Top Best Windows File Recovery Software (Free & Paid)
The effectiveness of your data recovery efforts depends on the choice of file recovery software. With plenty of free and paid applications for Windows users, it’s easy to get bored and waste valuable time. To make your decision-making process easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best windows file recovery software that emphasizes their pros and cons. Choose a model that fits your budget and fits your performance, usage and features.
3 Free and Best Windows File Recovery Software
Trying to start by reviewing three unlimited free data recovery software programs with “unlimited”. We mean that these programs can recover unrestricted amounts of data without needing to buy a license. This part excludes 3 free file recovery programs with restraint restrictions.
1. PhotoRec
License: Open source (GNU General Public License)
Compatibility: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP
PhotoRec Remove is on of the best windows file recovery software that can recover file images more than a very paid solution. It supports more than 480 file extensions and 300 file families including ZIP, DOC, PDF, HTML, JPEG and various graphical file formats. Please note that PhotoRec works mainly on the command line, although the graphical user interface version called QPhotoRec will have some limited features.
Pros:
- Off-source license
- Supports more than 480 file holders
- Great data recovery performance.
- Available in both CLI and GUI versions.
Cons:
- No customer support.
- Not the easiest software to use.
- Rare update
2. Recuva
License: Special Software
Compatibility: Windows 11/10/8.1/7/Vista/XP
Recuva is the best free unlimited data recovery software with an easy-to-use interface and sample viewing function. Designed by the team behind CCleaner. It is integrated with the software but can be used freely. Although the last update took place in 2016, Recuva will effectively recover popular files (JPG, PNG, DOC, PDF, MP3, AVI, etc.) without any problems. Please note that virtual hard drive support requires a costly version.
Pros:
- Easy to use interface
- Sample View Function
- Ability to delete secure files
Cons:
- Rare update
- Commercial use not authorized
3. WinfrGUI
license: Free
Compatibility: Windows 10 and higher
WinfrGUI, as a graphical version of Windows File Recovery, is designed to make file recovery easier for Windows users. It supports multiple recovery modes for NTFS, FAT, exFAT, and ReFS file systems, along with comprehensive instructions and examples from Microsoft to provide effective file recovery.
Pros:
- Free Tools
- It has an easy-to-use graphical interface.
4 Paid and Best Windows File Recovery Software
Paid data recovery software generally has superior performance in terms of usability and customer support compared to free options. Many expensive applications have free trials, which allows you to test their performance before making a purchase.
1. UFS Explorer
Compatible: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP
UFS Explorer is a sophisticated data recovery software that meets a wide range of user needs ranging from random home users to technical experts. It stands out in managing complex recovery situations, including RAID re-creation and recovery from various file systems. The software supports several recovery modes including fast and deep scanning and advanced features such as working with damaged partitions and creating disk images for secure recovery.
Pros:
- Supports most existing file systems
- Various license options
- Works with encrypted file system
- Virtual Machine Support
Cons:
- Technical knowledge required for best results
- Limited Free Trial
2. R-Studio for Windows
Compatibility: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP/2000
R-Studio is a professional data recovery software that focuses on power users and techniques. It can deactivate file deletion from various partitions such as NTFS, ReFS, FAT12/16/32, exFAT, HFS/HFS+, APFS, UFS1/UFS2 and ext2/ext3/ext4 to meet the needs of home users. A simpler version called R-Undelete focused on usability while offering RAID rebuilding and network disk recovery capabilities.
Pros:
- Understood in a wide range of applications.
- The ability to rebuild RAID
- Network Recovery
- There’s a simple version.
Cons:
- Limited Free Trial
- Target is advanced user.
3. MiniTool Power Data Recovery
Compatibility: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7
popular among users, MiniTool Power Data Recovery is an expert in recovering deleted files. The trial version enables data recovery up to 1 kilobytes, which makes it ideal for restoring large numbers of documents and photos. It is recommended to choose a lifetime license instead of a monthly or annual subscription, which costs up to 3 pieces.
Pros:
- A lifetime license.
- Show a recoverable file sample
- Recovering specific folders
Cons:
- Unable to install virtual disk recovery.
- Only 100 file types supported
4. Wise Data Recovery
Compatibility: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP
Wise Data Recovery supports more than 1,000 file types including documents, images, videos, audio, emails, and records. It works not only on Windows but also on macOS and Linux systems. Unlike most similar software, Wise Data Recovery does not set any limit on the amount of data that can be recovered for free users. Instead, it will focus on recently deleted files, such as those stored in trash.
Pros:
- Free Trial
- Accepts support for more than 1,000 file types
Cons:
- Email support only.
- ExFAT file system not supported
Understand data recovery and its possibilities.
Data recovery involves finding lost, deleted, formatted, or corrupted data from various storage devices, including SSD hard drives, memory cards, and USB flash drivers. Special data recovery tools such as those mentioned in this article do this process by scanning the storage device for the remainder of inaccessible files. They will present users with a list of recoverable files, sometimes allowing them to view files prior to actual recovery.
This process is possible because Windows will mark the storage space of the deleted files, which is not permanent, instead of permanently deleting the data. Deletion occurs when spaces are repeated with new data. Until it occurs, Windows Data Recovery software will be able to recover the files.
Recover Deleted Items with WinfrGUI
Recover deleted items easily with our best windows file recovery software. Follow these steps to recover lost files using WinfrGUI:
Step 1: Install WinfrGUI on your PC
Download WinfrGUI from the official website. No need to create user account or payment information since this software is completely free. Install it on your Windows computer, make sure it’s in a different storage device than the one you’re recovering.
Step 2: Scan your storage device.
If your storage device is not connected yet, contact now. Start WinfrGUI and select the appropriate storage unit. Start searching for missing information by clicking the appropriate button. Allow the software to scan and finish the process.
Step 3: Recover Deleted Files
List the recoverable files and select the files you want to recover. (you can choose all files simultaneously). Click on the Recover button and specify the recover directory on different storage devices to avoid any duplication.
By following these steps, you can effectively restore deleted files through WinfrGUI, a reliable and easy-to-use recovery solution.
Is data recovery safe?
Data recovery is completely secure if you meet two conditions:
- Use reliable data recovery software: Beware of malicious applications that hide themselves as a recovery tool. Such software is used to spread malicious malware. Stay stuck with reputable and stable options.
- Avoid recovering data from a failed storage device: If your hard drive releases an incorrect sound or your memory card is physically damaged, it is best not to try to recover your own data. Instead, send the damaged storage devices to a professional data recovery center to ensure that the recovery is safe and successful.
Also Read: How to Retrieve Files in USB Using CMD
