How to Recover a Corrupted USB Drive

How to Recover a Corrupted USB Drive

 

USB drives are essential for storing files, transferring data, and backing up important information. But what happens when your USB drive suddenly becomes corrupted? A corrupted USB drive can prevent you from accessing files, formatting the drive, or even recognizing it on your PC.

The good news is that most corrupted USB drives can be repaired or recovered. In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step methods to recover a corrupted USB drive, prevent data loss, and protect your drive in the future.

Common Signs of a Corrupted USB Drive

You may notice the following signs when a USB drive is corrupted:

  1. Cannot Access Files – Attempting to open files triggers errors like “File or directory is corrupted and unreadable.”

  2. Drive Not Recognized – USB drive does not appear in File Explorer or My Computer

  3. Formatting Errors – Windows prompts you to format the drive before use

  4. Slow Performance – Files take unusually long to copy or open

  5. Strange File Names or Missing Files – File names may appear as random characters, or files may disappear

Identifying these symptoms early can increase your chances of successful recovery.

Common Causes of USB Drive Corruption

  1. Improper Ejection – Removing the USB drive without safely ejecting it can damage the file system

  2. Virus or Malware – Malicious programs can corrupt files or the drive itself

  3. File System Errors – Bad sectors or damaged partition tables can cause corruption

  4. Physical Damage – Dropping, bending, or exposure to water can affect the USB drive

  5. Power Surges or System Crashes – Interruptions while transferring data can corrupt the drive

How to Recover a Corrupted USB Drive on Windows

Method 1: Use the Error Checking Tool

Windows has a built-in tool to repair corrupted drives:

  1. Insert the USB drive into your PC

  2. Open File Explorer → Right-click the USB drive → Properties → Tools tab

  3. Click Check → Scan and Repair Drive

  4. Wait for the process to complete, then try accessing your files

Tip: This method fixes minor corruption without formatting the drive.

Method 2: Use the CHKDSK Command

CHKDSK can repair file system errors:

  1. Press Windows + R → type cmd → Enter

  2. In the command prompt, type:

    chkdsk X: /f /r /x

    Replace X with your USB drive letter

  3. Check if the USB drive is accessible

Explanation of Parameters:

  • /f – Fixes errors on the disk

Method 3: Use File Recovery Software

If files are missing or inaccessible, use recovery software:

  1. Recuva – Free and easy to use, recovers deleted or corrupted files

  2. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard – Can recover files from corrupted or formatted drives

  3. Disk Drill – Advanced recovery for multiple file types3

Steps:

  1. Download and install the software

  2. Select the corrupted USB drive

  3. Scan for recoverable files

  4. Save recovered files to a different drive

Tip: Avoid saving recovered files back to the same USB drive to prevent overwriting.

Method 4: Format the USB Drive

If recovery is not critical or the drive remains unusable:

  1. Open File Explorer → Right-click USB drive → Format

  2. Choose File System (FAT32, NTFS, or exFAT)

  3. Uncheck Quick Format for a more thorough repair

  4. Click Start → OK

Warning: Formatting will erase all files on the drive. Recover important files first using recovery software.

Method 5: Repartition the USB Drive

If the drive is unrecognized or corrupted at a partition level:

  1. Press Windows + X → Disk Management

  2. Find the USB drive → Right-click → Delete Volume

  3. Assign a drive letter and complete the wizard

Tip: This method is useful when Windows cannot read the partition.

How to Recover a Corrupted USB Drive on Mac

Method 1: Use Disk Utility

  1. Connect the USB drive to your Mac

  2. Open Applications → Utilities → Disk Utility

  3. Select the USB drive → Click First Aid → Run

  4. Wait for the process to complete, then check access

Method 2: Use Terminal (fsck Command)

  1. Open Terminal

  2. Type:

    diskutil list

    Identify your USB drive (e.g., /dev/disk2)

  3. Run the command:

    sudo fsck_exfat -y /dev/disk2

    Replace /dev/disk2 with your USB drive identifier

  4. After completion, try accessing the drive

Tip: fsck works for FAT32, exFAT, and HFS+ drives to repair file system errors.

Method 3: Use Data Recovery Software on Mac

  • Disk Drill for Mac

  • EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac

  • Stellar Data Recovery for Mac

Steps are similar to Windows: scan the drive, preview files, and save recovered data to another location.

Preventing USB Drive Corruption

  1. Safely Eject Drives – Always use “Safely Remove Hardwar.e”

  2. Avoid Sudden Power Loss – Don’t remove the drive during data transfer

  3. Use Antivirus Software – Protect USB drives from malware

  4. Format Drives Properly – Use compatible file systems (FAT32, exFAT, NTFS)

  5. Regular Backups Back upup important data to avoid total loss

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Ignoring early signs of corruption (slow performance or missing files)

  • Writing new files to a corrupted drive before recovery

  • Using cheap or low-quality USB drives for important data

  • Not keeping backup copies

Conclusion

A corrupted USB drive can be alarming, but most cases can be resolved with built-in tools, recovery software, or formatting and repartitioning. By following the steps above, you can recover files, repair the drive, and prevent future corruption.

Regular backups, safe removal practices, and antivirus protection ensure your USB drives remain reliable and secure, keeping your important data safe.

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