Disclosure: some links to paid products on Filemere are, or may become, affiliate links. If you buy through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. That never decides what we list: free options are shown first, and every price is copied from the official page on the date shown. How we choose and how we earn.
Data recovery first-aid checklist
The first minutes matter most. Tell us the device and what happened; you get a step-by-step plan that avoids the mistakes that make files unrecoverable.
🔒 Runs in your browser – files are not uploaded
Your plan
Why “stop using it” comes first
When you delete a file, the system marks its space as free; the data stays until something new is written there. Microsoft's own guidance says to minimise using the computer, because any activity can overwrite that free space. Never install recovery software or save recovered files onto the same drive you are recovering from.
SSDs are different
Most SSDs clear deleted blocks in the background (TRIM). Recovery from an internal SSD often fails after a short time, whatever tool you use. Memory cards and USB sticks usually do not do this, so recovery chances there are much better.
Free and paid tools
Start with free tools. Paid tools mainly add a friendlier interface and preview; only pay if their free scan shows the files you need.
Desktop and paid alternatives
Free options first. Facts come from each official page on the date shown.
Windows File Recovery
- Command-line app from the Microsoft Store (winfr)
- Recovers from internal drives, external drives and USB devices
- Cloud storage and network shares are not supported; source and destination drive must differ
Source: official page, checked 2026-11-05. Prices and limits change – confirm before buying.
Visit Windows File Recovery →PhotoRec (with TestDisk)
- Works on Windows, macOS and Linux
- Reads the drive read-only and finds 480+ file extensions by signature
- Works even after a reformat; original file names are usually lost
Source: official page, checked 2026-11-05. Prices and limits change – confirm before buying.
Visit PhotoRec (with TestDisk) →EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
- Graphical scan with file preview before recovery
- Official page: the free edition recovers up to 2 GB
- Pro edition removes the limit
Source: official page, checked 2026-11-05. Prices and limits change – confirm before buying.
Visit EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard →Wondershare Recoverit
- Windows and Mac; scan, preview, recover
- Official site lists free data recovery for Windows and Mac, plus paid unlimited plans
- Also offers photo/video repair
Source: official page, checked 2026-11-05. Prices and limits change – confirm before buying.
Visit Wondershare Recoverit →Questions
Can I recover files deleted months ago?
On a hard disk or memory card that was barely used since, sometimes yes. On a busy SSD, rarely.
Will recovered files keep their names?
Tools that read the file system (Windows File Recovery regular mode, most paid tools) often can. Signature-based tools like PhotoRec usually lose names and folders.