Do you need free file recovery software for your PC? Dealing with data loss can be very stressful. Whether it’s due to hardware failure, malfunction of software, mistaken deletion, formatting, or virus. When faced with loss of data, it is natural to find free file Recovery software that can effectively and safely recover lost data. Maximize your Windows experience by using a legitimate Windows 11 activation key. Activation helps in receiving important updates and maintaining system security.
While there are only a few options for free file recovery software for Windows users to recover erroneously deleted files, many file repair brands have free versions with limited file size. If your files exceed the limit, you will have to upgrade to a premium version by paying a fee.
To help you find the best file recovery software for pc in 2024, we have thoroughly tested and selected the top 10 options. Take a close look at each one:
Recuva (Windows only)
Recuva is a free file recovery software for Windows computers. It allows you to recover files from your hard drive and even recycle them as well as from digital camera cards and USB flash drivers. Recuva compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, 7, Vista and XP. While the Pro version costs $19.95 and the Pro Bundle version is $39.95. The free version has unlimited costs with no limit in file size. It is worth trying, though please note that Recuva has not been updated for a long time and may not be compatible for Windows 11.
Advantages:
- Free version with no file size limit.
- Cheap option for professional models.
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 file recovery software. It makes the process of finding lost data easier without the need for complicated commands. Unlike other options, Winfr GUI is completely free.
Main Properties:
- Global support: Eat various types of files from different devices including PCs, laptops, USB flash drives, and SD cards.
- Recovery from unbootable computer: Get information easily from an unbootable system using USB boot media.
- Increased Recovery and Repair: The patented technology enables smooth video file recovery 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 be completed. Examples can be viewed.
Advantages:
- Professional data recovery with patented technology.
- Easy to use interface
- Flexible and reliable.
- Simple steps for file recovery. Instructions for
Puran File Recovery (Windows only)
Puran File Recovery is one of the best free file recovery tools for Windows 10/6/7/XP/Vista. However, it is designed specifically for home users and has not been updated since 2016. It can recover deleted files from file systems such as NTFS and FAT12/16/32 and supports deep scanning and full scanning options for thorough search. You can also view recovered files.
Advantages:
- Completely free.
- Ability to verify file recovery capabilities
Disadvantages:
- Limited properties compared to competitors.
- Designed for personal use only, not for commercial purposes.
- Not compatible with Windows 11
Stellar(Windows, Mac)
Stellar’s free file recovery software is a powerful tool for both Windows and Mac PCs. It can recover data from various devices including computer hard drives, USB drivers, Micro SD cards, and so on. It is able to retrieve data from empty recycling tanks, RAW partitions, and formatted or damaged drives. Stellars support a variety of file recoveries, including email files 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.
- Fast and efficient scanning.
- Powerful and advanced tool.
Disadvantages:
- The recovery process is slow.
- The only free version that supports data recovery up to 1GB. The Pro version is more expensive than any other software option.
Disk Drill Data Recovery (Windows, Mac)
Initially focused on Mac data recovery, Disk Drill has a Windows version as well. It can easily recover deleted files in Windows 11/10 and supports recovery from various storage devices such as external hard drives, SD cards, USB disks and digital cameras. Disk drill is easy to use and features such as fast scanning and deep scanning, although 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 version is quite expensive.
- Recovery results may vary.
TestDisk Data Recovery (Windows & Mac)
TestDisk is a popular free file recovery software for Windows 11/10. It is a free, off-source software designed to recover missing partitions and repair unbootable devices. Testdisk has powerful features that can compete with other file recovering software options. Please note that TestDesk is a command-line tool and may not be suitable for beginners.
Advantages:
- Free and open source.
- Supports exFAT, FAT, ext2 and NTFS file system recovery
- Helps repair and restore unbootable devices
- Edit and restore deleted partitions
Disadvantages:
- The command line tool may not be easy to use for all users.
- Not suitable for those who like a graphical user interface. (GUI).
- Designed for personal use only, not for commercial purposes.
FreeUndelete (Windows only)
FreeUndelete is another freeware file recovery program that helps restore Microsoft Office files and repair damaged Windows logs. It is easy to use and can be used without expert guidance. Free Undelete allows you to recover deleted files from Windows recycling tanks. However, just like Puran and Recuva, FreeUndellete has not been updated recently and may not be compatible with newer Windows versions.
Advantages:
- Free for personal use.
- Displays recovered files in a readable structure, including each file inside a recoverable folder.
- Free version, no ads.
Disadvantages:
- You need a business license.
- Expired interface design
SoftPerfect File Recovery (Windows only)
SoftPerfect File Recovery is considered one of the best non-deleted software options for recovering deleted or corrupted files. It supports various storage devices such as USB hard drives, flash drivers, memory cards, CF cards and SD cards. SoftPervect file recovery works with file systems including FAT 12, FAT 16, FAT 32, NTFS and NTFS5. Your data is encrypted and compressed during the recovery process. This tool is also available for free.
Advan tages:
- Lightweight and free.
- Secure encryption and compression
- 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 Free (Windows only)
MiniTool Power Data Recovery Free is an easy-to-use file recovery software for Windows computers. It supports data recovery from both FAT and NTFS drives, which are common 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
- Can recover multiple files at once
- High efficiency in receiving data from storage devices that are not physically damaged.
Disadvantages:
- 1GB Limited Free Version of Data Recovery
- No advanced features compared to the cost version.
- The recovered video may be fragmented and unplayable.
- Some users found it expensive.
Windows File Recovery (Windows only)
Microsoft has developed its own file recovery tool specifically for Windows 11/10. This free recovery utility is available in the Windows app store and can be downloaded and activated easily on your device. It works through a command-line interface, allowing you to recover deleted files from pen drive, local hard drive and SD card. You can specify keys, file names, extensions, or file routes for the recovery process.
Advantages:
- Completely free.
- Recover a wide range of file formats including PDF, JPEG, MPEG, PNG, MP3 & MP4, office files, ZIP folders and more.
- Works with various storage devices such as SSD, HDD, memory card, USB drive and so on.
- Supports multiple file systems such as FAT, NTFS, ReFS, exFAT and so on.
- Allow keyword targeting, file extension or file path during recovery
Disadvantages:
- The command line tool may not be suitable for inexperienced users.
- No graphical user interface (GUI).
Steps to recover deleted files in Windows 11/10 for free:
To illustrate the use of WinfrGUI file recovery software on Windows 11/10 we have provided the following steps:
- Step 1: Start WinfrGUI and select disk location to start the recovery process.
- Step 2: The software will scan 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 10 of the best free file recovery software options for Windows 11/10 PCs. These programs are easy to use and have various features. Consider the 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.
