11 Best File Recovery Software For Windows To Retrieve Data [Free/Paid]

Have you ever deleted a file by accident? Well, it happens to all of us. You might think your precious photos, documents, or videos are gone forever. But they’re not! The best file recovery software can bring back your lost data. These programs can find and restore files you deleted from your computer, memory card, and from other sources.

Windows doesn’t make file recovery easy on its own. When you delete a file, it doesn’t actually erase the data right away. The space gets marked as available for new files. This is good news because the best software to recover deleted files can scan these areas and rescue your data before it gets overwritten. Free data recovery software options exist alongside paid programs, giving you choices that fit your needs and budget.

In this guide, we’ll help you find the right Windows data recovery solution for your situation, whether you need free data recovery software or are willing to invest in premium features.

Part 1: Top Factors: Choosing a File Recovery Software for PC

Finding the best file recovery software means looking at several important factors.

• Recovery Success Rate: Look for software with high success rates. The best software to recover deleted files should restore most of your data intact.

• Supported File Types: Check if the program recovers the specific files you need (photos, videos, documents, etc.).

• User Interface: The best program to recover data on Windows should be easy to use, even for beginners.

• Speed: Good recovery software scans quickly and doesn’t waste your time.

• Preview Feature: Being able to preview files before recovery helps you find what you need.

• Deep Scan Options: The best file recovery software includes thorough scanning to find difficult-to-recover files.

• Compatible Storage Devices: Make sure the software works with your hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, memory cards, etc.

• Customer Support: Responsive help is important when you’re trying to recover valuable data.

Part 2: Precautions to Take When Choosing Free Data Recovery Software For Windows PC

Free data recovery software can be helpful, but you should be careful when choosing one. Some free options have limitations or hidden risks.

• Malware Risk: Download free recovery software only from trusted sources to avoid viruses or spyware.

• Outdated Software: Some free programs aren’t updated regularly, which means they might not work with newer systems.

• No Customer Support: Free data recovery software typically offers little to no help if you run into problems.

• Risk of Data Overwrite: Installing recovery software on the same drive where you lost data can overwrite your deleted files, making them impossible to recover.

Comparison Table: Top 5 Data Recovery Software For Windows 10 & 11 PC

Software	Free Version	Max Recovery	Price Range	Supported File Systems	Key Features
Recuva	Yes	500MB free	$0-$19.95	NTFS, FAT32, exFAT	Deep scan, Secure delete, Lightweight
Disk Drill	Yes	500MB free	$0-$89	NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, APFS, HFS+	Recovery Vault, Preview files before recovery, Supports various storage devices
EaseUS	Yes	2GB free	$0-$99.95	NTFS, FAT32, exFAT	Partition recovery, Bootable media creation, User-friendly interface
Stellar	Limited trial	Paid only	$49.99-$99.99	NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, APFS, HFS+	Video/photo recovery, RAID recovery, supports multiple formats
R-Studio	Demo only	Paid only	$49.99-$179.99	NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, ext3/ext4	Advanced file reconstruction, Network recovery, supports Linux/Unix partitions

This table focuses on the key strengths of each software, making it easier to compare their unique capabilities.

Part 3: 11 Best File Recovery Software to Recover Data on Windows 11 & 10

1. Recuva

Recuva, developed by the creators of CCleaner, is a top choice for beginners seeking file recovery software. It provides an intuitive and straightforward solution for retrieving deleted files. With its clean and user-friendly interface, the software guides users through the recovery process step by step, ensuring ease of use for everyone.

Pricing Structure

• Free version: Basic recovery features
• Professional version: $19.95 (one-time payment)

Online Reviews

• Techradar: “Powerful recovery tool” (4/5 stars)
• Softonic: “Best free option for basic recovery needs” (4.5/5 stars)

Author’s View

Recuva is the best program to recover data on Windows for beginners and basic recovery needs. The free version works well for most people, but don’t expect miracles for severely corrupted files or formatted drives.

2. Disk Drill

Disk Drill is a powerful yet user-friendly file recovery software that excels in versatility. It supports the recovery of over 400 file types and is compatible with almost any storage device. What sets Disk Drill apart is its proactive approach to data protection, featuring Recovery Vault and guaranteed recovery options to help safeguard files before they are lost.

Pricing Structure

• Free version: Recover up to 500MB
• Pro version: $89 for 3 computers
• Enterprise version: $499 for unlimited computers

Online Reviews

• Techradar: “May extra bonus features” (4.5/5 stars)
• Softonic: “Professional-grade recovery made simple” (4.5/5 stars)

Author’s View

Disk Drill offers 500MB free recovery limit is enough to test it thoroughly before buying. The protection features make it more valuable than basic recovery tools.

3. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is widely recognized as one of the best file recovery software options available. It recovers data from accidental deletion, formatting, hard drive damage, virus attacks, and system crashes. The software uses a three-step process: select location, scan, and recover.

Pricing Structure

• Free version: Recover up to 2GB
• Pro version: $69.95/month or $99.95/year
• Pro + WinPE version: $99.90 (one-time payment)

Online Reviews

• Techradar: “Powerful recovery for serious data loss situations” (4.5/5 stars)
• Softonic: “User-friendly interface with deep recovery capabilities” (4/5 stars)

Author’s View

EaseUS is the best program to recover data on Windows when you’re facing serious data loss. The 2GB free recovery is generous, and the interface makes complex recovery simple. Worth the money for valuable data.

4. Stellar Data Recovery

Stellar Data Recovery is professional-grade software with an interface simple enough for anyone to use. It excels at recovering from severely corrupted or formatted drives. The software can recover data from crashed systems, formatted drives, and even encrypted partitions.

Pricing Structure

• Free trial: Preview recoverable files only
• Standard: $49.99/year
• Professional: $79.99/year
• Premium: $99.99/year

Online Reviews

• Techradar: “Best for professional-grade recovery needs” (4/5 stars)
• Softonic: “Excellent for recovering from severely damaged drives” (4/5 stars)
• Microsoft Apps: Available in the Microsoft Store with 4.1/5 rating

Author’s View

Stellar is expensive but worth it for serious data recovery. The lack of a true free version is disappointing, but the recovery capabilities are impressive. Consider this when free data recovery software fails to find your files.

5. R-Studio

R-Studio is the most powerful recovery software on our list, though it targets more technical users. This program goes beyond simple file recovery, allowing for advanced disk analysis and recovery from damaged RAID arrays. It can work with almost any file system, including NTFS, FAT, exFAT, HFS+, and many Linux file systems.

Pricing Structure

• Demo: Preview only
• Standard: $79.99 (one-time payment)
• Technician: $179.99 (one-time payment)
• Network: $179.99-$299.99 (one-time payment)

Online Reviews

• Techradar: “The most powerful tool for advanced users” (4.5/5 stars)
• Softonic: “Professional-grade features beyond typical recovery” (4.5/5 stars)

Author’s View

R-Studio is not for beginners, but it’s the best software to recover deleted files in complex situations. The interface is less friendly, but the recovery power is unmatched. Only choose this if you’re comfortable with technical concepts.

6. TestDisk & PhotoRec

TestDisk and PhotoRec are free, open-source recovery tools that pack surprising power. TestDisk focuses on repairing partitions and making non-booting disks bootable again. PhotoRec, its companion, specializes in file recovery regardless of the storage device’s file system.

Pricing Structure

• Completely free and open-source

Online Reviews

• Techradar: “Powerful free option for technical users” (3.5/5 stars)
• Softonic: “Unmatched recovery capabilities for those willing to learn” (4/5 stars)
• Microsoft Apps: Not available in the Microsoft Store

Author’s View

TestDisk & PhotoRec offer the best file recovery software experience for $0, but require technical knowledge. They’re perfect if you’re comfortable with command lines and need deep recovery capabilities without paying anything.

7. Recoverit by Wondershare

Recoverit is a user-friendly recovery solution with high success rates. The software can recover data from nearly any scenario, including accidental deletion, formatting, system crashes, virus attacks, and even damaged or corrupted drives. Its step-by-step process makes recovery simple for beginners.

Pricing Structure

• Free trial: Preview only
• Essential: $75.99/year
• Standard: $89.99/year
• Premium: $109.99/year

Online Reviews

• Techradar: “Excellent all-around recovery option” (4/5 stars)
• Softonic: “High success rates with an intuitive interface” (4.5/5 stars)
• Microsoft Apps: Not available in Microsoft Store

Author’s View

Recoverit is among the best program to recover data on Windows for users who want simplicity without sacrificing power. The pricing is on the higher side, but the recovery success rates justify the cost for important files.

8. MiniTool Power Data Recovery

MiniTool Power Data Recovery offers a balanced approach to data rescue. It can recover accidentally deleted files, restore data from formatted partitions, and even rescue files from damaged or corrupted drives. The software uses a module-based approach, letting you choose the right recovery method for your situation.

Pricing Structure

• Free version: Recover up to 1GB
• Personal: $69/month or $89/year
• Personal Ultimate: $99 (lifetime)
• Business: $109-$399 (various licenses)

Online Reviews

• Techradar: “Solid recovery option with good success rates” (4/5 stars)
• Softonic: “Balanced features for home and business users” (4/5 stars)

Author’s View

MiniTool offers good value with its 1GB free recovery limit. The lifetime license option is appealing for those who want to own the software outright. Recovery speeds are impressive compared to some competitors.

9. DMDE (DM Disk Editor and Data Recovery)

DMDE is a powerful, low-cost recovery tool that offers professional features at a fraction of the price. It can recover files, reconstruct damaged partitions, clone disks, and edit disk structures directly. This makes it one of the best file recovery software options for users with some technical knowledge.

Pricing Structure

• Free Edition: Limited but functional
• Standard Edition: $20 (one-time payment)
• Professional Edition: $48 (one-time payment)

Online Reviews

• Techradar: “Hidden gem for technical users on a budget” (3.5/5 stars)
• Softonic: “Powerful features at an unbeatable price” (4/5 stars)
• Microsoft Apps: Not available in the Microsoft Store.

Author’s View

DMDE offers the best value for technically inclined users. The free version is limited but still useful for basic recovery. The paid versions are incredibly affordable compared to other professional-grade tools.

10. Wise Data Recovery

Wise Data Recovery is a lightweight, straightforward free data recovery software option. It’s designed for quick and simple recovery of recently deleted files. The program has a minimal footprint and runs quickly even on older computers.

Pricing Structure

• Free version: Full functionality but no support
• Pro version: $39.95 (one-time payment with support)

Online Reviews

• Techradar: “Fast, simple solution for basic recovery needs” (3.5/5 stars)
• Softonic: “No-frills recovery that gets the job done” (4/5 stars)

Author’s View

Wise Data Recovery is the best program to recover data on Windows when you need something simple and free. It doesn’t have the advanced features of paid tools, but it works well for basic file recovery without any cost.

11. Windows File Recovery (Microsoft’s Official Tool)

Windows File Recovery is Microsoft’s own command-line recovery tool. As an official Microsoft product, it integrates well with Windows 10 and 11 systems. The tool offers different recovery modes depending on your situation: Default mode for regular recovery, Segment mode for older deletions, and Signature mode for formatted drives.

Pricing Structure

• Completely free (requires Windows 10 2004 or later)

Online Reviews

• Microsoft Apps: Available in the Microsoft Store with a 3.8/5 rating.

Author’s View

Windows File Recovery is worth trying first since it’s free and official. The command-line interface is a hurdle for beginners, but the recovery capabilities are solid for a free tool. Consider this before paying for third-party options.

Author’s Tip

Always try to recover your files to a different drive than the one where you lost data. When you install recovery software or save recovered files to the same drive, you risk overwriting the very data you’re trying to rescue.

Use an external drive or another partition for both the recovery software installation and for saving recovered files.

Conclusion

Finding the best software to recover deleted files depends on your specific needs and technical skills. For beginners looking for free options, Recuva and Windows File Recovery offer good starting points. Those willing to pay for higher success rates should consider Disk Drill or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for their balance of power and usability.

The best program to recover data on Windows is ultimately the one that gets your files back. Don’t hesitate to try multiple options, starting with free versions, before investing in paid solutions. And most importantly, once you’ve recovered your valuable data, implement a regular backup system to avoid facing this problem again in the future.

FAQs:

Can I recover files after formatting my drive?

Yes, you can recover files after formatting a drive, but with limitations. Quick formatting doesn’t immediately erase all data—it only removes the file table. The best file recovery software can scan the drive and find these “orphaned” files. However, full formatting or continued use of the formatted drive significantly reduces recovery chances. For best results, stop using the drive immediately and use powerful recovery tools like Stellar or R-Studio.

Is free data recovery software effective?

Free data recovery software can be effective for basic recovery scenarios like recently deleted files or simple formatting. Tools like Recuva and TestDisk offer impressive capabilities at no cost. However, free options typically have limitations such as recovery caps (like 500MB maximum), fewer supported file types, or less powerful scanning algorithms.

How long does file recovery take?

File recovery time depends on several factors: drive size, drive speed, connection type, recovery method, and computer performance. A quick scan of a small USB drive might take minutes, while deep scanning a 2TB hard drive could take 10+ hours. The best software to recover deleted files will show progress indicators and estimated time remaining. For large drives, prepare for the process to potentially take overnight or longer, especially when using thorough scanning methods.