Losing important files can be stressful and happens to many computer users. Whether from accidental deletion, system crashes, or device damage, the right tools can help get those files back. Data recovery software helps people retrieve lost photos, documents, and other important files that might otherwise be gone forever.
Computer users have several good options for data recovery in 2026. These programs scan storage devices to find deleted files and make them usable again. Different programs work better for different situations, making it important to choose the right one for your specific needs.
1) EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard stands out as a powerful tool for recovering lost files. It works on both Windows and Mac systems, making it versatile for different users.
This software can help you get back deleted files from various storage devices. It can recover data from hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, memory cards, and other storage media.
The program uses advanced scanning algorithms to find and restore lost data. These algorithms help identify files that might seem completely gone from your device.
Users find the interface simple to navigate. The step-by-step recovery process makes it easy even for people who aren’t tech experts.
EaseUS offers both free and paid versions of their recovery software. The free version lets users recover a limited amount of data, which is helpful for small recovery needs.
The software can recover many types of files. This includes documents, photos, videos, emails, and audio files that were lost due to deletion or drive formatting.
Recent user reviews suggest the software works well with memory cards and USB drives. Many users have successfully retrieved important files using this tool.
Though effective, some users mention that scan times can be lengthy. This is especially true when scanning larger storage devices with lots of data.
The latest 2025 version includes AI-powered features that improve recovery accuracy. This helps users find their missing files more efficiently.
While the software offers strong recovery capabilities, the full version is somewhat expensive for individual users. Business users might find more value in the higher-priced packages.
2) Stellar Data Recovery
Stellar Data Recovery is a popular tool for retrieving lost files. It helps users recover documents, photos, audio, videos, and even Outlook email files that have been deleted or lost.
The software offers a free version that allows basic recovery tasks. This free option is helpful for simple file recovery needs without any cost.
For more complex recovery needs, Stellar offers paid versions with advanced features. These premium versions can tackle more challenging data loss situations.
Users find Stellar’s interface easy to navigate. The simple design makes it accessible even for people without technical skills.
One standout feature is its ability to recover multiple file types. Whether you’ve lost important documents or precious photos, Stellar can help find them.
The Mac version is specifically designed to work well with Apple computers. It can dig deep to help reconstruct and recover deleted data on Mac systems.
According to TechRadar reviews, Stellar excels as a file retrieval tool with powerful advanced options for business users.
However, some customers have reported issues with after-sales support. A few users on Reddit mentioned disappointment with the service when recovery attempts failed.
Stellar Data Recovery works with various storage devices. It can recover files from hard drives, SSDs, memory cards, and USB drives.
The scanning process lets users preview recoverable files before restoration. This feature helps ensure you’re getting back the exact files you need.
3) Disk Drill
Disk Drill stands out as a versatile data recovery tool available for both Windows and Mac users. The software offers a simple interface that helps recover deleted files from various storage devices.
Users can recover lost data from hard drives, USB drives, memory cards, and other storage media. Disk Drill works with many file types including documents, photos, videos, and audio files.
The free version lets you scan devices to see what can be recovered. This gives you a good idea of what the software can find before you decide to buy the full version.
Disk Drill’s recovery rate is impressive based on user tests. The software successfully recovers various file types in many situations where files seem completely lost.
Mac users will find that Disk Drill offers specialized features for macOS. It works well with Mac’s file system and can recover data from Mac-formatted drives.
The program includes extra tools beyond just recovery. These include disk health monitoring and data backup features that help prevent future data loss.
For those who want to try before buying, Disk Drill allows free scanning on both platforms. Recovery limits apply to the free version, but it’s enough to test the software’s capabilities.
Installation is straightforward, and the step-by-step recovery process makes it easy for beginners to use. The clean interface guides users through each stage of recovery without confusion.
4) Recuva
Recuva is a popular free data recovery tool created by CCleaner. It can recover many types of files including pictures, music, documents, videos, and emails.
The program works on any rewritable media, making it versatile for different recovery needs. Users appreciate its simple interface that doesn’t require technical knowledge to navigate.
One standout feature is Recuva’s ability to perform deep scanning. This helps find files that basic recovery methods might miss.
The free version offers impressive capabilities, making it accessible to anyone who accidentally deleted important files. For users who need more features, a paid version is also available.
Recuva can even retrieve data from damaged drives, adding to its utility in emergency situations. It also works well with removable devices like USB drives and memory cards.
Speed is another advantage of this software. Reviews mention its fast scanning ability, which saves time when trying to recover lost data.
Many experts consider Recuva among the best free recovery tools available. Its combination of ease of use and effectiveness makes it a top choice for basic recovery needs.
The software can be downloaded directly from the CCleaner website. Installation is quick and straightforward, allowing users to start recovery right away.
5) Kroll Ontrack EasyRecovery
Kroll Ontrack EasyRecovery stands out as one of the most powerful data recovery tools on the market today. It helps users recover lost files from many types of data loss situations.
The software can restore files that were deleted, formatted over, or lost due to other common problems. It works quickly too, with blazing fast recovery speeds that help users get their data back as soon as possible.
Version 15 of the program brings even more improvements. The company calls it their best version yet, with enhanced tools for finding and recovering lost data.
EasyRecovery works for many data loss cases. Whether you’ve accidentally deleted important files or reformatted a drive, this software can help find what’s missing.
The program offers precise file recovery options. This means it can target specific types of files or locations, making the process more efficient.
While some reviewers note it may not rank among the very top recovery applications, it still earns praise as a great app for recovering lost data on various devices. Its thorough scanning helps find files that other programs might miss.
The interface is simple to use. This makes it accessible for people who don’t have technical backgrounds but need to recover important files.
For those with different recovery needs, the software comes in various versions. These range from basic recovery tools to more advanced options for professional users.
6) AnyRecover
AnyRecover is a data recovery software that helps users get back lost, deleted, or formatted files. It works on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android devices.
The software can recover many types of files. These include photos, videos, documents, and more from different storage devices. Users can get back data from computers, phones, USB drives, and memory cards.
Setup is simple and finding missing files happens quickly. According to TechRadar’s review, AnyRecover supports thousands of devices and file types.
For Windows users, AnyRecover offers free download options to recover lost files. It also includes AI restoration features to fix corrupted files.
Android users can benefit from the Android recovery tool, which extracts contacts, messages, photos, and even WhatsApp data from damaged Samsung phones.
Some users have mixed opinions about the software. On Reddit, some people reported low recovery rates of usable files. This suggests results may vary depending on your situation.
AnyRecover offers a preview feature so you can see files before recovery. This helps you pick which files to save. The interface is easy to use, making it good for people with little tech experience.
The software uses deep scan technology to find more files. This can take longer but often gives better results when simpler scans fail.
7) Rescue Pro by Sandisk
Rescue Pro is a specialized data recovery software made by SanDisk for retrieving lost files. It works on memory cards, flash drives, and other SanDisk storage devices.
Many SanDisk products come with this recovery tool included. Users can download it for free with the purchase of certain SanDisk memory cards.
The program helps users restore images, videos, documents, and music that were accidentally deleted. It also recovers files from formatted drives.
Two main versions exist: standard Rescue Pro and Rescue Pro Deluxe. The Deluxe version offers more features and supports larger storage devices.
The software has a simple interface that makes it easy to use. Users can scan their devices and preview files before recovery.
Recovery speed is quite fast compared to some other programs. This lets users get their lost data back quickly when time matters.
However, Rescue Pro works best for basic recovery cases. It may not help with physically damaged devices or complex corruption issues.
Both versions offer free demo versions. These demos let users see what files can be recovered before buying the full version.
The software works with SD cards, microSD cards, and CFexpress cards. It also supports USB flash drives from SanDisk.
8) Recoverit
Recoverit is a powerful data recovery software created by Wondershare. This program can recover deleted files from various storage devices with an impressive 99.5% recovery success rate.
The software supports over 1000 file formats, making it versatile for different recovery needs. You can use it to get back photos, videos, documents, and other important files you might have lost.
Recoverit works with many storage devices – about 2000+ according to their website. This includes computer hard drives, external drives, USB sticks, and memory cards.
The interface is straightforward, allowing even beginners to recover their lost data. Many users find it helpful that you can preview files before recovery to make sure they’re what you’re looking for.
For Windows users, Recoverit offers a professional data recovery solution with multiple recovery options. The software can scan old systems too, with users reporting it can find thousands of files on older computers running Windows XP.
Mac users aren’t left out – Recoverit has a version for Mac that’s considered among the best recovery options for Apple computers in 2024.
Recoverit offers a free version with basic features, plus paid plans with more advanced options. The software stands out for its balance of user-friendliness and powerful recovery capabilities.
Most users find the step-by-step recovery process easy to follow. Simply select the location of your lost files, scan the device, and choose which files to recover.
9) TestDisk
TestDisk is a powerful free data recovery software that helps users recover lost data. It was primarily designed to help recover lost partitions and make non-booting disks work again.
Unlike many other recovery tools, TestDisk is completely free and open source. You can download TestDisk without paying anything, which makes it a great option for people on a budget.
TestDisk works well for its specific purposes. It focuses on fixing partition tables, recovering deleted partitions, and repairing boot sectors. These functions help when a disk suddenly becomes unreadable or files seem to vanish after partition problems.
Recent tests show that TestDisk performs well. According to a 2025 review, TestDisk passed all recovery tests with flying colors. This proves its reliability for serious data recovery needs.
The same team also makes PhotoRec, which works alongside TestDisk. When TestDisk fixes your partitions, PhotoRec can help extract your files if needed.
The main drawback is the user interface. TestDisk uses a text-based interface that might seem intimidating to beginners. Users need basic knowledge about disk structures to use it effectively.
TestDisk excels at recovering lost partitions and repairing boot sectors, which are common issues after system crashes or failed disk operations. For these specific problems, few tools match its effectiveness.
Many IT professionals keep TestDisk in their toolkit because it solves problems other programs can’t fix. Its specialized functions make it invaluable when dealing with serious disk issues.
10) BLR Data Recovery Software
BLR Data Recovery Software stands out as a versatile tool for recovering lost data. It works on multiple platforms including iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows, making it flexible for most users.
The software can recover erased files from various storage devices. These include USB drives, SD cards, hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and even the Recycle Bin.
One key feature of BLR is its free version. Users can recover up to 1GB of lost data without paying, which helps when testing the software before buying.
The tool shows strong recovery abilities with formatted drives. It can restore data from formatted drives, re-formatted drives, and even recover files from lost partitions.
BLR’s interface is easy to use. The design keeps things simple, which helps users who aren’t tech experts find and restore their files quickly.
For Windows users, BLR offers specific solutions. The Windows data file recovery software helps restore lost or deleted files from Windows PCs and laptops.
The software uses smart scanning to find lost files. This helps users get back documents, photos, videos, and other important data they thought were gone forever.
BLR has earned recognition in the data recovery field. Its tools have won awards for their effectiveness and user-friendly design.
When compared to other options, BLR holds its own. While tools like Recuva are also popular, BLR’s multi-platform support gives it an edge for people who use different devices.
Understanding Data Recovery Software
Data recovery software helps users retrieve lost files when disaster strikes. These specialized tools scan storage devices to find and restore deleted data that might otherwise be gone forever.
How Data Recovery Software Works
Data recovery software uses special scanning techniques to find files that are no longer visible to the operating system. When you delete a file, the data isn’t immediately erased from your storage device. Instead, the system marks that space as available for new data.
The recovery software searches for these marked areas and examines them for recognizable file patterns. It can identify file types based on their unique signatures or “headers” that mark the beginning of files.
Recovery programs can work in different ways:
- Quick scan: Looks for recently deleted files in the file table
- Deep scan: Examines the entire storage device sector by sector
- File signature search: Identifies files based on their unique headers
The software then presents a list of recoverable files, often showing previews when possible. This helps users identify exactly which files they need to restore.
Common Data Loss Scenarios
Data loss happens in many ways, and recovery software can help in most situations. Here are the most typical problems users face:
Accidental deletion occurs when someone deletes files by mistake and empties the recycle bin. This is the simplest case for recovery since the data often remains intact.
Drive formatting happens when users format the wrong drive or do so without backing up. Recovery software can often retrieve this data if the format was quick rather than full.
Hardware failure causes data loss when parts of a storage device stop working properly. While recovery software might help with minor issues, serious physical damage usually requires professional services.
Virus attacks can delete, encrypt, or corrupt files. Recovery tools can find deleted files, but may struggle with encrypted or corrupted data.
The best time to use recovery software is immediately after data loss, before any new files are saved to the device.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing data recovery software, focus on tools that combine ease of use with powerful recovery capabilities. The right features can make all the difference between successful recovery and permanent data loss.
User Interface and Ease of Use
A good data recovery program should be simple enough for beginners but powerful enough for experts. Look for software with a clean, intuitive interface that guides you through the recovery process step by step.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard offers an AI-powered interface that makes recovery straightforward for new users. The best programs provide:
- Clear scan progress indicators
- Preview options before recovery
- Simple file selection methods
- Filtering tools to find specific files
Avoid software with cluttered screens or confusing workflows. Some programs like R-Studio offer advanced features but may have steeper learning curves.
The ability to save scan results for later use is also valuable, especially for large drives where recovery might take multiple sessions.
Compatibility and File Support
Recovery software must work with your specific hardware and recognize the file types you need to recover. The best tools support:
- Multiple operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Various storage devices (HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, memory cards)
- Wide range of file formats (documents, photos, videos, emails)
Recuva stands out for its broad compatibility and is often rated as the best free option. For professional needs, look for software that can handle:
- Raw recovery for damaged file systems
- Support for virtual drives and RAID arrays
- Recovery from formatted or repartitioned drives
File signature recognition is crucial for recovering files when directory structures are damaged. The best programs can identify files by their binary patterns even when file names or extensions are lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Data recovery software helps users get back lost files. Many people have questions about which tools work best for their needs.
What are the top-rated data recovery software options for Windows-based systems?
Windows users have several excellent data recovery options. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard stands out as a top choice for Windows systems with its AI-powered recovery capabilities.
Stellar Data Recovery offers comprehensive scanning options that work well for recovering various file types on Windows computers.
Disk Drill provides an easy-to-use interface that many Windows users find helpful, especially when recovering photos and videos.
Which free data recovery software tools are highly recommended by experts?
Recuva is widely recommended by experts as a free solution. It offers basic recovery features that work well for simple file retrieval tasks.
PhotoRec is another free tool that experts suggest for recovering lost photos and other media files. It uses signature-based recovery methods for better results.
DMDE offers a free version with limited functionality but provides professional-grade scanning technology that can find files other programs miss.
How do professional data recovery services compare to in-home software solutions?
Professional services typically achieve higher success rates than software solutions. They use specialized equipment that can recover data from physically damaged drives.
The cost difference is significant, with professional services ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Most data recovery software costs between $50-$100 for a license.
Professional services take longer but provide expert handling. DIY software gives immediate results but might miss difficult cases.
Can you trust free data recovery software for reliable results?
Free recovery tools can work well for basic file recovery needs. They often recover recently deleted files successfully.
However, free tools typically have limitations in scan depth and file type support. They may not recover as many files as paid options.
Security is another concern with some free tools. Stick to well-known options like Recuva or PhotoRec to avoid potential malware risks.
What data recovery software offers the best user experience for Android device users?
Dr.Fone stands out for Android users with its simple connection process. Users simply connect their phone and follow the on-screen instructions.
DiskDigger for Android allows recovery directly on the device without a computer. This app can recover photos and videos even without root access.
EaseUS MobiSaver offers a good balance of features and ease-of-use for Android recovery. Its preview feature helps users find specific files quickly.
What criteria should be considered when choosing the most efficient data recovery software?
Recovery rate is the most important factor to consider. The best software should recover most or all of your lost files.
Speed matters when handling large drives. Some tools like Kroll Ontrack EasyRecovery offer faster scanning technologies than others.
File preview capabilities help users find specific files. This feature saves time by letting you see files before recovering them.
Cost versus features should be balanced based on your needs. Occasional users might prefer affordable options, while frequent users benefit from premium features.
