If you are reading this article, a disaster has probably struck. Maybe you’ve moved important files on or off your computer, only for your SD card to stop working. Or maybe you’ve permanently deleted seemingly unnecessary files, only to realize that you actually need them.
Unless you have backed up your data, how will you recover these files? Although there are no guarantees, it may be possible to recover some or all of these files, even if it seems like they are gone forever.
However, it is crucial that you do not format the card right away. Try to recover the files first and then format the SD card.
And remember that it may be the SD card reader that is the problem. If your computer does not recognize the SD card, try using another device to see if this could be the cause. If that’s the case, you can still use your regular computer – just buy an SD card reader that plugs into the USB port.
But if you have identified the SD card itself as the problem, here is what you need to try. The methods in this article apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11.
How to Recover Deleted Files from SD Card Using Recovery Software
There are many applications that claim to be able to recover data from corrupted or “dead” memory cards. Disk Digger is an option. It is free to use, but you will have to pay $14.99 to restore all the files it is capable of recovering.
We used Disk Digger in our step-by-step guide on how to recover deleted files on Windows. The same process works for SD cards: just plug it into your computer before you begin.
However, there are many other free options worth trying:
But if none of these solutions work for you, it might be time to try a paid option. Besides Disk Digger, there are a few other options:
When you use such software, there is no guarantee that you will recover your files intact and usually they will lose their original file names, which might be a problem for some people. Others will be able to rename recovered files with relative ease.
Some free recovery programs are limited in the number of files or amount of data they can recover, so research the limitations before downloading them. Also be wary of additional unwanted programs that might be installed alongside freeware: never use the “Recommended” installation option.
Always choose “Manual” and read each screen carefully, turning off search bars and other software.
We’re using Recuva for the purposes of this tutorial, but the method is generally the same no matter which one you use:
- Install the app, then insert the damaged SD card into your computer’s card reader
- Launch the app
- If prompted, decide which types of files you want to restore. When in doubt, choose all
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
4. Select your SD card as the specific location where the files were stored
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
5. Start the scan, which usually takes a few minutes
6. In the list of recovered files, check if the ones you need are there. Otherwise, Recuva and some other applications have the option to perform a longer scan, which may be more efficient.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
7. Select all the files you want to recover, then choose where to store them
8. Files may have lost their original name and extension, so change them if necessary.
How to Fix a Broken SD Card
Standard SD cards are not particularly durable, so they can easily break if you carry them in your pocket or unprotected in a bag.
Sometimes the little write protect switch falls off, preventing your SD card from working in a camera or other device that needs to be able to write to it. If you can’t find it or get it working again, follow the steps in our separate article on how to remove write protection.
But if your card is physically fine and the switch (if applicable) is in the “unlock” position, you can try one of Windows’ built-in tools to try to fix it.
Your options vary depending on whether or not your card appears in File Explorer. If so, right-click on it, choose Properties, then the Tools tab. Click Check and Windows will scan the card for errors and attempt to fix them.
If the SD card does not appear in File Explorer, use the Windows Key + X shortcut and choose Disk Management.
In this tool you can see which drives Windows can “see” and the list may include drives that do not have a drive letter. If you can’t identify your SD card in the list of drives, either it is completely dead or the card reader is not working properly (maybe due to a driver issue).
If the SD card is there, but without a drive letter, you should be able to right-click on it and use the available options to assign it a drive letter or format it to a file system that Windows can read and then assign it a letter. .
Once finished, the SD card should work normally. But none of the methods described in this article guarantee recovery of your files.
