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“USB recovery” can mean two different things in Windows 10: trying to restore deleted files from a USB drive, or using a USB drive to repair or reinstall Windows. For deleted files, stop using the affected drive and try Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery, saving recovered files somewhere else. For a Windows PC that will not start, use a recovery drive or installation media—but those tools do not restore deleted documents, and creating a recovery drive erases the USB drive.
Choose the right USB recovery path
| What happened | Use | Key risk or limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Files were deleted from a USB drive | Windows File Recovery | Recovery is not guaranteed; writing new data to the USB can overwrite deleted files. |
| Windows will not start or needs repair | A Windows recovery drive or installation media | Creating a recovery drive erases the USB; some reinstall options can remove files, apps, and settings. |
These are separate tasks. A Windows recovery drive contains system recovery files, not your personal documents. Microsoft’s recovery options and Recovery Drive guidance describe system recovery, while Windows File Recovery is for attempting to recover deleted files.
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Recover deleted files from a USB drive
When a file is deleted, its storage space may be marked as free even though the data remains. Microsoft warns that new files can overwrite that space. Its advice is to minimize or avoid using the computer to improve the chance of recovery. Do not save new files to the affected USB drive, and do not choose it as the destination for recovered files.
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1. Check whether the files are elsewhere
First check the Recycle Bin and any separate backup you use. Windows File Recovery is intended for files that cannot be restored from the Recycle Bin. Microsoft’s tool supports local storage, including external and USB drives, but not network shares or cloud storage.
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2. Prepare a different destination drive
Connect another drive with enough available space for recovered files. The source and destination must be different drives. Windows File Recovery creates a folder named Recovery_<date and time> on the destination. If you recover to the affected USB drive, new writes could overwrite the data you are trying to restore.
3. Check the USB drive’s file system
- Open File Explorer and right-click the USB drive.
- Select Properties and check the file system listed on the General tab.
Microsoft notes that smaller flash drives and SD cards commonly use FAT or exFAT, while larger flash drives and external hard drives may use NTFS. Check the actual drive rather than relying on its size or type.
4. Choose Regular or Extensive mode
| Drive and situation | Microsoft’s recommended starting mode |
|---|---|
| NTFS; files deleted recently | Regular |
| NTFS; files deleted some time ago | Extensive |
| NTFS; drive formatted or corrupted | Extensive |
| FAT or exFAT | Extensive |
Microsoft supports recovery from non-NTFS file systems only in Extensive mode. Extensive can take longer, especially on larger drives. If Regular does not find a supported file, Microsoft suggests trying Extensive. Neither mode guarantees success: recovery may fail if the data has been overwritten.
5. Run Windows File Recovery
Install Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store, then open Command Prompt and use the general syntax:
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winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches]
Replace the drive letters with the actual source and destination. Use /n to narrow the search by file name, path, type, or wildcard. For example, Microsoft documents a Regular-mode example that searches C: for PDF and Word files and saves them to E:
winfr C: E: /regular /n *.pdf /n *.docx
It also gives an Extensive-mode example searching E: for a file name and saving results to C:
winfr E: C: /extensive /n *invoice*
These are examples from Microsoft’s documentation, not a promise that a particular file will be found. Confirm the drive letters before running a command: swapping source and destination can put output on the wrong drive.
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- Lightweight and convenient: Lexar JumpDrive A30E (USB Type-A) boasts a slim, portable design for easy device compatibility; lightweight at 7.41 g
- Transfer speeds up to 100 MB/s: 10x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives; Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions
- Wide compatibility: Compatible with tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required; Reliably stores photos, videos & files
- Compact: Features a push-button retractor and a lanyard loop for on-the-go use
- Enhanced security: Lexar DataShield protects files, easily creates a password-protected safe with auto-encryption; Files deleted from the safe are securely erased and can't be recovered
Use a USB drive to recover Windows
If the PC itself needs repair, use recovery media rather than Windows File Recovery. A recovery drive is created from a working Windows PC and contains essential files for restoring the system, including in situations where the PC’s drive has been replaced. It is not a backup of personal files; keep those in a separate backup, such as Windows Backup or File History.
Create a recovery drive from a working PC
- Connect an empty USB drive to a working Windows PC. Creating a recovery drive erases existing contents on the USB.
- Search Windows for Recovery Drive and open the utility.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to create the drive.
- Keep the recovery USB available for the PC it was made for.
Create installation media if Windows will not start
If Windows will not start and you do not have a recovery drive, Microsoft says you can create installation media using another working PC. The USB drive must have at least 8 GB of capacity. Before using installation media to reinstall Windows, back up important data if you can: depending on the process selected, reinstalling can remove personal files, apps, and settings.
Important Windows 10 support status
Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Recovery media can help restore a system, but it does not change that support status.
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