If you’ve crucial files on your SD card, you already know that recovering them just doesn’t work like it would on a Windows or Mac platform. There’s no Trash can in a memory card that can store lost or deleted files temporarily.
So, what can you do to recover files from SD card for free in that instant, and whether it’s even possible? Fortunately, this detailed guide answers these very queries of yours. On top of that, we’ve also shared some useful tips to prevent losing your memory card files in future. Now let’s enter the world of free SD card recovery!
Part 1: Can You Recover Files From SD Card for Free?
Yes. You can recover deleted files from SD card for free on Windows if you have enabled either of “Previous Version” or “Backup and Restore” feature. If your memory card files are not deleted but hidden you can also reclaim them using CMD.
Whereas on Mac, you can recover lost files from SD card for free if you’ve got an iCloud backup or with help of Time Machine. In the event you don’t have a backup you can get back your memory card files with help of free SD card recovery software.
Part 2: How to Recover Files From SD Card for Free on Windows?
Check out 4 solutions below to recover files from SD card for free. Pick an option based on if you’ve enabled backup for your memory card, or whether its data was removed or is hidden from view:
Option A: Use 4DDiG to Recover Files From SD Card
The best way is to use free software to recover files from SD card if you don’t have any kind of backup made. A professional tool like 4DDiG Data Recovery supports both Mac and Windows systems and can retrieve 2000+ file types from a wide range of internal/external storage drives.
Unlike some methods that can only recover memory card files in one scenario like reclaiming lost files only, it can retrieve data regardless of how you lost it. Have a look at core features of this tool:
- Can recover data from all kinds of SD cards like SDHC, microSD, SDXC, etc.
- Offers free SD card recovery of up to 2GB with high success.
- Can retrieve memory card files lost from deletion, formatting, corruption, etc.
- Simple, user-friendly interface and offers a free preview before saving recovered files.
- Permits you to choose specific file types to scan.
Given below is a step-by-step guide on how you use 4DDiG to recover deleted/lost files from SD card for free:
Step 1: Download, install, and execute this SD card recovery tool on your computer. Then, attach your memory card to same computer. Select “SD Card” from left pane. Then, hit “Scan.”
Step 2: Choose file types (e.g., photos, videos) to scan on SD card. Pause or stop once you find your desired files.
Step 3: Preview files to check quality before recovery. Save them to a different location, like your local disk or a cloud drive.
Option B: Use CMD to Recover Files From SD Card for Free
When files on your memory card are hidden and not deleted, you can recover them using the attrib command in CMD. This command removes all attributed files and folders, including subdirectories which makes them invisible. Therefore, this way, you can recover lost files from SD card for free. Here’s how:
Step 1: Right-click “Start.” Then, choose “Command Prompt.” Open it with admin privileges.
Step 2: Type following command and hit “Enter” afterward:
- attrib -h -r -s /s /d d:\*.*
Step 3: After that, write chkdsk d: /f and hit the Enter key (in my case, it’s drive D).
Option C: Use Previous Version to Recover Files From SD Card
The “Previous Version” feature when enabled on Windows, tracks changes to your files, like edits or deletions, and saves their multiple versions. This lets you restore files to earlier versions if needed, which is helpful if you accidentally delete or overwrite something.
Although “Previous Version” feature is originally for creating backups on Windows internal drives it can also be used to recover deleted files from SD card for free. But on the condition, a previous version of your memory card files exists.
Step 1: Plug in your memory card to your computer. Then, launch “File Explorer.” Open your memory card.
Step 2: Right-click folder in your memory card where you lost files. Select “Properties.”
Step 3: Choose “Previous Versions.” Pick an older version of your memory card file and restore it.
Option D: Use Back and Restore to Recover Files From SD Card
Another way you can recover deleted files from SD card for free is if you’ve turned on “Backup and Restore (Windows 7)” feature on Windows. This feature is also originally for backing up copies of your drive and system files. But also supports free SD card recovery if you’ve got a backup of your memory card on your computer drive. Follow instructions below to use “Backup and Restore (Windows 7)” feature to recover memory card files:
Step 1: In Windows search field, input “con.” Then, choose “Control Panel” and run it.
Step 2: Beneath “System and Security” pick “Backup and Restore (Windows 7).”
Step 3: Click “Restore my files.” Then, choose your desired SD card backup. Hit “Next” to save it in a secure location.
Part 3: How to Recover Deleted Files SD Card Mac Free?
Option F: Use Time Machine to Recover Files from SD card
Time Machine is an integrated macOS backup tool that when turned on automatically saves copies of your files on Mac. If you set it up to include folder with your SD card files in its backup, you might be able to recover deleted files on SD card Mac for free. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Plug in your memory card to your Mac. Click “Time Machine” icon. Then, choose “Enter Time Machine.”
Step 2: Use timeline to find your memory card backup from when files were present on SD card.
Step 3: Head to folder where files were stored. Select files and click “Restore.”
Option F: Use iCloud Drive to Recover Files from SD Card
You can recover deleted files on SD card Mac for free if you’ve backed them up on a cloud server like iCloud Drive prior to losing them. To do so:
Step 1: On Mac, visit “iCloud.com.” Then, input your iCloud account details to login.
Step 2: Next, examine “Recently Deleted folder” for your deleted or missing memory card files.
Step 3: Select files you wish to reclaim. You can do this by choosing one file. Then, tap “Recover.” Or pick multiple files by holding “Command” and clicking each file. Then, hit ‘Recover.”
Part 4: Tips for Preventing File Loss on SD Card
After you recover deleted files from SD card for free, you must take some preventative measures to avoid losing them again. Here are some tips that’ll be useful to you in future:
- Regular Backups – Perform regular backups of your memory card using Time Machine (Mac), Previous Version, or Backup and Restore (Windows). You can also store your SD card files in a cloud storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud or on another external hard drive.
- Proper Ejection – Always safely eject card before removing it. Also, avoid pulling it out forcefully to prevent damage.
- Virus Protection – Use antivirus software to protect your computer and SD card and avoid using it in virus-infected devices.
- Regular Formatting – Periodically format SD card to check for errors.
- Handle with Care – Avoid extreme temperatures, moisture, and magnets, and store your memory card in a protective case when not in use.
- Use Quality Cards – Prefer using an SD card from brands with good class ratings (e.g., Class 10), since these are reliable and assure better data transfer rate.
- Monitor Card Health – Use tools to check for errors and keep an eye on your memory card’s condition.
Conclusion
If you want to recover files from SD card for free, this guide dished out 6 options for Windows and Mac users. However, if you haven’t set up a backup for your memory card or lost its files due to deletion or corruption you can use 4DDiG Data Recovery. It’s free software to recover files from SD card and reclaim 2000+ file types. The tool also allows you to choose specific data types to retrieve and you can preview files before saving.
