checks file-system errors
CHKDSK is a Windows command-line utility that checks a volume for file-system metadata errors and can attempt repairs when run with repair parameters. It is not a universal USB repair app, and a successful file-system check does not prove that the flash drive hardware is healthy.
Recommended Free Tools
Use it only after considering the files on the stick. Microsoft warns that repairs on FAT file systems usually change the file allocation table and can sometimes cause data loss; SanDisk also cautions that CHKDSK can result in data loss. If the contents matter and are not backed up, try copying or recovering them before a repair.
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Windows File Recovery tries to retrieve files
Windows File Recovery is for recovering lost files, not fixing a flash drive. Microsoft’s guidance supports FAT and exFAT USB flash drives in Extensive mode. For NTFS, it distinguishes recent deletions, for which Regular mode is recommended, from older deletions, formatting, or corruption, for which Extensive mode is recommended. Save recovered files to a different drive, not the USB stick being recovered.
Do not create a new partition after losing data: Microsoft warns that doing so reduces the chance of successful recovery. Recovery is not guaranteed, and the available modes depend on the file system and the kind of loss.
Rank #2
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
Disk Management helps inspect a detected drive
If Windows can see the stick but it is not behaving normally, Disk Management can help you inspect whether the drive appears to the computer. Seeing it there does not establish that its contents are recoverable or that the hardware is sound. Avoid initializing, repartitioning, or formatting it if you still need the files.
Choose a path for the symptom you see
| What is happening | What to do |
|---|---|
| Drive opens and files are accessible | Copy important files to another drive. If Windows reports file-system errors, CHKDSK may be considered after the backup. |
| Windows says “scan and fix” | This message commonly follows unsafe removal. If the files matter, copy what you can first; then follow Windows’ scan-and-fix prompt if appropriate. Safely eject the drive before removing it in the future. |
| Files are deleted, missing, or lost after formatting | Try a recovery tool that supports the file system and loss scenario. For Windows File Recovery, use Extensive mode for FAT/exFAT USB drives, and recover to another drive. |
| Drive is shown as RAW or “not formatted” | Do not format if you need its files. The cited support guidance does not establish a universal app-based fix for this state; consider recovery assistance before reuse. |
| Drive is not detected, physically damaged, or keeps failing | A software utility cannot be relied on to fix hardware failure. Ask the manufacturer about warranty options; consider a professional recovery service if the data justifies it. |
| You accept losing the contents and want to reuse a detected drive | Formatting can be considered once recovery is no longer needed. SanDisk recommends exFAT for sharing between Windows and macOS; it notes that macOS mounts NTFS read-only. |
When formatting is appropriate
Formatting erases the existing contents; it is not a data-recovery step. Consider it only when you no longer need the files and the drive is detected well enough to be formatted. If the stick is persistently unreliable, formatting may not address a hardware problem. SanDisk advises erasing the drive before formatting again only when data recovery is not needed.
Rank #3
- What You Get - 2 pack 64GB genuine USB 2.0 flash drives, 12-month warranty and lifetime friendly customer service
- Great for All Ages and Purposes – the thumb drives are suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies and other files
- Easy to Use - Plug and play USB memory stick, no need to install any software. Support Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports
- Convenient Design - 360°metal swivel cap with matt surface and ring designed zip drive can protect USB connector, avoid to leave your fingerprint and easily attach to your key chain to avoid from losing and for easy carrying
- Brand Yourself - Brand the flash drive with your company's name and provide company's overview, policies, etc. to the newly joined employees or your customers
When to stop troubleshooting
If the stick is physically damaged, repeatedly disconnects, is not detected, or remains unreliable after basic checks, there is no established universal software fix. For a failed drive, warranty replacement may address the hardware but will not retrieve its files. SanDisk says it does not perform data recovery itself and refers customers to recovery partners; evaluate any service independently, particularly when the data is important.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【16GB Flash Drive】USB flash drives with 16GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer. IMEASON thumb drives can be used to store different files, easy to data backup.
- 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
- 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
- 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
- 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.
Rank #4
- GOOD VALUE PACKAGE - 1 Pack 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives with great cost performance and high quality.
- BIG CAPACITY - The available capacity: 29.10GB-29.8GB, You can save the data of movies, music, photos, designs, programs, manuals, handouts in a high speed.Good performance in digital data storing, transferring and sharing with families, friends, workmates, clients and machines.
- EASY TO USE & PLUG AND WORK - Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, Compatible with USB2.0 and below.
- TWISTTURN DESIGN & EASY CARRY - The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which with rubber oil skin feeling finish. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
- WARRANTY & SUPPORT - SIMMAX logo is laser printed on the USB connector surface, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
