How to Recover Data from Formatted Drive, Disk, or Pendrive – Simple Step-by-Step Guide

In this post, we will explore the answers to these important questions.

• How to Recover Data from Formatted Drive, Disk, or Pendrive – Simple Step-by-Step Guide
• Can You Recover Formatted Data from Hard Disk or Pendrive? Yes, Here's How

Introduction

Accidentally formatted your USB, hard drive, or external disk? Don’t panic — there are easy ways to get your lost files back. In this blog, I’ll guide you step by step on "how to recover data from formatted drive" using free and effective tools, even if you’re not a tech expert.

Why Data Can Be Recovered After Formatting

When you format a drive, it doesn't actually erase the data — it just removes the file structure and makes the space “available” for new data. Unless new files overwrite the old data, there’s still a good chance you can "recover deleted files after formatting disk".

Before You Begin

• Do not write or copy anything to the formatted device.
• Stop using the drive immediately to prevent data overwriting.
• Use another computer or drive to run the recovery process.

Best Free Tools to Recover Data

Here are some trusted tools you can use to "recover formatted pendrive data free":

• Recuva – Easy and free to use (for beginners)
• PhotoRec – Free, open-source, and very powerful
• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard – Free for limited file size
• Disk Drill – Free up to 500MB (Windows), full features in paid version

Step-by-Step: Recovering Formatted Data Using Recuva

Step 1: Download and Install Recuva

Go to the official Recuva website and download the installer. Install it on a different drive than the one you want to recover.

Step 2: Choose the File Type

Open Recuva. It will ask what kind of files you want to recover (photos, documents, videos, etc.). Select "All Files" for best results.

Step 3: Select Formatted Drive

Choose the drive that was formatted (e.g., E:\ for your pendrive or D:\ for external HDD).

Step 4: Enable Deep Scan

Check the box for “Deep Scan.” This allows Recuva to search for files even after formatting.

Step 5: Scan and Preview

Click "Start" to begin scanning. It may take 10–30 minutes depending on your drive size.

Step 6: Recover and Save Files

Recuva will show a list of recoverable files. Select the ones you want and click “Recover.” Save the files to a different location to avoid overwriting anything.

(My Experience)

I once accidentally formatted my 64GB pendrive that had important college documents. I used Recuva to scan the drive with Deep Scan enabled. Within 20 minutes, I could preview almost all my files. I was able to "recover formatted usb drive without software" installations, as Recuva was lightweight and quick to install. Around 95% of my documents were recovered successfully. This experience taught me how important it is to avoid using the drive immediately after formatting.

What If the Drive Is Not Detected?

If your USB or external disk is not showing up:

• Try using a different USB port or computer.
• Open Disk Management (Windows) to check if the drive is listed but not assigned a letter.
• If it’s physically damaged, you might need professional help.

Other Ways to Recover Data

If software fails, you can try:

• Command Prompt (CMD) – Use the chkdsk or attrib commands to try simple fixes.
• Professional Data Recovery Services – These can recover data from physically damaged drives.

Common Questions

Can I recover data after full format?

Yes, using tools like PhotoRec or EaseUS, you can "recover formatted data from hard disk" even after a full format, unless it has been overwritten.

Is it possible to recover files from a pendrive formatted multiple times?

It depends on whether the data has been overwritten. Deep scan methods still have a chance to "restore files after accidental format".

Is Recuva 100% free?

Yes, the basic version is free and works for most recovery tasks. The paid version adds virtual drive support and advanced recovery options.

Tips to Avoid Data Loss in Future

• Always back up your data on multiple devices or cloud storage.
• Use antivirus to protect from viruses that may force formatting.
• Double-check before formatting any drive.

Conclusion

Accidentally formatting a drive can feel like a disaster, but with the right tools and a little patience, you can "recover data from formatted drive" quickly. I hope this guide helps you restore your lost files successfully. Don’t forget to back up your files regularly to avoid future troubles. Share this post with friends who might need it!