Software

Top Data Recovery Software Tools for Windows

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Chirag Arora
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Chirag Arora
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March 20, 2026
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    Quick Summary — Best Data Recovery Software for Windows

    Deleted an important file on your Windows PC? Formatted the wrong drive? Here are the best Windows data recovery tools ranked by recovery rate, free limit, and Windows 11 compatibility:

    This guide covers all of these searches:

    best data recovery software for Windows data recovery software Windows 10 data recovery software Windows 11 best free data recovery software for Windows Windows data recovery recover deleted files Windows 10 recover deleted files Windows 11 best file recovery software for PC Windows hard drive recovery software NTFS data recovery software free Windows data recovery software recover permanently deleted files Windows Windows File Recovery tool BitLocker data recovery Windows data recovery software for PC

    Best Data Recovery Software for Windows — What to Know First

    Windows is the world's most widely used desktop operating system, and data recovery software for Windows needs to handle the specific file systems, drive configurations, and features that Windows uses. Unlike generic recovery tools, the best Windows data recovery software is built and tested against NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS — the four file systems Windows uses across hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, and SD cards.

    Windows also has unique built-in recovery features — Recycle Bin, File History, Previous Versions, and Windows Backup — that should always be tried before using third-party software. When those fail, dedicated Windows data recovery software provides the deepest possible scan of your drives to find and restore deleted, formatted, or corrupted files.

    In this guide, we have tested and ranked the 7 best data recovery software for Windows tools covering Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7, with specific attention to Windows 11 ARM compatibility, BitLocker encrypted drive support, and Windows Server recovery.

    Windows Built-In Recovery Methods — Try These First

    Before downloading any third-party data recovery software for Windows, try these free built-in Windows recovery options:

    1. Windows Recycle Bin

    • Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your Windows desktop
    • Sort by Date Deleted to find recently deleted files
    • Right-click the file ? Restore — returns to original Windows location
    • Limitation: Files deleted with Shift+Delete or files too large for the Recycle Bin bypass it entirely

    2. Windows File History

    • Open Windows Start menu ? search Restore your files with File History
    • Navigate to the folder that contained the deleted file
    • Use arrows to browse to a backup date before the deletion
    • Click the green Restore button to recover the file
    • Limitation: File History must have been enabled before the deletion occurred

    3. Previous Versions (Windows 10 and 11)

    • Open File Explorer ? navigate to the folder that contained the file
    • Right-click the folder ? Properties ? Previous Versions tab
    • Select a version from before the deletion ? Restore
    • Limitation: Requires Windows restore points or File History to be enabled

    If all three Windows built-in methods fail, proceed to the dedicated Windows data recovery software ranked below. Software recovery works even without backups by scanning raw NTFS/FAT32 sectors for deleted file signatures.

    Best Data Recovery Software for Windows — Full Ranked List

    1

    Stellar Data Recovery

    #1 Best Overall

    Best Data Recovery Software for Windows Overall

    Free Limit: 1 GB free

    Windows Support: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8 (64-bit) + Windows Server

    File Systems: NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, ReFS

    Pros

    • 1 GB free recovery — most generous free limit for Windows users
    • Full Windows 11 (including ARM) and Windows 10 support
    • Recovers from NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS Windows file systems
    • Deep scan recovers files from formatted, corrupted, and RAW drives
    • Recovers from HDD, SSD, USB, SD card, external drives on Windows
    • Repairs partially corrupted JPEG and video files during recovery
    • Wizard-style interface — straightforward for non-technical Windows users
    • RAID recovery support in Professional tier for Windows Servers

    Cons

    • 1 GB free limit — larger recoveries need paid plan from $49.99/year
    • Deep scan on large Windows drives (1TB+) can take 1–3 hours
    • BitLocker encrypted drive recovery requires Professional tier

    Verdict: Stellar Data Recovery is the best data recovery software for Windows overall. It balances recovery performance, ease of use, and the most generous free limit (1 GB) among premium Windows tools. The clean wizard-style interface makes it accessible for everyday Windows users, while the RAID and BitLocker support in higher tiers covers IT professionals.

    Free Download
    2

    EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

    #2 Easiest to Use

    Best Data Recovery Software for Windows — Easiest Interface

    Free Limit: 2 GB free

    Windows Support: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7 + Windows Server 2019/2016/2012

    File Systems: NTFS, FAT12/16/32, exFAT, ReFS

    Pros

    • 2 GB free recovery — highest free limit for Windows data recovery
    • Three-step guided recovery — the simplest Windows data recovery workflow
    • AI-powered scan engine finds files other Windows tools miss
    • Recognises lost partitions and RAW drives on Windows automatically
    • Recovers Outlook PST/EML email files from Windows drives
    • Works on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7 and all Windows Server versions
    • Supports dark mode on Windows 11

    Cons

    • 2 GB free limit — large recoveries need paid subscription from $89.95/year
    • Subscription pricing is costlier long-term vs one-time purchase tools
    • Deep scan speed slightly slower than Disk Drill on Windows NTFS drives

    Verdict: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is the most beginner-friendly data recovery software for Windows. The 2 GB free limit is the highest among all Windows recovery tools, and the three-step recovery process is so simple that anyone can recover files without any technical knowledge. Ideal for home users and office staff on Windows 10 and 11.

    Free Download
    3

    Disk Drill

    #3 Highest Recovery Rate

    Best Data Recovery Software for Windows — Highest Recovery Rate

    Free Limit: 500 MB free

    Windows Support: Windows 11, 10 (x64 + ARM), Windows Server 2016/2019/2022/2025

    File Systems: NTFS, NTFS5, FAT12/16/32, exFAT, ReFS, EXT2/3/4

    Pros

    • 91–97% recovery success rate in independent Windows testing — highest on this list
    • Full Windows 11 ARM support — works on modern Surface Pro and Copilot+ PCs
    • BitLocker encrypted drive recovery supported
    • S.M.A.R.T. monitoring, Recovery Vault, and byte-to-byte backup built in
    • One-time $89 licence — best long-term value for Windows users
    • Advanced Camera Recovery module for RAW photo/video from Windows drives
    • Supports Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025

    Cons

    • Only 500 MB free on Windows — restrictive for first-time users
    • Higher upfront cost than subscription alternatives
    • Slightly more complex interface than EaseUS for beginners

    Verdict: Disk Drill delivers the highest recovery success rate of any Windows data recovery software in independent testing at 91–97%. Full Windows 11 ARM support, BitLocker recovery, and the $89 one-time licence make it the best long-term investment for Windows users who need maximum recovery performance.

    Free Download
    4

    Recuva

    #4 Best Free Tool

    Best Completely Free Data Recovery for Windows — No Limit

    Free Limit: Unlimited free

    Windows Support: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP

    File Systems: NTFS, FAT32, exFAT

    Pros

    • Completely free with no recovery limit — recover as much as needed
    • Wizard mode guides Windows beginners through recovery step by step
    • Portable version — runs directly from USB without Windows installation
    • Deep Scan mode for formatted and corrupted Windows drives
    • Traffic light system shows file recoverability at a glance
    • Trusted by millions of Windows users worldwide since 2007

    Cons

    • Windows only — no Mac version
    • Not updated since 2016 — dated performance on Windows 11 NTFS drives
    • Limited RAW photo format support vs premium Windows tools
    • No file repair for corrupted Windows documents or media files

    Verdict: Recuva is the best completely free data recovery software for Windows with zero recovery limits. For Windows users who need to recover recently deleted files at no cost, Recuva is unbeatable. Its main limitation is aging support for modern Windows 11 file system features — for Windows 11-specific issues, Stellar or EaseUS performs better.

    Free Download
    5

    MiniTool Power Data Recovery

    #5 Simple & Reliable

    Best Simple Data Recovery for Windows 10 and 11

    Free Limit: 1 GB free

    Windows Support: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7

    File Systems: NTFS, FAT12/16/32, exFAT

    Pros

    • 1 GB free recovery — solid for recovering Windows documents and photos
    • Scenario-based interface — choose data loss type upfront for faster results
    • Stable and reliable on Windows 10 and Windows 11
    • Filter recovered files by type, size, and modification date
    • Bootable recovery media creation — recover Windows even when OS won't boot
    • Preview Windows documents, photos, and videos before recovery

    Cons

    • Windows only — no Mac version available
    • 1 GB free limit
    • Deep scan slower than Stellar and Disk Drill on large Windows NTFS drives
    • Paid plans start at $89/year — pricing equivalent to better-performing tools

    Verdict: MiniTool Power Data Recovery is a solid, straightforward Windows data recovery tool. The 1 GB free limit, scenario-based recovery mode, and bootable media creation make it a reliable choice for Windows 10 and 11 users who want simplicity without technical complexity.

    Free Download
    6

    R-Studio

    #6 Best for IT Pros

    Best Windows Data Recovery for IT Professionals

    Free Limit: 256 KB demo

    Windows Support: Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP + Windows Server all versions

    File Systems: NTFS, FAT12/16/32, exFAT, ReFS, EXT2/3/4, HFS+, APFS, XFS, UFS

    Pros

    • Best Windows RAID recovery — reconstructs RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 automatically
    • Network recovery — recover files from remote Windows computers over LAN
    • Full Windows Server support — all versions from 2003 to 2025
    • Hex editor and disk viewer for forensic-level Windows data access
    • Recovers from BitLocker, Dynamic Disk, and Storage Spaces volumes
    • Cross-platform support allows Windows drives to be recovered from Linux/Mac

    Cons

    • Complex Windows interface — very steep learning curve for non-IT users
    • Demo only previews first 256 KB of each file — buy before knowing result
    • Not suitable for casual Windows home users

    Verdict: R-Studio is the best Windows data recovery software for IT professionals dealing with RAID arrays, Windows Server environments, and network drive recovery. Its technical depth far exceeds consumer Windows tools. For home users or business users without IT background, Stellar or EaseUS is the better Windows choice.

    Free Download
    7

    Windows File Recovery

    #7 Free Microsoft Tool

    Microsoft's Free Built-in Windows Recovery Tool

    Free Limit: Unlimited free

    Windows Support: Windows 10 (version 2004+), Windows 11 only

    File Systems: NTFS, FAT32, exFAT (signature mode)

    Pros

    • Completely free — developed by Microsoft specifically for Windows
    • No third-party software required — available from Microsoft Store
    • Unlimited recovery with no data caps
    • Works on NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT Windows drives
    • Regular updates from Microsoft to keep pace with Windows updates

    Cons

    • Command-line interface only — no graphical interface for Windows users
    • Windows 10 version 2004 or newer required — no support for Windows 7/8
    • Limited file system support vs dedicated Windows recovery tools
    • No file preview before recovery
    • Significantly lower recovery rate than premium Windows tools

    Verdict: Windows File Recovery is a free, Microsoft-built option that works directly on Windows 10 and 11 without needing to download third-party software. However, the command-line interface and lower recovery rate make it suitable only for technically confident Windows users who want a completely free, no-install option.

    Free Download

    Windows Data Recovery Software — Comparison Table

    ToolFree LimitWindows VersionFile SystemEase of UseBitLocker
    Stellar Data Recovery1 GB freeWindows 11+NTFS +moreEasyPro tier
    EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard2 GB freeWindows 11+NTFS +moreVery EasyNo
    Disk Drill500 MB freeWindows 11+NTFS +moreEasyYes
    RecuvaUnlimited freeWindows 11+NTFS +moreEasyNo
    MiniTool Power Data Recovery1 GB freeWindows 11+NTFS +moreEasyNo
    R-Studio256 KB demoWindows 11+NTFS +moreAdvancedYes
    Windows File RecoveryUnlimited freeWindows 10 (version 2004+)+NTFS +moreAdvancedNo

    Windows File Systems — What Data Recovery Software Needs to Support

    The best data recovery software for Windows must support all four Windows file systems. Here is what each is used for and why recovery support matters:

    File SystemUsed OnMax File SizeRecovery DifficultySupported By
    NTFSWindows C: drive, internal HDDs, SSDs16 EBModerate — good metadata preservationAll tools on this list
    FAT32USB drives, SD cards, older Windows drives4 GB per fileEasy — simple file system, well understoodAll tools on this list
    exFATLarge USB drives, SD cards over 32 GB16 EBModerate — fewer metadata backups than NTFSAll tools on this list
    ReFSWindows Server, Storage Spaces, Windows 10/11 Pro35 PBHarder — fewer tools support itStellar (Pro), Disk Drill, R-Studio

    Best Windows Data Recovery by Scenario

    Windows Data Loss ScenarioBest ToolScan TypeExpected Success
    Accidentally deleted files on Windows 10/11Stellar Data RecoveryQuick Scan90–99%
    Windows Recycle Bin emptiedEaseUS or StellarQuick Scan85–95%
    Windows drive formatted (NTFS)Disk DrillDeep Scan75–90%
    Corrupted Windows NTFS partitionStellar or Disk DrillDeep Scan65–85%
    Lost Windows partition (unallocated space)Stellar Pro or R-StudioPartition Recovery70–85%
    BitLocker encrypted Windows driveDisk DrillDeep Scan (key required)85–95% (with key)
    Windows RAID array recoveryR-StudioRAID reconstruction75–90%
    Windows won't boot — need to recover firstMiniTool BootableBoot from USB ? scan80–90%
    Shift+Delete on WindowsStellar or RecuvaQuick + Deep Scan85–95%
    Free unlimited Windows recoveryRecuvaQuick + Deep Scan75–90% for common files

    How to Recover Deleted Files on Windows — Step by Step

    Follow these steps to recover deleted files on Windows 10 or Windows 11 using Stellar Data Recovery (or any tool from our Windows list above):

    Step 1 — Stop Using the Windows Drive Immediately

    Stop saving new files to the affected Windows drive. If it is your C: drive, minimise all applications and avoid browsing the web — browsers cache files to the drive continuously. Every new write on Windows can overwrite deleted data.

    Step 2 — Try Windows Built-In Methods First

    Check the Recycle Bin ? Windows File History ? Previous Versions (see the Windows built-in section above). These are instant and free. Only proceed to software if these Windows methods fail.

    Step 3 — Install Windows Data Recovery Software on a Different Drive

    Download Stellar Data Recovery from the official website. Install it on a different Windows drive — for example, if recovering from D:, install on C:. If recovering from C:, install on an external drive or USB stick. This prevents overwriting files on the Windows drive you want to scan.

    Step 4 — Select the Windows Drive and File Types

    • Launch Stellar Data Recovery on Windows
    • Select the file types to recover — All Files, Documents, Photos, Videos, or specific formats
    • Select the Windows drive or partition to scan (C:, D:, external, etc.)

    Step 5 — Run Windows Recovery Scan

    • Quick Scan: Searches Windows NTFS/FAT32 directory for recently deleted files — 2–15 minutes
    • Deep Scan: Reads every sector of the Windows drive searching for file signatures — 30 min to several hours. Use for formatted or corrupted Windows drives

    Step 6 — Preview and Recover Windows Files

    • Browse scan results. Use the Windows-style file tree view to navigate by folder or by file type
    • Preview files to confirm they are intact before recovering
    • Select files and click Recover
    • Save to a different Windows drive or external storage — never save back to the same drive you scanned

    Best Free Data Recovery Software for Windows

    These Windows data recovery tools are available completely free. For a full comparison of all free tools, see our dedicated guide: Best Free Data Recovery Software — Top 9 Ranked.

    Free Windows ToolFree LimitWindows SupportBest For
    RecuvaUnlimitedWindows 11/10/8/7Everyday Windows file recovery — best free no-limit tool
    Stellar Data Recovery Free1 GBWindows 11/10/8Free Windows recovery with premium scan engine
    EaseUS Free2 GBWindows 11/10/8/7Beginners — easiest Windows recovery interface
    MiniTool Free1 GBWindows 11/10/8/7Simple Windows scenario-based recovery
    Windows File RecoveryUnlimitedWindows 10/11 onlyCommand-line Windows recovery — Microsoft official tool
    PhotoRecUnlimitedWindows 11/10/8/7/XPAdvanced Windows users — command-line, all file types

    Related Data Recovery Guides

    Frequently Asked Questions — Windows Data Recovery Software

    The best data recovery software for Windows overall is Stellar Data Recovery — 1 GB free, supports Windows 11/10, NTFS/FAT32/exFAT/ReFS file systems, and has the best balance of recovery performance and ease of use. For the highest free limit (2 GB) and simplest interface, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is the top choice for Windows beginners. For the highest recovery success rate on Windows (91–97%), Disk Drill with its one-time $89 licence is the best long-term value. For completely unlimited free recovery on Windows, Recuva is the answer.

    Yes — you can recover deleted files on Windows 11 using several methods. (1) Check the Recycle Bin first — right-click deleted files and select Restore. (2) Use Windows File History — search Restore your files with File History in the Start menu. (3) Right-click the parent folder and select Properties then Previous Versions. (4) If those fail, use Stellar Data Recovery or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard free — both fully support Windows 11 including ARM devices, and can recover permanently deleted files from NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT Windows 11 drives.

    The best data recovery software for Windows supports all major Windows file systems: NTFS (New Technology File System) — used by all modern Windows drives including C: drive, external HDDs, SSDs. FAT32 — used by USB drives, SD cards, and older Windows drives. exFAT — used by large USB drives, SD cards, and portable drives on Windows 10/11. ReFS (Resilient File System) — used by Windows Server and some Windows 10/11 storage pools. Stellar, EaseUS, Disk Drill, and R-Studio all support NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS on Windows.

    To recover files from the Windows Recycle Bin: (1) Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your Windows desktop. (2) Sort by Date Deleted to find recently deleted files quickly. (3) Right-click the file and select Restore — the file returns to its original folder automatically. (4) To restore all files at once, click Restore all items in the toolbar. If the Recycle Bin has been emptied or files were deleted using Shift+Delete, use Windows File History or data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard free.

    Yes — some data recovery software can recover files from BitLocker encrypted drives on Windows, but you must have the BitLocker recovery key or password. Disk Drill supports BitLocker encrypted drive recovery on Windows — you provide the BitLocker password or recovery key, and Disk Drill decrypts and scans the drive. Stellar Data Recovery Professional also supports BitLocker recovery. Standard (free/basic) tiers of most tools do not support BitLocker — you need the paid Professional version. Without the recovery key, BitLocker encrypted data cannot be recovered by any software.

    Windows File Recovery is a free command-line tool developed by Microsoft, available from the Microsoft Store. It recovers deleted files on Windows 10 (version 2004+) and Windows 11 from NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT drives. To use it: (1) Download from the Microsoft Store (search Windows File Recovery). (2) Open Command Prompt or Windows Terminal as Administrator. (3) Use the command: winfr C: D: /regular (replace C: with source drive and D: with destination). Windows File Recovery is free and unlimited but requires command-line knowledge and has a lower recovery rate than dedicated Windows recovery software like Stellar or EaseUS.

    To recover data from a crashed Windows computer: (1) If Windows will not boot, create a bootable USB recovery drive using MiniTool Power Data Recovery Boot Edition or Stellar Data Recovery bootable media. (2) Boot from the USB, connect an external hard drive, and scan the crashed Windows drive. (3) Alternatively, remove the hard drive and connect it as an external drive to another working Windows PC using a USB-to-SATA enclosure, then scan with Stellar or EaseUS. (4) If the drive is physically damaged (clicking, not detected), software cannot help — professional data recovery services are needed.

    Yes — free data recovery software from reputable developers is completely safe to use on Windows. Tools like Stellar Data Recovery, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Recuva, and MiniTool all scan drives in read-only mode — they do not write anything to the drive being scanned. Always download from the official developer website. The critical safety rule: never install the recovery software on the same Windows drive you are recovering from — install on a different drive or USB stick to avoid overwriting deleted files.

    Conclusion — Best Data Recovery Software for Windows

    For most Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, Stellar Data Recovery is the best choice — 1 GB free, full Windows 11 ARM support, NTFS/FAT32/exFAT/ReFS coverage, and the clearest interface for non-technical Windows users. If you want the highest free limit (2 GB), EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is the easiest Windows tool available. For maximum recovery performance on Windows (91–97% success rate), Disk Drill with its one-time $89 licence and BitLocker support is the best long-term investment.

    Always try Windows built-in options first (Recycle Bin ? File History ? Previous Versions) before installing software. When those fail, the tools above can recover permanently deleted files from any Windows NTFS or FAT32 drive as long as the data has not been overwritten. Act quickly, stop using the affected Windows drive, and save recovered files to a different location.

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