Have you accidentally deleted a file that you should not have? Have you lost files while restoring your system to an earlier date or refreshing the Windows OS? We all have faced this issue many times and have regretted such a deletion of files. But with the advent of File Recovery Software, we can now retrieve and recover most of the deleted files, provided they are not overwritten with newer files. There are many such apps in the software market today, and this guide will help you choose the best file recovery software for yourself.
A file recovery app is a software that recovers deleted files. It is not possible to recover deleted files in the Windows operating system. This can be done with a third party software. There are many such tools available and this guide will help you to choose the best one for yourself.
Note – The file recovery tools mentioned in this article have been tried and tested to recover deleted files. However, they cannot be compared with professional file recovery services provided by specialized file recovery companies.
To understand how recovery software works, you need to understand how files are saved on your computer. Think of a hotel, where a guest checks in and the receptionist enters the name of the guest into the computer database. Once the guest checks out, the computer will show that room under the list of vacant rooms. The receptionist can assign the same vacant room to another guest.
Let us now compare this with the file saving process. When a file is created or copied on your hard disk, the file name and location will be entered in the Index that is maintained by Windows OS. When the file is deleted, the file name is removed from the Index and the location sectors on the hard disk are updated as empty. But, as in the case of the Hotel, the guest leaves the room, here, the file name and location are updated, but the remnants of the file still remain in those sectors. These remnants are identified by file recovery software using intelligent algorithms. One important factor is that if any other file replaces the deleted files and it becomes very difficult to recover the deleted file.
Our experts have researched File Recovery and written a research paper. You can access the research guide here.
To choose the best file recovery software, we need to pay attention to a few important factors.
1. Performance Of The Software : It is important that the software you choose delivers adequate performance. It should be able to detect most of the common file types that include images, videos, audio files, and documents.
2. Speed : Another factor that must be considered is the speed of the scan. You cannot wait for the whole day to let the scan complete, as this scanning consumes a lot of PC resources and makes it slow. This makes it essential to choose the software that consumes less time.
3. Preview of Files That Can Be Recovered : The Preview feature helps users identify and select the files that they wish to recover. Some files may not be important and thus can be skipped. This will save space on the storage device where the files are being recovered and consume less time.
4. User-Friendly And Intuitive UI : We all want apps that have a clear User Interface that is easy to understand, with buttons that can do our job. Nobody likes DOS-based apps that require a lot of commands to be entered. This is an important factor when choosing the best software.
5. Price & Money-back Period : The final factor to be considered when choosing the best file recovery software is the price of the software. We are not looking for very expensive software here, but rather those apps that provide value for money. Any app that provides a Demo or trial version is preferred because it allows users to understand the software before actually purchasing it. Some software companies offer a Money-back guarantee, which is a safe bet, and you can get your refund if you do not like the software or if it does not serve its purpose.
To identify the best data recovery software, we must first set a bunch of parameters that measure all aspects of a file recovery software. Here is a list of parameters used for testing the best file recovery software.
| Factor | What to test? | How to test? |
| Recovery Effectiveness | Can it recover recently deleted files? Can it recover files after a quick format? Can it recover files from corrupted or damaged partitions? Can it recover lost partitions? Can it recover files from RAW/unreadable drives? | Quick Recovery Create test folders with different file types (documents, media, archives). Delete them using Shift+Delete or format the drive. Use the software to attempt recovery and record the success rate. Format Recovery Create test folders with different file types (documents, media, archives) on a drive Delete them using Shift+Delete or format the drive. Format the given drive in windows explorer Use the software to attempt Format data recovery and record the success rate. Deleted Partition Recovery Create test folders with different file types (documents, media, archives) on a drive Delete them using Shift+Delete or format the drive. Delete or drop the partition in drive management. Use the software to attempt Raw data recovery from the deleted partition and record the success rate. |
| File Type and Format Support | Number and variety of supported file formats (e.g., DOCX, MP4, JPG, ZIP). Ability to recover uncommon or custom file types. | Try recovering different file types (text, video, audio, system files). Verify file integrity (e.g., images open correctly, documents aren’t corrupted). |
| Device and File System Compatibility | Support for storage types: HDD, SSD, USB, SD card, external drive. File systems: NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, HFS+, ext4, etc. | Test recovery on multiple media with different file systems. Check for errors or limitations on non-standard systems. |
| Scanning Capabilities | Quick Scan vs Deep Scan: time taken, depth of recovery. Ability to detect file structure and metadata. Option to pause/resume or filter scan results. | Time each scan mode on the same disk. Measure the number and size of files found. Evaluate duplicate or junk file detection accuracy. |
| Accuracy of Recovery | File content integrity: Can the recovered file be opened and used? File names and original paths preserved. Recovery of fragmented files. | Open and inspect recovered files. Compare file metadata with original (name, size, timestamps). |
| Safety & Security | Non-destructive recovery (doesn’t write to the source drive). Malware-free installation. No changes were made to the source file system. | Monitor the system for changes after installation. Use a write-blocker or recovery on cloned disks for safety. |
| Usability | Interface clarity and ease of navigation. Preview capabilities before recovery. Recovery filters (file type, date, size, etc.). | Count the number of clicks to complete recovery. Test the ability to preview and sort files. |
| Performance Metrics | Scan speed: Time taken for a full or deep scan. System resource usage: CPU/RAM consumption during recovery. | Use Task Manager or Activity Monitor during the scan. Record performance stats across software. |
| Licensing and Cost Transparency | Does the free version recover data or only scan? Is pricing disclosed before recovery? Any hidden charges or upsells? | |
| Customer Support & Documentation | Availability of live support or ticket system. Quality of guides and user documentation. Responsiveness to queries or bugs. |
Delete files in three ways:
We have compiled a list of the best file recovery software available in the software market today. This includes paid apps and free data recovery software. We do not recommend free apps as they do not have the latest features and do not receive regular updates. Instead, a paid app will include the latest technologies to recover deleted files hidden in the deepest sectors of your hard disk.
The best file recovery software that deserves the first place on this list. The best thing this software offers is that you can scan the PC for lost and deleted files with a free version. If the scan displays that the files you are looking for appear in the list, then you can purchase the paid version to recover them on a different storage device to avoid overwriting of files.
Key Features
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Best For – The Perfect App For Recovery of All Data From Anywhere.
Rating –10/10
Latest Version – 2.3.1.251
Price – $48.97 (Annually), $99.95 (Lifetime)
Money Back – 60-day money-back guarantee
Speaking of file recovery tools, the next one on the list is EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. This tool can recover almost all lost files that were accidentally deleted or went missing due to malware infection or deleted partitions. It can detect all the files deleted from the recycle bin in a few seconds, provided you run the application asap after you have detected that files are misssing.
Key Features
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Best For – Recovering data from a crashed hard disk.
Rating – 9.8/10
Latest Version – 18.0
Price – $69.95 (1 month), $99.95 (1 year), $149.95 (Lifetime)
Money Back – 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
The Advanced Disk Recovery is an outstanding software that scans your drive for deleted and lost files. There is no limit on the number of files that you can restore. This app identifies multiple file formats and file types for the user’s convenience. The advanced algorithm helps this software to recover data from any storage device – internal or external.
Key Features
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Best For – Recovering data with a high rate of percentage
Rating – 10/10
Latest Version – 2.8.1233.18675
Price – $39.95
Money Back: 60-day money-back guarantee
When searching for file recovery software, you must consider Stellar Data Recovery. This app features different scan modes, which make it easier for users to recover deleted files. If you have deleted a file, then you can recover it within minutes and do not need to scan the entire hard disk. This program also includes advanced search capabilities that make it easy to locate and recover particular data only.
Key Features
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Best For – A choice of various Scan modes that allows users to cater to their recovery needs.
Rating – (9.4/10)
Latest Version – 12.1.0.4
Price –$59.99 (Standard), $89.99 (Professional), $99.99 (Premium)
Money Back – 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
Some experts have stated that if you wish to recover deleted files in Windows, then Disk Drill is the perfect software for you. This amazing data recovery software uses advanced scanning algorithms to recover files in most of the commonly used file formats. Disk Drill can recover files from various file systems like NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and EXT4.
Key Features
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Best For – Recovering files in different formats.
Rating – 9.2/10
Latest Version – 6.0.2020
Price – $89 (PRO), $499 (Enterprise).
Money Back – N/A
Moving on with the list of Windows file recovery software, we have Wondershare Recoverit, which has made quite a name for itself in the software market. The website claims that it can recover data from Drones as well as recover any deleted archive file. This app is secure and supports all formats on a variety of external and internal drives.
Key Features
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Best For – Supports different types of devices like camcorders, hard drives, memory sticks, and USB flash drives.
Rating – 9.3/10
Latest Version – 13.5
Price – $64.99 (Monthly), $74.99 (Annually), $134.99 (Perpetual).
Money Back – 7 Day Money Back Guarantee
Recuva is one of the best file recovery software programs on this list, which is developed by Piriform, the same developer that has created CCleaner. This app can recover files from any storage drive. There are reports that a few users have recovered data from their iPods. It includes a free version that you can try first and then purchase the Pro version for advanced options.
Key Features
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Best For – Easy to use with an intuitive interface for recovering deleted files.
Rating – 9.0/10
Latest Version – 1.54.120
Price – Free
Money Back – N/A
The next one on the list of file recovery tools is Wise Data Recovery, which offers a portable version unlike many apps on the list. This is helpful because we don’t recommend writing on the disk from which you have to recover files. So, install the portable version on a Pen drive or USB flash disk and connect it to the affected PC to initiate a scan and recover files.
Key Features
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Best For – Consumes fewer resources and is compatible with all Windows Versions.
Rating – 9.5/ 10
Latest Version – 6.2.0
Price – $39 (Annually)
Money Back – 30-day Money Back Guarantee
This app is not recommended for novice Windows users as the interface is full of technical features and options. The deleted files can be sorted before recovery based on the extensions, modification, and access times, and many other factors. The built-in hex editor helps preview files before recovery.
Key Features
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Best For – Technical users who know how to use advanced Windows options.
Rating – 9.0/10
Latest Version – 2025.05.1+513.pro3
Price – $39.99 (FAT), $47.99 (NTFS), $64.00 (T80+), $143.99 (Corporate), $719.20 (Tech).
Money Back – N/A
Wondering if Artificial Intelligence can be used with file recovery software? You guessed it right!
The Any Recover app is the first software to use an AI repair expert to recover and repair images if needed. This app supports Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The website claims that this app can recover 1000 file formats from over 2000 devices.
Key Features
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Best For – Recover and repair image files with the AI repair expert.
Rating – 9.7/10
Latest Version – 4.3.0.12
Price – $59.99 (1 month), $79.99 (1 Year), $99.99 (Lifetime)
Money Back – N/A
To recover deleted files in Windows, we have a unique software that not only recovers files but also facilitates other disk management functions. With the Disk Genius app, you can recover data of different file types from any storage device. Apart from this, it includes a hex editor that allows analysis of raw disk data.
Key Features
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Best For – Users who want multiple modules like recovering data, disk management, backup, etc, in one software.
Rating – 9.3/10
Latest Version – 6.0.1.1645
Price – $69.90 (Standard), $99.90 (Professional).
Money Back – 30-day Money Back Guarantee.
Another one on the list of Windows file recovery software is MiniTool Power Data Recovery. This wonderful tool allows users to find files among the deleted data and retrieve many folders at once. You can also export the list of deleted files to a text document for future reference. The best feature is that you can pause and stop the scan at any point in time if you find the files you were looking for.
Key Features
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Best For – Easy to use, intuitive interface with bootable builder.
Rating – 9.5/10
Latest Version – 12.5
Price – $69.00 (Monthly), $89.00 (Annually), $99.00 (Perpetual).
Money Back – 30-day Money Back Guarantee
To recover deleted files in Windows 11, we have seen many options, but Puran File Recovery stands out from all of those apps. Even though it receives very less updates, the functionality of the app is very strong as it recovers most of the deleted files. If you lost a partition that has not been overwritten, then this app can recover that partition too.
Key Features
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Best For – Very efficient and low resource-consuming software.
Rating – 9/10
Latest Version – 1.2.1
Price – On Request.
Money Back – N/A
We are covering the best file recovery software list, and one of the expensive apps on this list is
Data Rescue 6. This app has a clean user interface with three buttons and is targeted at home and personal users. It allows unlimited driver recoveries on any file system, including FAT, FAT32, exFAT, ext2, ext3, HFS+, APFS, and NTFS.
Key Features
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Best For – Sophisticated and Intuitive Interface.
Rating – 9.1/10
Latest Version – 6.0.9.
Price – $79 (Standard), $399 (Professional).
Money Back – N/A
We begin with free file recovery tools from here onwards. This free data recovery tool is malware-free and does a good job of recovering multiple deleted files. The quick scan option does not recover all files, and hence we recommend that you choose the Deep scan option, which takes more time, but the results are great.
Key Features
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Best For – Free data recovery with 800+ file types supported.
Rating – 9/10
Latest Version – 9.0.1.0
Price – Freeware
Money Back – N/A
To recover deleted files in Windows, you can use the iBoysoft Data Recovery free software. However, this software was designed to recover only one GB of data at a time. It does not have a portable version, and the interface is quite old.
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Best For – Free software that recovers files.
Rating – 9/10
Latest Version – 5.8
Price – Freeware
Money Back – N/A
This unique app is to recover deleted files from Windows CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays, and HD DVDs. It does not support hard disks, flash disks, Pen drives, etc. CD Recovery Toolbox helps users recover files from disks that have been scratched, chipped, or have surface spotting.
Key Features
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Best For – Recovering files on Optical disks like CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray, etc.
Rating – 9/10
Latest Version – 2.2.1.0
Price – Freeware
Money Back – N/A
If you want to recover deleted files and delete them permanently for no further recovery, then Orion File Recovery Software is the best app for you. The Data Destruction feature can scrub all data for you. Search for files with a search function and get the recovery potential of each file before recovering it.
Key Features
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Best For – Data Destruction feature that will make data unrecoverable after you have safely recovered it first.
Rating – 9/10
Latest Version – 1.11
Price – Freeware
Money Back – N/A
1. Are File Recovery Programs Safe To Use?
Ans. File recovery apps are safe to use, provided you choose a different storage disk to recover the deleted files. It is strongly recommended not to recover the files on the same drive as it will overwrite your deleted files. Another factor that ensures that your PC is safe is to download the app from trusted websites to ensure that they are malware-free.
Note : If your drive is physically damaged, then we recommend that you consider using a professional recovery service.
2. Do File Recovery Programs Recover All Deleted Files?
Ans. No Windows file recovery software can claim 100% recovery of deleted files. However, many apps can recover a great deal of deleted files depending on the time passed after deleting the files, the number of new files written on the same drive, how the files were lost in the first place, and so on. If a long time has passed and new files were copied or created, then the chances of recovering the deleted files become low.
3. What Can You Do To Improve The Chances Of Recovering Deleted Data?
Ans. After you discover that some of the important files have been deleted, you need to first check the recycle bin and restore them if possible. If not, then select any recovery app you feel is right for you and download/install it on a different drive if possible. Run a deep scan and select the files you want to recover. Remember to choose a different drive to recover your lost files, like an external hard drive or a USB Flash Disk, if you do not have a different logical drive on your internal hard disk.
This concludes our journey in the world of Windows file recovery software. We hope you have found our research interesting and useful. Our recommendation is Advanced File Recovery, which is not very expensive and has most of the required features with an amazing file recovery rate. If you have made up your mind on which data recovery software you have selected, then drop us a note in the comments section below.
Read Also : Common Data Recovery Myths BUSTED!
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