How to Recover Files from a Broken USB Without Software in 2025

Losing valuable data from a damaged USB drive can feel frustrating, especially when the files are important documents, presentations, or personal memories. While most online guides recommend recovery tools, not everyone wants to rely on third-party software. The good news is — you can often recover files from a broken USB manually using some in-built system tricks and a little patience.

This step-by-step guide will help you recover files from a broken USB without any external software, while also keeping your data secure.

First, Understand the Type of USB Damage

Before beginning the recovery process, identify the nature of the USB issue:

• Physical damage 
  Such as a bent connector, cracked casing, or broken soldering inside
• Logical damage 
  Where the USB appears in your system but you cannot open or access the files
• File system corruption 
  The file structure is unreadable or shows as RAW
• Connectivity errors 
  The drive connects, then disconnects automatically

Each type of problem has its own recovery path, especially without using software.

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Step-by-Step Recovery for Non-Working USB Without Software

1. Use Disk Management (Windows)

• Press Win + X → Click on Disk Management
• Locate your USB under removable drives
• If it shows as “Unallocated” or “RAW,” your system can still detect it
• Right-click → Assign a new drive letter
• Avoid formatting — this will delete your data permanently

2. Try Command Prompt (CMD) with CHKDSK

• Open Command Prompt (Admin)
• Type this command:
  chkdsk X: /f
  (Replace X with your USB’s drive letter)
• Press Enter and wait for the system to repair the corrupted sectors

3. Access via File Explorer Hidden Folders

• Go to Control Panel → Folder Options
• Under “View”, enable “Show hidden files, folders, and drives”
• Sometimes data is still there, just marked hidden due to corruption
• Navigate your USB folder tree and copy whatever files are visible

4. Use a Linux Boot Disk (Optional but Software-Free)

• Download Ubuntu ISO and create a live USB
• Boot using Ubuntu
• Mount your damaged USB
• Copy files from the USB to your internal or external drive
• This works even if Windows fails to detect or mount the USB properly

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What If the USB Is Physically Damaged?

If your USB has connector issues or broken joints, do not try to plug it into multiple ports — that may cause further damage. Instead:

• Try inserting it gently into different USB ports and observe if the LED flickers
• Use a USB extension cable to minimize pressure on the device
• If you’re comfortable with basic electronics, you can resolder the broken pins
• Visit a professional repair shop if the PCB board is cracked

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Prevent This Problem in the Future

• Never remove a USB without clicking “Eject”
• Avoid using USBs with metal fatigue or bent heads
• Keep a cloud backup for critical files
• Replace old or cheap USB drives every two to three years

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Internal Tech Tips You May Find Useful

While we’re talking about protecting and recovering data, having a reliable smartphone also plays a role in keeping backups safe. Explore these blogs for related advice:

• Discover the Best Smartphones Under ₹15,000 in 2025 for portable file management and cloud access
• Learn about the Poco F7 Launch Review for a phone that handles large files with ease

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To support your recovery journey without software, check these authoritative resources:

• Microsoft’s Official CHKDSK Guide

• Ubuntu Boot Recovery Guide

• Kingston USB Drive Troubleshooting

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Final Words

Recovering files from a broken USB without software is completely possible — you just need to follow the right steps and avoid panic. From disk repair commands to accessing hidden files, or even using Linux, several manual methods can give you back your data safely. Just remember: once recovered, back it up in two places.

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