How to Recover Deleted Files from SD Card Free [Windows 10, 11 or Server]

Do Deleted Files Stay on SD Card?

When you delete files from an SD card, they bypass the Recycle Bin because external storage devices like SD cards and USB drives are treated differently from internal drives. The Recycle Bin is designed to temporarily store deleted files from your computer’s internal storage, not removable media. So, where does the deleted SD card go? Do deleted files stay on SD card?

When you delete files from an SD card, they don't physically "go" anywhere. Instead, the system marks the space previously occupied by those files as “available” for new data. The actual file data remains on the SD card temporarily (without their original file references) until it's overwritten by new content.

Is It Possible to Recover Deleted Files from SD Card?

Whatever the reason why you lost your SD card files, now the top priority is to recover your valuable data. Is it possible to recover deleted files from micro memory card? Yes, it is possible to recover deleted files from an SD card, especially if no new data has overwritten the deleted content. In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of SD card deleted files recovery. We’ll teach you how to recover deleted files from SD card without software/with software. So, let’s get going!

What to Do Before SD Card File Recovery

No matter whichever you finally go for, you have to first connect your SD card to a working computer and make sure it is detected successfully.

1. Use an SD Card Slot (If Your Computer Has One)

Some laptops and desktop computers come with an SD card slot built into them. Here's how to use it:

• Insert the SD card into the SD card slot, making sure it's properly aligned with the slot.

• Your computer should automatically detect the SD card and display it in “File Explorer”.

2. Use a USB Card Reader

If your computer doesn’t have an SD card slot, you can use a USB card reader to connect your SD card. Here's how:

• Get a USB SD card reader. Insert your SD card into the card reader.
• Plug the USB card reader into an available USB port on your computer.

• The computer should automatically recognize the SD card, and it will appear in “File Explorer”.

How to Recover deleted Files SD Card without Software?

Windows File Recovery, a data recovery tool developed by Microsoft, is designed to help you recover deleted files from local storage devices like hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, and SD cards. It is a command-line tool available for Windows 10 and later versions.

How to Use Windows File Recoveryfor SD Card File Recovery

Step 1. Download and Install: You can download Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.

Step 2. Run the Tool: Seach Windows File Recovery app in your Start menu, right-click on it and choose “Run as Administrator.”

Step 3. In the pop-out Command Prompt (cmd). Type the following command to run Windows File Recovery: winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches], for exmaple:

winfr H:D:\test/regular (This will recover deleted files from H: drive and save them to D:\test folder.)

Replace source-drive: with your SD card’s drive letter, and destination-drive: with the location where you want to save recovered files. [/mode] means the recovery modes to use (Regular, Extensive, Segment, or Signature). [/switches] represents additional options to refine the search, such as file types or specific folders.

Sttp 4. Once the command is set, hit Enter, and Windows File Recovery will scan your SD card for deleted files. It will restore the files to the destination drive.

Easily Restore Permanently Deleted File from SD Card with MyRecover

The above is how to recover deleted files SD card without software. If it is too complicated for your to understand or operate. You can turn to some professional SD card recovery software like MyRecover. Itis a user-friendly data recovery tool that allows you to easily recover lost or deleted files from SD cards and other storage devices. With its intuitive interface, even beginners can use it effectively.

MyRecover

Easy Data Recovery Software

• 500+ Scenarios: Recover deleted data from emptied recycle bin, formatted drive, virus attack, system crash, etc.
• 500+ Devices: HDD, SSD, USB flash drive, SD card, camera,PS4/5, drone, CCTV, music/video players, etc.
• 1000+ File Types: Recover various file types, including photos, videos, documents, and more.
• Deep Scan: Thoroughly scans disk to recover files lost due to accidental deletion, formatting, or corruption.
• Preview Option: Preview before recovery to ensure that the correct files are being recovered.

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Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 & Server

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Steps to Recover Deleted Files with MyRecover

Step 1. Go to the official MyRecover website, download the software, and install it on your computer.

Step 2. Open MyRecover and choose the SD card as the target drive for recovery.

Step 3. Click "Scan," and MyRecover will search for lost or deleted files on your SD card.

Step 4. After the scan, all found files will be list, select the ones you want to recover, and click "Recover" to restore them.

Step 5. Choose a different location than the original SD card to save the files.

By using MyRecover, you can avoid the complexities of manual recovery and ensure a smooth, hassle-free process. It’s a reliable option for those who need a quick and efficient way to recover deleted files from an SD card.

Bottom Line

After reading this tutorial, you will know how to recover deleted files from an SD card, both without software and with software, on Windows 10/11. Each solution has its own advantages, so you can choose the one that best suits your data recovery needs and preferences. If your SD card data is lost due to more complex reasons, we recommend using “MyRecover”, a professional file recovery program.

It offers three editions tailored to various user needs: Free, Professional, and Technician. If you frequently need to recover data from multiple devices, wish to preview entire files before recovery, or need to perform data recovery from a non-working computer, the Technician edition is the ideal choice for you.