Five Recovery Tools Checked · August 2026

Best Deleted File Recovery Software in 2026

Deleted files are recoverable only while their storage blocks remain untouched. These five tools cover quick undeletes, damaged partitions, disk images, plus raw file carving.

By Taptu Newsroom Editorial Team Published · Updated
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⚡ TL;DR · Quick answer

Disk Drill is the best deleted file recovery software for most people. It combines clear scan results, strong previews, disk imaging, plus broad Windows and Mac support. Try the free scan first, then confirm that several important files preview correctly before paying.

★ Best overall
1

Disk Drill

9.2/10

Best for: Home users who want guided recovery from computers, external drives, memory cards, disk images, or mobile backups

  • Clean results browser with useful previews plus filters
  • Creates byte-to-byte images before recovery work
  • One license supports Windows plus macOS
  • Recovery-chance estimates help prioritize intact files
Read full review Visit Site →
2

R-Studio

8.8/10

Best for: Technical users dealing with damaged partitions, unfamiliar file systems, disk images, or RAID layouts

  • Broad file-system support across three desktop operating systems
  • Strong RAID reconstruction plus disk-image handling
  • Demo can recover files below 1,024 KB
  • Detailed preview, hex, partition, plus sector tools
Visit Site →
3

DMDE

8.5/10

Best for: Careful users who need low-cost folder recovery plus direct access to partitions, sectors, or file-system structures

  • Generous 4,000-file free recovery allowance per selected folder
  • Low $20 entry price for bulk folder recovery
  • Includes partition search plus disk imaging
  • Runs on several desktop operating systems
Visit Site →

Deleted File Recovery Software Compared

This table compares disk-image creation, preservation of original names, current entry pricing, plus our editorial score. The scores reflect feature coverage, usability, safety controls, platform reach, plus cost rather than a universal recovery-rate claim. Actual success depends heavily on overwriting, SSD TRIM, file fragmentation, encryption, plus device health.

Tool Disk Imaging Original Names Price Score
1. Disk Drill PICK ● Yes ● Yes $89/yr 9.2/10
2. R-Studio ● Yes ● Yes $79.99 one-time 8.8/10
3. DMDE ● Yes ● Yes $20/yr 8.5/10
4. Recuva ● No ● Yes Free 7.7/10
5. PhotoRec ● No ● No Free 7.5/10

The 5 Best Deleted File Recovery Software Tools, Reviewed

01

Disk Drill

Windows plus macOS / CleverFiles

9.2/10

Disk Drill earns first place because it makes a stressful job unusually manageable. Its results screen combines file previews, search, type filters, dates, sizes, recovery-chance estimates, plus reconstructed-file groups. That matters when a deep scan returns thousands of entries rather than one neatly labeled document.

The current release supports Windows plus macOS, byte-to-byte disk images, scan-session saving, S.M.A.R.T. monitoring, APFS, HFS+, NTFS, exFAT, FAT, plus numerous raw file signatures. One license covers up to 3 devices across both desktop platforms. The Basic edition can scan plus preview, though substantial recovery usually requires PRO.

Disk Drill is not the cheapest choice here. Still, its clear workflow puts fewer risky decisions in front of a first-time user. Preview several important files before buying because a listed filename alone does not prove that its contents remain intact.

Best forHome users who want guided recovery from computers, external drives, memory cards, disk images, or mobile backups

Standout featureRecovery-chance labels plus rich previews make a large scan easier to sort before restoration
Disk Drill Pros
  • Clean results browser with useful previews plus filters
  • Creates byte-to-byte images before recovery work
  • One license supports Windows plus macOS
  • Recovery-chance estimates help prioritize intact files
  • Handles common internal drives, USB media, memory cards, plus disk images
Disk Drill Cons
  • Most useful recovery requires a paid license
  • Deep scans can produce many duplicate or reconstructed entries
  • Software cannot overcome SSD TRIM or overwritten sectors
Basic $0 Scan plus preview; recovery limits depend on platform
PRO Annual $89/yr Unlimited recovery for 1 user on up to 3 devices
Best Data Recovery Software ↗ Download Disk Drill
Read our full Disk Drill review
02

R-Studio

Windows, macOS plus Linux / R-Tools Technology

8.8/10

R-Studio exposes far more storage detail than most consumer recovery apps. It can scan APFS, HFS+, NTFS, ReFS, FAT, exFAT, Ext, UFS, plus XFS volumes while running on Windows, macOS, or Linux. Its virtual RAID tools, hexadecimal editor, imaging controls, plus partition views suit difficult logical failures.

The demo recovers files smaller than 1,024 KB each, which is enough to check tiny documents or verify the workflow. A standard local license starts at $79.99. Licenses are tied to the chosen host operating system, so a Windows key does not activate the Mac edition.

The tradeoff is density. A beginner can easily feel lost among scan regions, recognized partitions, file-system parameters, plus imaging options. R-Studio is a strong runner-up if you understand disks or will read its manual before touching the source drive.

Best forTechnical users dealing with damaged partitions, unfamiliar file systems, disk images, or RAID layouts

Standout featureDetailed RAID reconstruction, imaging, hex inspection, plus cross-file-system access sit in one application
R-Studio Pros
  • Broad file-system support across three desktop operating systems
  • Strong RAID reconstruction plus disk-image handling
  • Demo can recover files below 1,024 KB
  • Detailed preview, hex, partition, plus sector tools
  • Useful controls for unstable media plus bad sectors
R-Studio Cons
  • Interface has a steep learning curve
  • Each desktop operating system needs its own standard license
  • Advanced controls create more room for user error
Demo $0 Recovers individual files smaller than 1,024 KB
Local License $79.99 Permanent license for one selected host operating system
Get R-Studio
03

DMDE

Windows, macOS, Linux plus DOS / DMDE Software

8.5/10

DMDE offers an unusual amount of recovery capability without a large payment. Its free edition can restore up to 4,000 files from the active directory per request, with no stated limit on the number of requests. For one accidentally deleted folder, that may be enough.

The program can build disk images, search raw signatures, reconstruct partitions, inspect sectors, plus work with common Windows, Mac, or Linux file systems. The $20 Express license adds bulk folder recovery for one year. The $48 Standard license is perpetual for one operating-system family.

DMDE assumes that the user understands storage terminology. Its screens look more like a disk editor than a friendly rescue wizard. It is excellent value, but pause before applying any write operation to the original device.

Best forCareful users who need low-cost folder recovery plus direct access to partitions, sectors, or file-system structures

Standout featureThe free edition can restore up to 4,000 files from one selected directory per request
DMDE Pros
  • Generous 4,000-file free recovery allowance per selected folder
  • Low $20 entry price for bulk folder recovery
  • Includes partition search plus disk imaging
  • Runs on several desktop operating systems
  • Standard license includes lifetime updates
DMDE Cons
  • Technical interface can confuse casual users
  • One-OS licenses become locked to a platform family
  • Some repair or editing actions should be avoided on source media
Free $0 Up to 4,000 files from one selected directory per request
Express $20 One-year personal license with bulk folder recovery
Standard $48 Perpetual one-OS-family license with lifetime updates
Try DMDE
04

Recuva

Windows / CCleaner

7.7/10

Recuva remains a sensible first attempt for a simple Windows deletion. Its wizard asks what file type disappeared, where it was stored, plus whether to enable Deep Scan. The free edition places no recovery-volume limit on files it can restore.

It works with Windows computers, USB drives, memory cards, plus other rewritable media. Recuva Professional costs $24.95, adding virtual hard-drive support, automatic updates, plus priority help. Free recovery is the real attraction since the core undelete feature does not require payment.

Recuva is less suited to missing partitions, APFS media, complex RAID, or heavily damaged file systems. It is Windows-only, too. Use it for a healthy secondary HDD or removable device, not a clicking drive or a disappearing SSD.

Best forWindows users restoring recently deleted files from healthy hard drives, USB sticks, or memory cards

Standout featureThe free edition permits unrestricted recovery without a data-size quota
Recuva Pros
  • Unlimited recovery in the free edition
  • Straightforward wizard for common deletion cases
  • Deep Scan for harder searches
  • Low-cost Professional edition
  • Portable build is available for careful recovery setups
Recuva Cons
  • Windows-only
  • No built-in disk-image creation workflow
  • Less capable with complex partition or RAID damage
Free $0 Unlimited personal file recovery
Professional $24.95 Adds virtual-drive support, updates, plus priority help
Visit Recuva
05

PhotoRec

Windows, macOS plus Linux / CGSecurity

7.5/10

PhotoRec ignores damaged file-system records, then searches storage directly for known file signatures. It recognizes more than 480 extensions across about 300 file families, covering photos, video, archives, office files, PDFs, plus many specialist formats.

The software is completely free under the GNU GPL. It uses read-only access for the source, supports Windows, macOS, Linux, plus other systems, with a graphical companion called QPhotoRec. It can keep working even after a volume was reformatted or its directory records became unusable.

The cost arrives in cleanup time. Recovered files commonly lose original names plus folders, while fragmented files may remain incomplete. PhotoRec is a useful last-pass carver, not the first choice when intact file-system metadata is still available.

Best forUsers salvaging recognizable file types from reformatted or badly corrupted media where folder structure is already lost

Standout featureFile-system-independent carving recognizes more than 480 extensions across roughly 300 file families
PhotoRec Pros
  • Completely free plus open source
  • Works despite severe file-system damage
  • Supports more than 480 file extensions
  • Read-only access protects the source during scanning
  • Available across major desktop operating systems
PhotoRec Cons
  • Usually loses original filenames plus folder structure
  • Results may contain duplicates or false positives
  • Fragmented files can be incomplete
Open Source $0 Full recovery features under the GNU GPL
Open PhotoRec

How We Evaluated Deleted File Recovery Software

We compared current product documentation, licensing pages, supported operating systems, recovery limits, image-creation features, preview options, file-system coverage, plus workflow safeguards. Scores favor tools that let a user inspect results before paying, preserve names where metadata survives, plus avoid writes to the source.

We did not publish a made-up recovery percentage. A fixed rate would be misleading because deleted-file outcomes change with drive type, TRIM status, elapsed use, fragmentation, encryption, physical damage, plus how much data was written after deletion.

How to Choose Deleted File Recovery Software for Your Drive

Match the tool to the failure. A recently deleted NTFS file on a healthy HDD may need only Recuva or Disk Drill. A lost partition, unfamiliar file system, RAID set, or damaged image calls for deeper controls from R-Studio or DMDE. PhotoRec is better when directory metadata has collapsed but recognizable file content may remain.

Check the destination requirement before scanning. You need a separate drive with enough free space for recovered data, plus extra room if you plan to create a full image. Never restore onto the source merely because it has available space.

Common Deleted File Recovery Mistakes to Avoid

The worst mistake is continuing to use the source. Installing an app, downloading an installer, browsing the web, or even allowing background updates can reuse deleted blocks. Shut the device down, attach it as secondary storage where practical, then run recovery from another disk.

Do not run repair utilities such as CHKDSK before recovery. Repair tools change file-system structures, which can remove clues that recovery software needs. Clicking, repeated disconnects, severe slowness, a burned smell, or incorrect capacity are reasons to stop DIY attempts plus contact a recovery lab.

Which Deleted File Recovery Tool Should You Use?

Disk Drill ranks first because its scan workflow, file previews, filters, plus imaging tools are easier to navigate than the more technical alternatives. R-Studio fits complex file systems or RAID work, while DMDE offers exceptional value for users willing to learn a denser interface.

Recuva is the practical free pick for a basic Windows undelete. PhotoRec belongs near the end of the process when file-system records are gone, since its carved results usually lose names plus folders.

Top pick Disk Drill
Scan the source without writing to it, preview several critical files, then recover onto a separate physical drive.

Deleted File Recovery Software Questions

Can deleted files really be recovered?
Sometimes. Deletion usually removes a file-system reference before the underlying blocks are reused. Recovery remains possible only while enough original data survives.
What should I do immediately after deleting a file?
Stop using the affected storage. Do not install software, download files, update the system, or save recovered data onto that same device.
Why is Disk Drill the top pick?
It combines approachable scanning, useful previews, recovery-chance estimates, disk imaging, plus broad Windows and macOS support without exposing every technical control at once.
Is free recovery software safe?
Legitimate tools from official developer sites can be safe. The greater risk is writing new data onto the source or using repair features before copying recoverable files elsewhere.
Can I recover files from an SSD?
Possibly, though SSD TRIM often clears deleted blocks quickly. Recovery odds are usually worse than with a traditional hard drive, especially for an active system disk.
Does emptying the Recycle Bin permanently erase files?
Not always. It removes normal access to those entries, but recoverable content may remain until Windows or another app overwrites the storage blocks.
Can recovery software restore original filenames?
Yes when useful file-system metadata survives. Raw carving tools such as PhotoRec usually recover content without its original filename or folder path.
Should I run CHKDSK before file recovery?
No. CHKDSK changes file-system metadata. Recover or image the storage first, then consider repairs only after important data is secured.
Where should recovered files be saved?
Save them to a different physical drive. A separate partition on the same device is not a safe destination because writes may overwrite deleted content.
Can overwritten files be recovered?
Software cannot restore file content once the relevant physical blocks have been replaced with new data. Partial recovery may occur if only part of a file was overwritten.
Can recovery software fix a clicking hard drive?
No. Clicking commonly suggests mechanical trouble. Power the drive down because repeated scanning can worsen damage, then consult a qualified recovery lab.
What is a byte-to-byte disk image?
It is a sector-level copy of a drive saved to another device. Scanning the image reduces repeated reads from unstable source media.
Is a file preview proof that recovery will work?
A complete preview is a useful sign because the app has read enough content to display it. Check several important files since one good preview does not validate every result.
Why do deep scans show duplicate files?
A tool may find one entry through file-system metadata plus another through raw signatures. Old copies, thumbnails, temporary files, or overlapping scan methods also create duplicates.
Can these tools recover files after formatting?
A quick format may leave substantial content behind. A full overwrite, secure erase, active SSD TRIM, or heavy reuse can make recovery impossible.
Do I need a professional data recovery service?
Use a lab for physical damage, irreplaceable business data, encrypted devices with hardware faults, RAID uncertainty, or any drive that clicks, vanishes, freezes, or reports the wrong capacity.
How long does a recovery scan take?
A small healthy memory card may finish quickly, while a multi-terabyte drive can require many hours. Bad sectors, slow adapters, deep carving, plus repeated read attempts extend the process.
Download Disk Drill Free scan · #1 Pick