- Free data recovery tools at a glance
- Ten free data recovery tools to try
- The thing to stop doing as soon as a file is deleted
- What to check in free data recovery software
- How to recover a deleted file safely
- Recovery mistakes that make things worse
- My plain advice on free data recovery software
- Frequently asked questions
Free data recovery software scans a drive for deleted or lost files and copies back what it can find. Simple undelete tools suit a file you binned by mistake, while deeper tools rebuild lost partitions and damaged cards. The most important step happens before you install anything: stop using the drive, so the deleted data isn't overwritten.
Losing a file always happens at the worst moment, usually the day a client is waiting for it. The good news is that deleted files often aren't gone straight away, and free tools can bring many of them back.
Here are ten free data recovery tools in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from tiny undelete apps to powerful command-line utilities. Each description comes from the tool's own website, re-checked today. If the loss came from a hacked account rather than a deleted file, my guide on how to stop your business being robbed online is the place to start.
Set your expectations honestly. Recovery works best on files deleted recently from ordinary hard drives and memory cards. Solid-state drives clean up deleted space quickly, so the odds there are lower.
Free data recovery tools at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Free versions often come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disk Drill | Data recovery app | Guided recovery on Mac and Windows | Yes |
| DMDE | Disk editor and recovery tool | Deep recovery from damaged drives | Yes |
| EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard | Data recovery software | Simple recovery with previews | Yes |
| PhotoRec | Open-source file recovery | Photos from memory cards | Yes |
| Puran File Recovery | Windows file recovery tool | Undeleting files on Windows | Yes |
| R-Linux | File recovery for Linux | Recovering files on Linux drives | Yes |
| Recuva | Windows undelete tool | Recovering recently deleted files | Yes |
| TestDisk | Open-source partition recovery | Rebuilding lost partitions | Yes |
| Windows File Recovery | Microsoft command-line tool | Recovery straight from Microsoft | Yes |
| Wise Data Recovery | Windows recovery app | Fast scans with a simple layout | Yes |
Ten free data recovery tools to try
Disk Drill
Best for: People who want a friendly, guided recovery app that previews files before restoring them.
DMDE
Best for: Technical users who need to search damaged or reformatted drives in detail.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
Best for: Home users who want step-by-step recovery with file previews and a free version to try first.
PhotoRec
Best for: Photographers and anyone who needs to pull pictures and documents off memory cards and USB sticks.
Puran File Recovery
Best for: Windows users who want a free tool for recovering deleted files from hard drives and USB sticks.
R-Linux
Best for: Linux users who need to undelete files from Linux file systems with a graphical tool.
Recuva
Best for: Windows users who emptied the Recycle Bin by mistake and want a quick undelete scan.
TestDisk
Best for: Technical users whose drive suddenly shows as empty or unformatted and need to recover the partition.
Windows File Recovery
Best for: Windows users comfortable typing commands who want Microsoft's own recovery tool.
Wise Data Recovery
Best for: People who want a quick, simple scanner that shows how likely each file is to come back.
The thing to stop doing as soon as a file is deleted
Here's the most important rule, and it comes from Microsoft's own support page for Windows File Recovery: if you want to increase your chances of recovering a file, minimise or avoid using your computer. Windows marks the space used by a deleted file as free, so the data can still be there, but anything you do next can overwrite it.
That means don't install recovery software onto the same drive you're recovering from, and don't save recovered files back onto it. Use a different drive or a USB stick for both.
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What to check in free data recovery software
- Free limits: how much data will the free version really restore?
- Preview: can you see a file before you recover it?
- Drive types: does it handle hard drives, SSDs, memory cards and USB sticks?
- File systems: does it read the format your drive uses?
- Read-only scanning: does it avoid writing to the damaged drive?
How to recover a deleted file safely
- Stop using the drive the file was on.
- Install the recovery tool on a different drive.
- Run a quick scan first, then a deep scan if needed.
- Preview files and restore them to a separate drive.
- Set up a regular backup so you never need to do this again.
Recovery mistakes that make things worse
- Carrying on as normal. Every new file risks overwriting the old one.
- Saving to the same drive. Always restore to a different one.
- Running repair tools first. Recover the data before fixing the drive.
- Ignoring strange noises. A clicking drive needs a specialist.
While you're tightening things up, a strong password on your backups matters too, and my free password generator makes one instantly.
Do you make data recovery tools? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on free data recovery software
Act fast and touch the drive as little as possible. The longer you keep using it, the more likely the file gets overwritten.
And treat recovery as the backup you forgot to make. Once you've got your file back, set up automatic backups the same day.
Frequently asked questions
Can deleted files really be recovered?
Often, yes, especially soon after deletion on ordinary hard drives and memory cards.
Is free data recovery software safe?
Reputable tools that scan in read-only mode are safe. Download them only from the maker's own site.
Why can't I recover files from my SSD?
Solid-state drives often clear deleted space quickly, which makes recovery harder.
Should I install recovery software on the same drive?
No. Install and save recovered files on a different drive, so you don't overwrite what you're trying to save.
Can I recover photos from a memory card?
Yes. Several free tools specialise in pulling photos off cards and USB sticks.
What if the drive isn't showing up?
It may be a partition problem or a hardware fault. Partition recovery tools can help with the first.
Do free versions have limits?
Some limit how much you can restore. Check before you start a long scan.
When should I call a professional?
If the drive clicks, grinds or isn't detected at all, stop and get professional help.
Can I recover files after formatting?
Sometimes. A quick format leaves more to recover than a full one.
How do I avoid losing files again?
Use automatic backups to an external drive or cloud storage.
