Best data recovery software of 2023

In today’s rapidly moving digital world, where data forms the cornerstone of both our personal and professional spheres, losing crucial information can lead to dire repercussions. The sudden vanishing of important files and documents, whether due to cyber-attacks, device malfunctions, accidental deletions, or system crashes, can leave us feeling vulnerable and at a loss. Thankfully, the advent of data recovery software has emerged as a beacon of hope, enabling the retrieval of deleted or lost data with the right tools in hand.

In this article, we delve into the realm of data recovery software, aiming to guide you through the myriad of options available and spotlight the best choices for Windows users in 2023. Our in-depth analysis aims to arm you with the knowledge to make an informed decision, whether you're an individual seeking to reclaim treasured family photos or a business professional in need of critical documents.

The best data recovery software of 2023

1. DiskInternals Uneraser

DiskInternals Uneraser stands out as one of the best data recovery software solutions in 2023, offering a powerful and user-friendly approach to retrieving lost or deleted files. With its advanced scanning algorithms and intuitive interface, DiskInternals Uneraser enables users to effortlessly recover data from a variety of storage devices, including hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, and memory cards.

It supports a wide range of file systems (Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11) ensuring full compatibility with different operating systems. Whether you've accidentally deleted important documents, photos, videos or experienced a catastrophic data loss event, DiskInternals Uneraser's comprehensive features, including deep scanning, file preview, and selective recovery, provide a reliable and efficient solution to restore your valuable data and minimize the impact of data loss.

Pros

1. 1. User-Friendly Interface: DiskInternals Uneraser features an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to users of all levels of technical expertise. The software guides users through the recovery process with clear instructions and easy-to-navigate menus.

2. 2. Wide Range of File System Support: DiskInternals Uneraser supports a variety of file systems, including NTFS, FAT, exFAT, HFS, and ReFS, ensuring compatibility with different Windows operating systems and storage devices.

3. 3. Comprehensive Data Recovery: The software employs advanced scanning algorithms to perform deep scans of storage devices, maximizing the chances of recovering lost or deleted files. It can recover a wide range of file types, including documents, photos, videos, music, archives, and more.

4. 4. File Preview and Selective Recovery: DiskInternals Uneraser offers a free file preview feature, allowing users to preview recoverable files before initiating the recovery process. This enables selective recovery, saving time and storage space by choosing only the files that are essential.

5. 5. Support for Various Storage Devices: Whether it's a hard drive, SSD, USB drive, memory card, DiskInternals Uneraser can recover data from a wide range of storage devices, ensuring versatility and convenience for users.

6. 6. Data Recovery in Various Scenarios: DiskInternals Uneraser can handle different data loss scenarios, including accidental deletion, formatting, partition loss, system crashes, and even data loss caused by malware or viruses.

7. 7. Reliability and Efficiency: With its powerful algorithms and comprehensive features, DiskInternals Uneraser offers a reliable and efficient data recovery solution. It minimizes the time and effort required to recover lost data, increasing the chances of successful recovery.

8. 8. Customer Support: DiskInternals provides prompt and responsive customer support, ensuring that users can seek assistance and guidance whenever needed.

Cons

1. Limited Free Version: The free preview feature of DiskInternals Uneraser allows users to assess the recoverability of their lost or deleted files before initiating the actual recovery process. This feature proves to be incredibly useful as it provides users with a glimpse into the recoverable data, helping them determine if the files they are seeking can indeed be restored. Users need to buy a license to access the full functionality and recover larger files.

2. Stellar Data Recovery

Stellar Data Recovery stands as an option for individuals and businesses seeking data recovery solutions. With its range of features, Stellar Data Recovery retrieves lost or deleted files from various storage devices. The software's user interface makes it accessible to beginners and pros. Some users have reported occasional performance issues and the need for improvements in customer support.

Pros

1. 1. File Format Support: Stellar Data Recovery supports documents, photos, videos, audio files, emails, and more.

2. 2. User Interface: It simplifies the data recovery process. Software is accessible to individuals with varying levels of technical expertise.

3. 3. Scanning Capabilities: Scanning functionality enhances the chances of successful data retrieval, even in complex data loss scenarios.

Cons

1. 1. Performance Issues: Some users have reported occasional performance issues, such as slow scanning or recovery speeds. These issues can impact the overall efficiency and user experience, particularly when dealing with large storage devices or complex data recovery scenarios.

2. 2. Customer Support Limitations: Stellar Data Recovery's customer support has received mixed reviews, with some users expressing dissatisfaction with response times or the effectiveness of assistance provided. Improved customer support resources and responsiveness could enhance the user experience, especially when encountering challenges during the data recovery process.

3. 3. Limited Free Version: The free version of Stellar Data Recovery has certain limitations, such as a restricted recovery size limit or limited feature availability. Users may need to upgrade to the paid version to unlock the full functionality and recover larger files or access advanced features.

4. 4. Potential Complexity for Novice Users: While Stellar Data Recovery aims to provide a user-friendly interface, some novice users may still find certain advanced features or settings overwhelming or difficult to navigate. Additional guidance or simplified options could enhance the software's accessibility for less tech-savvy individuals

3. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is a data recovery software solution that offers a range of features. The software supports a wide array of file formats and can recover lost or deleted data from various storage devices, including hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, and memory cards. Additionally, the software employs scanning algorithms to maximize the chances of successful data recovery.

Pros

1. 1. Interface: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard makes recovery accessible to users of all levels of technical expertise.

2. 2. File Format Support: The software supports documents, photos, videos, audio files, emails, and more.

3. 3. Storage Device Support: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is compatible with hard drives, SSDs, and more.

Cons

1. 1. Limited Free Version: The free version of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard has limitations in terms of the amount of data that can be recovered. It allows for the recovery of only a limited amount of data before requiring an upgrade to the paid version.

2. 2. Slow Scanning Speed: The scanning process of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard can be quite slow, especially when dealing with larger storage devices or complex data loss scenarios. This can be frustrating if you are in a hurry to recover your files.

3. 3. Limited File Preview: The software provides a file preview feature that allows you to see a preview of the recoverable files before restoring them. However, this feature may not work for certain file types, making it difficult to determine the integrity and quality of the recoverable data.

4. 4. Lack of Deep Scan Option: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard lacks a deep scan option, which can be useful in cases where files are deeply buried within the file system or when the standard scan does not retrieve the desired results. Deep scan functionality is available in some other data recovery software.

5. 5. Compatibility Issues: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard may not be compatible with all operating systems and file systems. It is primarily designed for Windows-based systems, and its compatibility with other platforms like macOS or Linux is limited.

6. 6. False Positives: The software might sometimes display recoverable files that are actually corrupted or damaged beyond repair. This can lead to wasted time and effort in attempting to recover files that cannot be successfully restored.

4. Disk Drill

Disk Drill is a data recovery tool designed to retrieve lost or deleted data from a variety of storage devices such as internal and external hard drives, USB flash drives, memory cards, and other storage mediums. It supports a wide range of file systems, including FAT, NTFS, and othe, and is capable of recovering files in different formats. Disk Drill employs several recovery methods, from quick scans for recently deleted files to deep scans for more complex cases. It features interfaces with clear options, making the data recovery process more manageable for users regardless of their technical expertise.

Pros

• 1. Interface and straightforward recovery process.
• 2. Compatibility with file systems and storage devices.
• 3. Variety of scanning and filtering options.
• 4. Preview, recovery session management, and bootable recovery drive creation.

Cons

1. 1. Limited recovery capacity in the free version: The free version allows for recovery of up to 500MB, which may not be enough for users who need to recover larger amounts of data.

2. 2. Complexity of features: Though the tool is generally user-friendly, the multitude of options and features may overwhelm or confuse some users.

3. 3. Performance variability: The performance and success rate of Disk Drill can vary greatly depending on the nature of the data loss, the type of storage device, and the file system used.

4. 4. Incomplete file type support: Despite supporting a wide array of file types, Disk Drill may not be able to recover some less common or proprietary file types.

5. AnyRecover

AnyRecover is a data recovery tool developed to restore lost, deleted, or formatted data from various storage media such as hard drives, USB drives. It supports a wide variety of file systems, including NTFS, FAT, and can recover data in numerous formats encompassing documents, photos, videos, and more.

The tool offers different scanning modes, from quick scans to deep scans, allowing for the recovery of recently deleted files or addressing more severe data loss scenarios. AnyRecover is designed with a straightforward user interface, facilitating ease of use for both technical and non-technical users. The software is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.

Pros

• 1. Supports various data loss scenarios, including accidental deletion, formatting, and partition loss.
• 2. Offers options for selective file recovery, allowing users to choose specific files or file types for retrieval.
• 3. Provides a free trial version .

Cons

• 1. Limited functionality in the free trial version, with restrictions on file size or limited access to certain features.
• 2. Mixed feedback on the effectiveness of customer support, with some users expressing dissatisfaction with response times or the level of assistance provided.
• 3. Certain file formats or specific types of data may not be fully supported, resulting in incomplete or unsuccessful recovery in some cases.
• 4. Some users have experienced difficulties with the software recognizing or detecting certain storage devices, leading to challenges in initiating the recovery process.

6. Recuva

Recuva is a data recovery software that offers a range of features for retrieving lost or deleted files. The software makes recovery accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise. Recuva supports multiple file formats and can recover data from various storage devices. Recuva also offers a deep scan option for more thorough retrieval of lost files. Recuva's distinguishing features is its ability to overwrite a deleted file's data securely so it can't be recovered, which is useful for ensuring the permanent deletion of sensitive information.

Pros

• 1. Option to securely delete files to prevent unauthorized recovery.
• 2. Portable version available for use on different computers without installation.
• 3. Offers options for selective file recovery, allowing users to choose specific files or file types for retrieval.

Cons

1. 1. Limited Functionality in Free Version: The free version of Recuva has limited functionality compared to the paid version. For instance, it lacks features such as virtual hard drive support, premium support, and automatic updates.

2. 2. Mixed Recovery Results: While Recuva is generally effective, its recovery results can sometimes be inconsistent, particularly when it comes to files that have been deleted a long time ago or hard drives with severe damage.

3. 3. Basic User Interface: While functional, Recuva's interface is relatively basic and lacks the sleek, modern feel that some other data recovery tools have.

4. 4. Limited Customer Support: In comparison to some other data recovery software options, Recuva's customer support can be somewhat limited, especially for users of the free version.

Comparison of the Best File Recovery Software

Best free file recovery software

1. DiskInternals Uneraser

DiskInternals offers a Free Preview option as part of its data recovery software, DiskInternals Uneraser. This feature allows users to assess the recoverability of their lost or deleted files before making a purchase or performing the actual recovery process.

When using the Free Preview option, users can scan their storage devices for recoverable files. The software performs a thorough scan using advanced scanning algorithms to locate and identify lost or deleted files. Once the scan is complete, DiskInternals Uneraser presents a detailed list of the found files, including their original file names, sizes, and file types.

With the Free Preview option, users can then select individual files or multiple files to preview. DiskInternals Uneraser provides a preview window that displays the content of the selected files, allowing users to visually confirm if the files are intact and recoverable. This feature is particularly useful when users need to verify the quality and integrity of their files before initiating the recovery process.

It's important to note that the Free Preview option does not perform the actual recovery of the files. To recover the files, users need to upgrade to the full version of DiskInternals Uneraser. However, the Free Preview feature enables users to make an informed decision by previewing the recoverable files and evaluating the effectiveness of the software in their specific data loss scenario.

By offering a Free Preview option, DiskInternals allows users to have confidence in the recovery process and ensures that they can verify the recoverability of their files before investing in the software.

Pros

1. 1. File Assessment: The free preview option allows users to assess the recoverability of their lost or deleted files before committing to the recovery process. Users can review the list of found files and evaluate their importance and relevance.

2. 2. Verify File Integrity: By previewing the recoverable files, users can verify the integrity and quality of the files. This helps ensure that the recovered files are complete and usable before proceeding with the recovery process.

3. 3. Informed Decision-Making: The free preview option enables users to make an informed decision about whether to purchase the software or upgrade to the full version. Users can evaluate the effectiveness of DiskInternals Uneraser in their specific data loss scenario and determine if it meets their recovery needs.

4. 4. Cost Savings: The free preview option allows users to assess the recoverability of their files without any financial commitment. It helps users save costs by avoiding purchasing software that may not be able to recover their desired files effectively.

5. 5. User Confidence: The free preview option instills user confidence by providing transparency and assurance in the recovery process. Users can have peace of mind knowing the recoverable files are previewed and can make an informed choice based on their specific requirements.

Cons

Inability to Save or Restore Files: With the free preview option, users can only preview the recoverable files but cannot save or restore them. This can be a limitation for users who wish to immediately recover and access their lost data. Purchase a license to gain full access to your files.

2. Stellar Data Recovery

Stellar Free Data Recovery Software is a data recovery solution offered by Stellar, designed to help users retrieve lost or deleted files from various storage devices. The software features a straightforward interface and supports a wide range of file formats. It employs a scanning algorithm to locate recoverable files and provides users with the ability to preview the files before initiating the recovery process. While the free version has certain limitations, such as restricted data recovery size and the exclusion of advanced features, Stellar Free Data Recovery Software can be a useful tool for basic file recovery needs.

Pros

1. 1. Stellar Free Data Recovery Software allows users to preview the recoverable files before proceeding with the actual recovery.

2. 2. Basic Data Recovery: The software offers basic data recovery capabilities, allowing users to retrieve small lost or deleted files.

Cons

1. 1. Limited Data Recovery Size: The free version of Stellar Data Recovery Software may have limitations on the maximum size of files that can be recovered. This can be a drawback for users who need to recover large-sized files, as they may not be eligible for recovery with the free version.

2. 2. Exclusion of Advanced Features: The free version may lack certain advanced features available in the paid version of Stellar Data Recovery Software. This includes features like deep scanning, advanced filtering options, and specific recovery algorithms, which may limit the software's effectiveness in complex data loss scenarios.

3. 3. No Technical Support: Users of the free version may not have access to technical support from Stellar's customer service team. This can be a drawback for users who encounter issues or need assistance during the recovery process.

4. 4. Potential Upgrade Prompting: While using the free version, users may experience prompts or notifications encouraging them to upgrade to the paid version. These promotional messages can be a minor inconvenience for some users.

5. 5. Restricted File Recovery: The free version may have restrictions on the number of files that can be recovered. This limitation can hinder users who need to recover a large number of files or have extensive data loss situations.

4. TestDisk and PhotoRec

TestDisk and PhotoRec are open-source software tools designed to assist users in recovering lost or deleted data. TestDisk focuses on repairing damaged disk partitions, recovering lost partitions, and fixing bootable disks. On the other hand, PhotoRec specializes in recovering various file formats, including photos, videos, documents, and archives, from different storage devices. Both tools are command-line based and provide cross-platform compatibility.

Pros

1. 1. Free and Open-Source: TestDisk and PhotoRec are completely free to use, making them accessible to users with limited budgets.

2. 2. Wide Compatibility: TestDisk and PhotoRec are cross-platform tools, compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and more.

Cons

1. 1. Command-Line Interface: Both TestDisk and PhotoRec rely on a command-line interface, which may be less intuitive for users accustomed to graphical user interfaces (GUIs). This can make the software more challenging to use for individuals without command-line experience or technical knowledge.

2. 2. Lack of User-Friendly Interface: TestDisk and PhotoRec do not provide a graphical user interface, which means users must navigate and interact with the software through command-line commands. This interface may require users to refer to documentation or tutorials to understand and execute the necessary commands effectively.

3. 3. Steep Learning Curve: Due to the command-line nature of TestDisk and PhotoRec, users may face a steep learning curve, particularly if they are not familiar with command-line interfaces or data recovery concepts. The reliance on manual input and command execution can be daunting for less tech-savvy users.

4. 4.Limited User Support: As open-source software, TestDisk and PhotoRec may have limited official user support channels. Users may rely on community forums or online resources for troubleshooting or seeking assistance, which may not offer immediate or comprehensive solutions to specific issues.

5. 5. Lack of Advanced Features: While TestDisk and PhotoRec provide powerful data recovery capabilities, they may lack certain advanced features found in commercial data recovery software. These features could include more comprehensive scanning algorithms, advanced file filtering options, or specific recovery techniques tailored to complex data loss scenarios.

5. UnDeleteMyFiles Pro

UnDeleteMyFiles Pro's free version provides users with a range of basic data recovery features. The software offers file searching capabilities, allowing users to search for specific files or folders based on their names or extensions. It also includes filtering options to narrow down search results.

Pros

1. 1. Support for Various Storage Devices: UnDeleteMyFiles Pro's free version supports the recovery of data from a variety of storage devices, including hard drives, USB drives, and memory cards. This versatility ensures compatibility with different sources of data loss.

2. 2. File Searching and Filtering: The software provides file searching functionality, allowing users to locate specific files or folders based on their names or extensions. Additionally, the inclusion of filtering options helps narrow down search results, making it easier to find the desired files.

Cons

1. 1. Limited Functionality: The free version of UnDeleteMyFiles Pro may have limited features compared to the paid version. Users may not have access to advanced recovery options, such as deep scanning, advanced file filtering, or specialized recovery techniques, which could restrict the software's effectiveness in more complex data loss scenarios.

2. 2.Restrictions on File Size: The free version may have limitations on the maximum file size that can be recovered. This could be a drawback for users who need to recover large-sized files, as they may not be eligible for recovery with the free version.

3. 3. Lack of Technical Support: Users of the free version may not have access to dedicated technical support from the UnDeleteMyFiles Pro team. This can be a disadvantage if users encounter issues or require assistance during the data recovery process.

4. 4. Upgrade Prompts: While using the free version, users may encounter prompts or notifications encouraging them to upgrade to the paid version. These promotional messages can be a minor inconvenience for some users.

5. 5. User Interface: Some users may find the user interface of UnDeleteMyFiles Pro less intuitive or user-friendly compared to other data recovery software. The software may require some learning or adjustment for users who are not familiar with its interface.

7. PC Inspector File Recovery

PC Inspector File Recovery offers a range of free features for data recovery purposes. The software is designed to recover lost or deleted files from various storage devices, including hard drives, USB drives, and memory cards. It supports multiple file systems, including FAT and NTFS, allowing users to recover files from different types of drives. PC Inspector File Recovery's free version provides users with the ability to search for specific files based on their name or extension.

Pros

1. 1. Support for Various Storage Devices: PC Inspector File Recovery's free version supports the recovery of data from a variety of storage devices, including hard drives, USB drives, and memory cards. This versatility ensures compatibility with different sources of data loss.

2. 2. File Searching Capabilities: The software provides file searching functionality, allowing users to search for specific files based on their names or extensions. This feature can help users locate the desired files more efficiently.

Cons

1. 1. Limitations on File Size: The free version of PC Inspector File Recovery may have restrictions on the maximum file size that can be recovered. This can be a drawback for users who need to recover larger files, as they may not be eligible for recovery with the free version.

2. 2. Lack of Advanced Recovery Options: The free version may lack certain advanced recovery options available in the paid version. Users may not have access to features like recovering files from formatted or corrupted drives, creating disk images, or performing selective file recovery.

3. 3. User Interface: The user interface of PC Inspector File Recovery may not be as intuitive or user-friendly compared to other data recovery software. It may require some learning or adjustment for users who are not familiar with its interface.

4. 4. Potential Compatibility Issues: While PC Inspector File Recovery supports various file systems, there may still be cases where certain file systems or specific storage devices are not fully compatible. This could limit the software's effectiveness in certain data recovery scenarios.

5. 5. Limited Technical Support: Users of the free version may not have access to dedicated technical support from the PC Inspector File Recovery team. This can be a disadvantage if users encounter issues or require assistance during the data recovery process.

9. Disk Drill

Disk Drill provides users with the ability to perform a quick scan to locate recently deleted files and a deep scan for a more thorough recovery. The software offers a preview feature that allows users to preview recoverable files before initiating the recovery process. However, it's important to note that the free version may have limitations, such as a restriction on the maximum amount of data that can be recovered and the absence of advanced features available in the paid versions.

Pros

1. 1. Wide Device Compatibility: Disk Drill supports a variety of storage devices, including hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, memory cards, and more. This extensive compatibility ensures that users can recover lost or deleted files from various sources.

2. 2. Quick and Deep Scanning: The software offers both quick and deep scanning options. Users can choose a quick scan for faster results or a deep scan for a more comprehensive search and recovery of lost data. This flexibility allows users to tailor the scanning process to their specific needs.

Cons

1. 1. Data Recovery Limitations: The free version of Disk Drill may have limitations on the maximum amount of data that can be recovered. There may be a cap on the total data size that can be recovered using the free version, which could restrict users who need to recover a large volume of data.

2. 2. Advanced Features Restricted: The free version may lack certain advanced features available in the paid versions of Disk Drill. These advanced features could include options like recovering files from formatted or corrupted drives, creating disk backups, or performing targeted file recovery.

3. 3. Upgrade Prompts: While using the free version, users may encounter prompts or notifications encouraging them to upgrade to the paid version of Disk Drill. These promotional messages can be an inconvenience for some users who prefer a completely ad-free experience.

4. 4. Limited Technical Support: Users of the free version may not have access to dedicated technical support from the Disk Drill team. This can be a drawback if users encounter technical issues or require assistance during the data recovery process.

5. 5. Potential Bundled Software: During the installation process of Disk Drill's free version, users may be prompted to install additional bundled software. While these bundled programs may not be necessary for data recovery, some users may find them unwanted or unnecessary.

How To Choose Data Recovery Software

Choosing the right data recovery software is crucial to ensure effective and successful recovery of your lost or deleted files. Here are some important factors to consider when making your decision:

1. 1. Compatibility: Ensure that the software is compatible with your operating system and storage devices. It should support the file system of the drive you want to recover data from, such as NTFS, FAT32, or exFAT.

2. 2. Recovery Capabilities: Assess the software's recovery capabilities and features. Look for options to recover various types of files, including documents, photos, videos, and more. Additionally, consider if it supports different data loss scenarios, such as accidental deletion, formatting, partition loss, or system crashes.

3. 3. Ease of Use: Opt for software with a user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation. The recovery process should be straightforward, allowing you to easily locate and recover your files without requiring extensive technical knowledge.

4. 4. Scanning Options: Look for software that offers both quick and deep scanning options. Quick scans provide a faster search for recently deleted files, while deep scans perform a thorough analysis of the drive to recover more difficult-to-find data.

5. 5. File Preview: A preview feature allows you to preview the recoverable files before initiating the recovery process. This helps ensure you can verify the quality and integrity of the files before recovering them.

6. 6. Safety and Security: Data recovery software should prioritize the safety and integrity of your data. Look for software that uses non-destructive recovery techniques and offers options to create disk images or backups to prevent further damage to your files.

7. 7. Technical Support: Consider the availability and quality of technical support provided by the software developer. Good customer support can be crucial if you encounter any issues or have questions during the recovery process.

8. 8. Reviews and Reputation: Read user reviews and consider the reputation of the software. Look for feedback on its reliability, effectiveness, and customer support. Trusted recommendations from reputable sources can also help guide your decision.

9. 9. Pricing: Evaluate the pricing structure and consider whether the software offers a free trial or a money-back guarantee. Compare the features and value offered by different software options to ensure you get the best balance of cost and functionality.

By considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can make an informed decision and choose the data recovery software that best suits your specific needs and requirements.

Good luck!

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