Disk recovery programs are used to recover lost or deleted files of any type or size — photos, music, videos, documents or spreadsheets.
Commands and programs are for logical errors; if important files are at risk, first see how hard drive and external drive recovery works in a lab.
To do this, these tools scan the drive, track down recoverable data and rebuild files from file system records or file signatures. Always install the program and save the recovered files on a different drive, so you don’t overwrite the data you’re trying to get back.
The best disk recovery programs offer a preview of recoverable files, filtered and searchable results, easy restoration and extra features.
What is the best program to recover files?
With so many disk recovery programs available, how do you decide which ones are worth trying and which to ignore?
Compare them on performance, compatibility, features, usability, price and security.
Let’s look at each of these factors:
- Performance and compatibility: choose a program that supports all the major file formats and storage devices and scans as quickly as possible. Some tools have features to speed up the process, and others let you access deleted files as soon as they’re found, without waiting for the scan to finish.
- Features: many disk recovery programs include extras such as data backup, real-time disk health monitoring and bootable recovery media. When possible, choose one of these.
- Usability: the program should be intuitive and easy to use, making it clear what each option does without forcing you to read a lengthy manual.
- Price: there are several excellent free data recovery tools, but they generally offer fewer features, less ease of use and less customer support than paid software. The good news is that most paid disk recovery programs offer a free trial or demo version.
Security: finally, be careful whenever you download software from the internet.
Many shady websites distribute malware disguised as legitimate software, and they aren’t always easy to spot. Download programs only from the developer’s official website.
And if you’re looking for the best program because your disk has a problem, remember that no software can fix a physically damaged drive: if the disk makes strange noises or isn’t detected, the safest option is to turn to a specialized data recovery service.
Recuva (Windows)
Recuva is a disk recovery program for Windows that can restore files using its deep scan option, which searches the drive for traces of deleted data.
The tool is useful for recovering music, photos, documents, emails and other types of lost files.
It also includes a secure overwrite feature that uses military-standard techniques to permanently erase data.
Pros
- Simple user interface;
- Lets you securely erase confidential files;
- Lets you preview files before recovering them;
- The free version has no data recovery limit.
Cons
- Rarely updated by its developers;
- Limited support for recovering RAW photos.
Disk Drill
This disk recovery program, developed by CleverFiles, is designed to scan both internal and external storage devices — from your computer’s drive to USB sticks and SD cards.
Disk Drill is easy to install, user-friendly and intuitive, with plenty of wizards and tools to make the recovery process efficient.
Pros
- Modern user interface;
- The free Windows version recovers up to 500 MB;
- Fast scanning with stop/resume option;
- Recovers files from all major file systems;
- Supports numerous file formats.
Cons
- No phone support.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is a disk recovery program that can recover data deleted by accident or lost after a partition was formatted by mistake.
It can recover files even after the Windows Recycle Bin has been emptied, and it works with many types of external storage.
With EaseUS, you can restore lost files, photos and videos in a wide range of formats.
Pros
- Reliable recovery performance;
- Recovers a large number of file formats;
- Fast deep scan;
- Supports over 1,000 file formats.
Cons
- Lists unrecoverable files alongside recoverable ones;
- Expensive paid licenses.
PhotoRec
PhotoRec is another recovery program that works on almost any system and recovers files by searching for their underlying data, even when the file system is damaged.
What sets it apart is that it only reads from the source drive, which keeps your data safer during the process.
It can recover data from many types of storage device and is especially good at recovering files from digital camera memory cards.
It comes bundled with TestDisk, a tool designed to repair damaged partitions and recover lost ones.
Pros
- Cross-platform;
- Supports over 300 file formats;
- Open source and completely free.
Cons
- Not intuitive;
- Recovers everything it finds, without the original file names or folder structure.
R-Studio
R-Studio is a disk recovery program that gives users a wide range of recovery options, with versions for Windows, Mac and Linux.
As a cross-platform solution, it can recover files from drives used by any supported operating system, regardless of the system the tool is running on.
This adds flexibility and means you don’t need to buy more than one version of the software in mixed environments.
The software can recover data from local and removable disks, as well as from computers connected over a LAN or the internet.
Pros
- A demo version is available;
- Cross-platform support;
- Offers a simplified version of the tool called R-Undelete;
- Customizable known file types;
- Recovers data over a network.
Cons
- More expensive than other solutions;
- Very technical interface and features, which can confuse non-specialist users.
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Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the best disk recovery programs support the main file formats and storage devices and perform well.
They should also offer useful extra features and be easy to use.
Finally, if you’re thinking of buying a disk recovery program, try the trial version before you decide.
Unfortunately, no data recovery program can guarantee a successful recovery.
If you’ve tried the programs in this article and still can’t recover your files, rely on the experience of a professional data recovery service like ours.
With us, your device is handled safely and efficiently, with a free standard diagnosis within 48 hours.
Fill in this form to start your data recovery with us — it takes less than a minute.
