To recover LOST.DIR files for free, first check whether the numbered entries can still be copied. If those copies are incomplete or missing, a software scan can look for the original files.
If your Android SD card has a LOST.DIR folder full of numbered files, copy a few to your computer. Adding the correct extension may let you open a photo or video whose data is still intact and you can do it for free in File Explorer.
If the folder is empty, or the copies are incomplete and the originals are missing, stop using the SD card. New photos and downloads can overwrite data you still want to recover. If Windows recognizes the card, a software scan can help. AOMEI FastRecovery is more beginner-friendly, while Microsoft's Windows File Recovery stands out for being completely free.
Android may create a LOST.DIR folder when it mounts an SD card. After a file system check, the folder can contain numbered entries for data that was no longer linked to a normal file. Some entries contain enough data to open as a photo or video. Others contain only a fragment. An empty LOST.DIR folder can also exist on a card that opens normally.
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👁🗨 What you see |
✅ Where to start |
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Numbered entries are visible and copy normally. |
Method 1: Open LOST.DIR Files in File Explorer |
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You deleted LOST.DIR entries, and Windows still recognizes the card. |
Method 2: Use AOMEI FastRecovery |
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Photos or videos are missing from a FAT or exFAT card with a drive letter. |
Method 3: Try Windows File Recovery |
👍 Best for: Numbered entries that are still visible on the SD card and can be copied off it.
Before trying a software scan, copy a few entries to your PC and add the likely file extension in File Explorer. This may let you open a photo or video whose data is still intact.
Step 1. Connect the SD card to your PC with a card reader. In File Explorer, look for LOST.DIR and copy a few entries to your PC. Keep the entries on the SD card as they are.
Step 2. In File Explorer, click View > Show > File name extensions to display full filenames. Select a copy, press F2, and add an extension at the end, for example, rename 00127 to 00127.jpg.
Step 3. Then, right-click the file, select Open with, and choose an app. Check whether the photo displays in full or the video plays through to the end.
If a copy shows only part of the image or the video stops early, keep the copy and search the card for the original.
👍 Best for: Accidentally deleted LOST.DIR entries on a portable SD card Windows still recognizes, especially if you want to preview before saving.
AOMEI FastRecovery is dedicated Windows data recovery software that scans your SD card for deleted LOST.DIR files. You can look for the photos or videos you need even if the original folder is missing.
Step 1. Connect the SD card through a card reader. Open AOMEI FastRecovery and select Deleted Files Recovery.
Step 2. Identify the SD card by its drive letter and capacity. Select it and click Scan. This recovery mode starts with Quick Scan.
Step 3. Under Path, expand Deleted Files and Look for LOST.DIR. Or switch to Type and look for the photos or videos you need. Click the column headers to sort the results, making it easy to find deleted files by date, type, name, and more. The fastest method is to search lost.dir.
Step 4. Select the files you want and click Recover. Save them to another physical drive. A different folder on the same SD card still writes to the card.
👍 Best for: Missing photos or videos on a FAT or exFAT SD card when you are comfortable with commands.
Windows File Recovery is another option, but you'll need to get comfortable with the command line, and it only works on Windows 10 and 11. Extensive mode scans FAT and exFAT cards, with filters to narrow the search to formats like JPEG and MP4.
Step 1. Search and install Windows File Recovery from Microsoft Store. Note the SD card’s drive letter in File Explorer. Right-click the card and select Properties to check its file system.
Step 2. Open Windows File Recovery from Start and approve the permission prompt. In this example, E: is the SD card and C: is the destination. Replace the letters with your own and keep the source and destination on separate physical drives.
winfr E: C: /extensive /n *.jpg /n *.jpeg /n *.mp4
Enter Y when prompted to recover JPG images and MP4 videos. Open the Recovery_date and time folder on the destination drive. Open the saved photos and videos to check that they’re complete.
Cancel any prompt to format the card. For a portable card, try another card reader or USB port and check whether Windows detects it. If Windows still provides no usable drive letter, the Windows File Recovery command above has no source to scan.
If the card repeatedly disconnects or file copies keep failing, check the connection and perform SD card data recovery before attempting repairs.
If you set up the card as internal storage on Android, it's encrypted and tied to that phone. Leave it in the original device and see whether the phone can still open and export the files.
To recover LOST.DIR files for free, start with the copies you can already make, then scan for the originals that are still missing. AOMEI FastRecovery is more user-friendly, while Windows File Recovery requires some comfort with commands. Just pick whichever suits you.
Open the saved files from the new drive before you put the card back into service. Until then, don't add new data or format the card.