How to Recover Deleted Photos from SD Card on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Losing photos from your SD card can be frustrating, especially if those images hold valuable memories. Luckily, recovering deleted photos on Windows 11 is possible with some straightforward steps.

This guide will walk you through easy methods to retrieve your lost pictures safely and quickly. No advanced technical knowledge is required—just follow along carefully.

Before you start, it’s important to avoid adding new files to your SD card. This helps prevent overwriting the deleted photos, increasing the chances of successful recovery.

Let’s explore how you can recover deleted photos from your SD card using Windows 11.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Stop using the SD card immediately: Writing new data can overwrite the deleted photos, making recovery impossible.
Use a reliable card reader: Connect your SD card to your PC using a good-quality reader to avoid connection errors.
Have enough storage space: Make sure your computer has enough free space to save the recovered files.
Backup important files regularly: Regular backups prevent data loss in the future.

Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin

Sometimes, deleted photos from an SD card may be temporarily stored in the Windows Recycle Bin.

How to check:

Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop.
Look for your deleted photos by browsing or using the search bar.
If you find your photos, right-click on them and select Restore.

This restores the files to their original location on the SD card.

Note: This method works only if you deleted the photos while the SD card was connected and the files were moved to Recycle Bin.

Step 2: Use Windows File History or Backup

If you enabled File History or created backups on your Windows 11 PC, you might recover your photos from there.

How to restore backups:

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Go to Update & Security > Backup.
If you have File History set up, click Restore files from a current backup.
Browse through the backed-up folders to find your photos and restore them.

This is an easy option if you regularly back up your data.

Step 3: Try Windows 11’s Built-in Recovery Tools

Windows 11 includes a basic tool called Previous Versions that can help recover overwritten or deleted files.

How to use Previous Versions:

Insert your SD card into the PC.
Open File Explorer and navigate to your SD card drive.
Right-click the folder where photos were stored and select Properties.
Go to the Previous Versions tab.
If there are available versions, select one and click Restore.

This option depends on whether Windows created restore points or backups automatically.

Step 4: Use Third-Party Photo Recovery Software

If the above methods don’t work, using specialized recovery software is often the best choice. These programs scan your SD card deeply to find deleted files.

Popular free and paid options include:

Recuva
PhotoRec
Disk Drill
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

How to recover photos using Recuva (example):

Download and install Recuva from its official website.
Open Recuva and select the file type (choose Pictures for photos).
Select the SD card drive as the location to scan.
Start the scanning process and wait for it to complete.
Browse the list of recoverable photos and select the ones you want.
Click Recover and save them to a different drive (not the SD card itself).

Using third-party software increases the chance of recovery, but it’s important to choose trustworthy tools to avoid malware.

Alternative Method: Use Command Prompt to Check for Hidden Files

Sometimes, photos may not be deleted but hidden due to accidental commands or virus activity.

Here’s how to check:

Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter:
attrib -h -r -s /s /d X:*.*
Replace X: with your SD card drive letter.
This command removes hidden, read-only, and system attributes from all files and folders on the SD card.
Check your SD card again in File Explorer to see if the photos reappear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I recover photos after formatting the SD card?

Yes, it is possible if you stop using the card immediately and use recovery software. However, the success rate decreases if new data overwrites the old files.

Is it safe to use free recovery software?

Many free tools are safe if downloaded from official websites. Avoid suspicious sites to reduce the risk of malware.

Why can’t I find my deleted photos on the SD card?

Photos might be permanently deleted, overwritten, or hidden. Using recovery software or checking hidden files can help locate them.

What should I do if the SD card is not recognized by Windows?

Try using a different card reader or USB port. Also, check Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc) to see if the card appears there. If still not detected, the card might be physically damaged.

Can I recover photos without a computer?

Recovery typically requires a computer. Some mobile apps claim to recover data, but they are less reliable than PC software.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above methods help, consider these final steps:

Professional Data Recovery Services: These services can recover data from damaged or corrupted SD cards but can be costly.
Official Manufacturer Support: Check the SD card manufacturer’s website for troubleshooting tools or support.
Replace the SD Card: If the card is physically damaged or unusable, it might be time to replace it.

Remember, always keep backups to avoid future data loss.

Conclusion

Recovering deleted photos from an SD card on Windows 11 is achievable by following simple, step-by-step methods. Start with basic checks like the Recycle Bin and backups, then move to built-in tools and finally third-party software for deeper recovery.

Act quickly and avoid using the card until recovery is complete to maximize success. With patience and the right tools, you can bring back your precious photos safely.