Top 10 Best File Recovery Software for PC (Windows 10/11 & Mac)

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Is There Any Free file recovery software for PC?

Is there a free file recovery software option for your PC? Dealing with data loss can be extremely stressful. Whether it’s due to hardware failure, malfunctioning software, mistaken deletion, formatting, or virus. When you’re facing data loss, it is natural to look for free file Recovery software that can help you get lost data efficiently and safely.

While there are only a few free file recovery software options for Windows users to recover files deleted by their mistake, many file repair brands have free versions with file size limitations. If your files exceed the limit, you will need to upgrade to a premium version (paid).

To help you find the best free file recovery software for Windows PC in 2024, we have tested and selected 10 top options. Let’s take a closer look:

1. Recuva (Windows only)

Recuva is a 100% free file recovery software for Windows PCs. It allows you to opt-out of deleting files from your hard drive, recycle your digital camera cards and USB flash drives. Recuva compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, 7, Vista and XP. Although the Pro version will cost $19.95, and the Pro Bundle version will be priced at $39.95. Free version without limitation. The size of the file is worth trying. However, please note that Recuva has not been updated for a long time and is not compatible for Windows 11.

Pros:

  • Free version with no file size limit.
  • Cheap for professional models.

Cons:

  • Limited properties compared to competitors.
  • Deep Scan Mode takes a long time to scan your hard drive or device.

2. WinfrGUI (Windows only)

WinfrGUI is an easy-to-use graphical interface based on a powerful file recovery tool. It makes it easier to find difficult data without requiring complicated commands. Unlike other options, it’s completely free.

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Main Properties:

  • Universal support: Recover multiple types of files from different devices including PCs, laptops, USB flash drives, and SD cards.
  • Recover a broken computer: Enables data from the system to be broken easily using a USB boot medium.
  • Increased Recovery and Repair: Unique patented technology enables smooth video file recovery by automatically scanning, assembling, and matching video parts.
  • Filter and Recover During Scan: Quickly find and restore the desired files without waiting for the entire scan process to be completed. Sample already shown.

Pros:

  • Professional data recovery with patented technology.
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Flexible and reliable.

Please see instructions for easy steps on file recovery.

3. Puran File Recovery (Windows only)

Puran File Recovery is one of the best free file recovery tools for Windows 10/6/7/XP/Vista. However, it only works for home users and has not been updated since 2016. It can recover deleted files from file systems such as NTFS and FAT12/16/32 and supports deep scanning and full scanning options for search. You can also view recovered files.

Pros:

  • Completely free.
  • The ability to check whether files can be recovered.

Cons:

  • Limited properties compared to competitors.
  • For domestic use only. Not for commercial/business purposes.
  • Not compatible with Windows 11. 

4. Stellar Free file recovery software (Windows, Mac)

Stellar’s free file recovery software is a powerful tool for PCs (Windows and Mac) that allows you to recover data from various devices such as computer hard drives, USB drivers, Micro SD cards, and so on. It can help you retrieve information from empty recycling tanks, RAW partitions, and formatted or corrupted drives. It supports various file recoveries, including email files and multimedia files such as photos, videos, audio and documents. Stellars Data Recovery has advanced features and fast drive file restoration.

Pros:

  • Easy to use.
  • Great customer service with live chat.
  • Fast and efficient scanning
  • A powerful, advanced tool.

Cons:

  • Slow recovery process.
  • The free version supports only 1GB data recovery. The Pro version is more expensive than any other software option.

5. Disk Drill Free Data Recovery (Windows, Mac)

Initially focused on Mac data recovery, Disk Drill now has a Windows version as well. It can easily undo file deletion in Windows 11/10 and supports recovery from various storage devices such as external hard drives, SD cards, USB disks and digital cameras. Disk drill is easy to use and features such as fast scanning and deep scanning. Although deep scans may take a few moments to complete.

Pros:

  • Easy to use.
  • Supports fast scanning and deep scanning.
  • Supports a wide range of file types and media.

Cons:

  • Free data recovery is limited to 500MB.
  • The Pro version is expensive.
  • Recovery results may differ.

6. TestDisk Data Recovery (Windows & Mac)

TestDisk is a popular free file recovery software for Windows 11/10. It is an open and free software designed to recover missing partitions and repair unbootable devices. Testdisk has ultimate features that can easily compete with other file recovering software options. Please note that TestDesk is a command-line tool and may not be suitable for beginners.

Pros:

  • Software and free.
  • Supports exFAT, FAT, ext2 and NTFS file system recovery
  • Help repair and restore unbooted devices
  • Edit and restore deleted tables

Cons:

  • The command line tool may not be suitable for all users.
  • Not suitable for users who like GUI.
  • For domestic use only. Not for commercial/business purposes.

7. FreeUndelete (Windows only)

FreeUndelete is another freeware file recovery program that helps restore Microsoft Office files and repair damaged Windows logs. It is easy to use and can be used without expert guidance. Free Undelete allows you to recover deleted files from Windows recycling crates. Just like Puran and Recuva, FreeAndelete has not been updated recently and may not be compatible with newer versions of Windows.

Pros:

  • Free for personal use.
  • Displays recovered files in a readable structure. All recoverable folders, including individual files.
  • No ads in the free version.

Cons:

  • Business license is required.
  • Non-modern interface design

8. SoftPerfect File Recovery (Windows only)

SoftPerfect file recovery is considered one of the best non-deleted software options for recovering deleted or damaged files. It supports various storage devices such as USB hard drives, flash drivers, USB cards, CF cards, and SD cards. Softperfect files recovery works with file systems including FAT 12, FAT 16, FAT 32, NTFS and NTFS5. Your data is encrypted and compressed during the recovery process. This tool is also available for free.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and free.
  • Secure encryption and compression
  • Compatible with storage media
  • Portable software. No installation required.

Cons:

  • No image file views before recovery
  • Only FAT and NTFS file systems supported.

9. MiniTool Power Data Recovery Free (Windows only)

MiniTool Power Data Recovery Free is an easy-to-use file recovery software for Windows computers. It supports program recovery from both FAT and NTFS drives, which are popular file systems. You can sort recovered data by file name, file size, or editing date. The software also helps you find empty files.

Pros:

  • The interface is easy and easy to use.
  • Low disk space usage
  • Ability to recover multiple files simultaneously. High efficiency in retrieving data from storage devices that are not physically damaged.

Cons:

  • The free version is limited to 1 GB of data recovery. No advanced features compared to the paid version.
  • The recovered video may be fragmented and unplayable.
  • Some users found it too expensive.

10. Windows File Recovery (Windows only)

Microsoft has developed its own file recovery tool specifically for Windows 11/10. This free recover tool is available in the Windows app store and can easily download and activate your device. It is a command app that allows you to recover deleted files from pen drive, local hard drive and SD card. You can target keys, file names, extensions, or file routes for the recovery process.

Pros:

  • Completely free.
  • Recover a wide range of file formats including PDF, JPEG, MPEG, PNG, MP3 & MP4, office files, Zip folders and more.
  • Works with various storage devices such as SSD, HDD, memory card, USB drive and so on.
  • Supports multiple file systems such as FAT, NTFS, ReFS, exFAT and so on.
  • Allow targeting keywords, file extensions, or file routes during recovery.

Cons:

  • The command line tool may not be suitable for inexperienced users.
  • No GUI

Steps to recover deleted files in Windows 11/10 for free

To demonstrate that using WinfrGUI file recovery software on Windows 11/10 we have provided the following steps:

  • Step 1: Start WinfrGUI and select disk location to start the recovery process.
Download WinfrGUI Free
  • Step 2: The software will start scanning the disk to find missing files.
  • Step 3: When the scan is complete, you can view the recovered files. Select the files you want to recover and click on the “recover” button to save them.

>>Also Read: How to Recover Recently Deleted Files Windows 10

Conclusion

To conclude, we have presented 10 of the best free file recovery software options for Windows 11/10 PC. These programs are easy to understand and easy to use. Think about the features and information provided to choose the best file recovering software that meets your needs.

Note: Please see the original instructions for more detailed steps on how to recover deleted files using WinfrGUI.