How to Recover Deleted or Lost Files From an SD Card for Free
Learn how to recover deleted or lost files from an SD card for free on Windows and Mac using various methods, including free software and built-in features.
Losing files from an SD card can be frustrating, especially since SD cards don’t have a trash can like Windows or Mac systems. However, there are several ways to recover deleted or lost files from your SD card for free, whether you’re using Windows or Mac. In this guide, we’ll explore practical solutions for recovering data, as well as some tips to prevent future file loss.
Can You Recover Deleted Files From an SD Card for Free?
Yes! You can recover deleted files from an SD card for free on both Windows and Mac, using built-in features or free recovery software. Let’s explore the various methods for each operating system.
Windows and Mac SD Card Recovery Options
| Method | Platform | Backup Required? | Free Recovery Limit | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4DDiG Data Recovery | Windows, Mac | No | 2GB | Recovers deleted, hidden, and corrupted files |
| Command Prompt (CMD) | Windows | No | Unlimited | Works for hidden files, not deleted |
| Previous Versions | Windows | Yes | Unlimited | Requires “Previous Versions” to be enabled |
| Backup and Restore (Windows 7) | Windows | Yes | Unlimited | Requires a previous backup |
| Time Machine | Mac | Yes | Unlimited | SD card must be part of your Time Machine backup |
| iCloud Drive | Mac | Yes | Unlimited | Files must be backed up to iCloud |
Recover Deleted Files From an SD Card: Methods for Windows Users
If you’re using a Windows computer, you have several options to recover lost files from an SD card for free, depending on whether you have backups or need a recovery tool.
1. Use Free Software to Recover Deleted Files
If you don’t have a backup of your SD card, the most effective method is using free software like 4DDiG Data Recovery. This tool is available for both Windows and Mac and can recover over 2000 types of files from various storage devices, including SD cards.
| 4DDiG Features |
|---|
| Supports recovery from all SD card types (SDHC, microSD, SDXC) |
| Free recovery for up to 2GB of data with high success rates |
| Can retrieve files lost due to deletion, formatting, or corruption |
| User-friendly interface with file preview before recovery |
| Allows you to choose specific file types to scan |
How to Use 4DDiG:
- Install and run 4DDiG on your computer.
- Connect your SD card and select it from the menu.
- Choose the file types to scan, then pause or stop when you find your desired files.
- Preview the files and save them to a new location.
2. Recover Files Using Command Prompt (CMD)
For hidden, but not deleted, files, you can use the attrib command in CMD to restore them. This command makes hidden files visible again.
- Open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
- Type
attrib -h -r -s /s /d d:\*.*(replace “d” with your SD card’s drive letter) and hit Enter. - Run
chkdsk d: /fto repair any file system issues.
3. Restore Files Using Previous Versions
If you’ve enabled the “Previous Versions” feature on Windows, you can revert your SD card files to a previous state.
- Connect your SD card to your computer.
- Right-click the folder where the files were stored, select “Properties,” then click “Previous Versions.”
- Choose a version from the list and restore it.
4. Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
If you’ve previously backed up your SD card using the “Backup and Restore” feature, you can use this option to recover your files.
- Open the Control Panel and select “Backup and Restore (Windows 7).”
- Click “Restore my files” and choose the backup of your SD card.
- Save the files to a secure location.
Recover Lost Files From an SD Card on a Mac
For Mac users, there are built-in options to recover files for free, including Time Machine and iCloud Drive.
1. Recover Files Using Time Machine
Time Machine automatically backs up your data, so if you’ve included your SD card in your Time Machine backup, you can restore files easily.
- Insert your SD card into your Mac.
- Click the Time Machine icon and choose “Enter Time Machine.”
- Use the timeline to find the date when the files were still on your SD card, then restore them.
2. Recover Files From iCloud Drive
If you’ve backed up your SD card files to iCloud Drive, you can recover them using the following steps:
- Log in to iCloud.com on your Mac.
- Check the “Recently Deleted” folder for the missing files.
- Select the files and click “Recover” to restore them.
How to Prevent Future File Loss on SD Cards
After recovering your files, take these precautions to avoid losing data from your SD card in the future:
- Perform Regular Backups: Use Time Machine, iCloud, or Windows Backup and Restore to back up your SD card files regularly.
- Eject Properly: Always safely eject your SD card before removing it from a device to avoid file corruption.
- Use Antivirus Software: Protect your devices and SD card from viruses.
- Handle SD Cards Carefully: Avoid exposing your SD card to moisture, magnets, or extreme temperatures.
- Choose Quality SD Cards: Use high-quality SD cards with good class ratings for better reliability.
Conclusion
If you’ve lost files on your SD card, there are free solutions for both Windows and Mac users. Whether using free software like 4DDiG, built-in recovery features like Previous Versions, or cloud backups such as iCloud, you can restore your data with ease. Take the time to implement the preventive tips to safeguard your files in the future.
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