How to Recover a Formatted SD Card Using CMD
Accidentally formatted your SD card? Don’t panic. You can attempt recovery using the Command Prompt (CMD) in Windows or with a free data recovery tool like iCare Data Recovery Free. This guide walks you through both options.
Method 1: Recover Formatted SD Card Using CMD (Windows 10/11)
One of the easiest ways to try recovering lost data is by using Command Prompt (CMD), which uses built-in Windows tools to search for hidden or lost files on the SD card. However, this method is often not very reliable and usually doesn’t recover much. A dedicated unformat tool like iCare Recovery Free is typically much more effective.
Here are the steps to recover files from SD card using CMD
- Insert the SD card into your computer.
- Open the Command Prompt by pressing Windows + R, typing cmd, and hitting Enter.
- Type:
chkdsk E: /f(replace E: with your SD card's drive letter). - Then type:
attrib -h -r -s /s /d E:\*.*
(This image displays the example of using CMD to recover files from F drive when the SD card shows F in Windows computer) - Check your SD card for newly recovered files.
Also read: SD card photo recovery using CMD
Method 2: Use iCare Data Recovery Free Tool (Better Option)
If CMD doesn’t help or the files remain unrecoverable, you can try iCare Data Recovery Free. It’s a free and user-friendly tool designed to recover data from formatted SD cards, USB drives, and hard disks.
Steps to Recover Formatted SD Card with iCare Data Recovery Free:
Download and install iCare Data Recovery Free first. (Please dot not download the tool on your SD card)- Launch the program and select “Deep Scan Recovery” from the main menu.
- Choose your SD card from the list of drives and click Next.
- The software will scan the card. Wait for the process to complete.
- Preview and recover the files you need by clicking Recover.
Note: Save recovered files to a different drive to avoid overwriting data.
CMD vs. iCare Data Recovery Free: Which Is Better for SD Card Recovery?
While both CMD and iCare Data Recovery Free can help recover files from a formatted SD card, they differ significantly in performance and ease of use. Below is a quick comparison:
Recovery Score
Based on user experience and testing, here’s a simplified recovery effectiveness score out of 10:
- CMD Method: 4/10 – Works in basic scenarios, but limited in deep or large-format recoveries.
- iCare Data Recovery Free: 8/10 – Offers better recovery rates, file previews, and a user-friendly interface.
Comparison Table
| Feature | CMD Method | iCare Data Recovery Free |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Requires technical knowledge | User-friendly interface |
| Recovery Rate | Low to Moderate | High |
| File Type Support | Limited | Wide range (images, videos, docs, etc.) |
| File Preview | No | Yes |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Deep Scan Ability | No | Yes |
Verdict: If you're tech-savvy and want a free solution for light recovery, CMD might help. But for a higher success rate and a better experience, iCare Data Recovery Free is the recommended option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is it possible to recover a formatted memory card using CMD?
Yes, CMD can sometimes help recover hidden or lost files using commands like chkdsk and attrib. However, it works best when the data hasn’t been overwritten and the card isn't physically damaged.
2. How to recover a formatted SD card using CMD?
Use the following steps:
- Open CMD.
- Type
chkdsk E: /f. - Then run
attrib -h -r -s /s /d E:\*.*. - Check the SD card for recovered files.
3. Can I recover a formatted SD card in Windows 10?
Yes, you can recover a formatted SD card on Windows 10 using built-in CMD tools or third-party software like iCare Data Recovery Free. CMD is free and native to Windows, while iCare offers a visual interface and deep scan capabilities.
4. Is iCare Data Recovery really free?
Yes, the free version allows users to recover unlimited amount of data without payment. It only works on Windows computers.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to recover a formatted SD card using CMD in Windows 10 or with a third-party tool like iCare, it’s crucial to act quickly. Avoid using the SD card after formatting and try these recovery methods as soon as possible for the best results.