Is there any free software for file recovery on your PC? The loss of important data can be a stressful experience. Whether it’s caused by hardware failure, software deletion by mistake, formatting, or viruses. In such a situation, it is natural to find free file recovering software that can help to recover lost data efficiently and safely.
While there are only a few options for free file recovery software designed specifically for Windows users to hide files they have mistakenly hidden, many file repair brands have free versions with some limitations on file size. If your files exceed these limits, you will need to upgrade to a premium version with a fee.
To help you find the best file recovery software for pc for your Windows PC in 2024, we have tested and selected 10 top options. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
Recuva (Windows only)
Recuva is a free file recovery software for Windows PCs. It allows you to recover files from hard drives, recyclable cards, digital cameras, and USB flash drives. Recuva compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, 7, Vista, and XP. While there is a Pro version that pays for $19.95. The free version is worth a try as there are no limitations on file size. However, please note that Recuva has not been updated for a long time and is not compatible for Windows 11.
Advantages:
- Free version with no file size limit.
- A cheap option for the Pro.
Disadvantages:
- Limited properties compared to competitors.
- Deep Scan mode may take a long time.
WinfrGUI (Windows only)
WinfrGUI is an easy-to-use graphical interface for a powerful free file recovery software. It makes the process of finding and recovering data that is difficult to find easier without the need for complicated commands. Unlike other options, Winfr GUI is completely free.
Main Properties:
- Global support: Recover various types of files from different devices including PCs, laptops, USB flash drives, and SD cards.
- Recovery for damaged PCs: Allows you to recover data from a faulty system easily using USB boot media.
- Increased Recovery and Repair: Unique patented technology enables video file recovery smoothly by automatically scanning, assembling, and matching video parts.
- Filter and Recover During Scan: Quickly find and restore desired files without waiting for the entire scan process to complete. Show examples for found files.
Advantages:
- Professional data recovery with patented technology.
- Easy to use interface
- Flexibility and reliability.
- Clear instructions for easy file recovery process
Stellar (Windows, Mac)
Stellar’s free file recovery software is a powerful tool for both Windows and Mac PCs. It allows you to recover data from various devices including computer hard drives, USB drivers, Micro SD cards, etc. It can also retrieve data from empty recycling tanks. RAW partitions and formatted or corrupted drives. Stellars support many types of files, including email and multimedia files, such as photos, videos, audio and documents. It has advanced features and fast drive file restoration.
Advantages:
- Easy to use.
- Great customer service with live chat support.
- Fast and efficient scanning.
- Powerful and advanced tool.
Disadvantages:
- The recovery process is slow.
- The free version is limited to 1GB data recovery. The Pro version is quite expensive compared to other software options.
Disk Drill Data Recovery (Windows, Mac)
Initially focused on Mac data recovery, Disk Drill now has a version for Windows as well. It can easily recover deleted files in Windows 11/10 and supports recovery from external hard drives, SD cards, USB drives and digital cameras. Disk drill is an easy-to-use application and offers fast scanning options and deep scans, although deep scanning may take a long time to complete.
Advantages:
- Easy to use.
- Supports fast scanning and deep scanning.
- Supports a wide range of file and media types
Disadvantages:
- Free data recovery is limited to 500MB.
- Pro is quite expensive.
- Recovery results may vary.
TestDisk (Windows & Mac)
TestDisk is a popular free file recovery software for Windows 11/10. It is an open source software designed to recover missing partitions and repair unbootable devices. Testdisk has features that can easily compete with other file recovering software options. However, please note that TestDesk is a command-line tool and may not be suitable for beginners.
Advantages:
- Free Software and Open Source
- Supports exFAT, FAT, ext2 and NTFS file system recovery
- Helps repair and restore unbootable devices.
- Allow editing and restoring deleted partitions
Disadvantages:
- The command line tool may not be suitable for all users.
- Not recommended for users who prefer a graphical user interface. (GUI).
- Not for commercial/business purposes.
FreeUndelete (Windows only)
FreeUndelete is another freeware file recovery program that helps to restore Microsoft Office files and repair corrupted Windows logs. It is easy to use and does not require expert advice. Free Undelete allows you to recover deleted files from Windows recycling tanks, just like Puran and Recuva. It has not been updated recently and may not be compatible with newer versions of Windows.
Advantages:
- Free for personal use.
- Displays recovered files in a readable structure, including individual files and recoverable folders.
- No ads in the free version.
Disadvantages:
- You need a business license.
- Expired interface design
SoftPerfect File Recovery (Windows only)
SoftPerfect file recovery is considered one of the best choices for undeleted files recovery. It supports various storage devices such as USB hard drives, flash drivers, USB cards, CFs, and SD cards. Soft Perfect File Recovery works with file systems including FAT 12, FAT 16, FAT 32, NTFS and NTFS5. During the recovery process, your data will be encrypted and compressed. This tool is also available for free.
Advantages:
- Lightweight and free.
- Secure encryption and compression guaranteed.
- Compatible with various storage media.
- Portable software. No installation required.
Disadvantages:
- No image file views before recovery
- Supports only FAT and NTFS file systems.
MiniTool Power Data Recovery (Windows only)
MiniTool Power Data Recovery Free is an easy-to-use file recovery software for Windows. It supports data 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.
Advantages:
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Low disk space usage
- Ability to recover multiple files at the same time
- High efficiency in receiving data from storage devices that are not physically damaged.
Disadvantages:
- The free version is limited to 1 GB of data recovery.
- No advanced features compared to the cost version.
- The recovered video may be fragmented and unplayable.
- Some users found it expensive.
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 the disk location to start the recovery process.
- 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.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have presented the 10 best free file recovery software options for Windows 11/10 PCs. These programs are understandable and easy to use. Think about the features and information provided to choose the file-recovering software that best suits your needs.
Note: For more detailed steps on how to recover deleted files using WinfrGUI, please see the original instructions.
