If you are in any field of computing or smartphones, there is a high chance you have had a brush with data loss. It is a frustrating situation, as you cannot access your data. It is the end of the road for many people, and they have to start afresh to get back their data and workflow.
The good news is that a solution for data loss exists in data recovery software. These are programs that you install to help restore your lost material. So, which data recovery tool should I opt for to recover my lost data? Before looking at the best data recovery kits, we will focus on the culprits behind the problem at hand. Then we will introduce you with 10 of the best paid or free hard drive recovery software available on the market right now.
Part 1: The General Reasons of Data Lose and How Does Data Recovery Work[W1]
You lose data from your computer due to several reasons. It may be due to hardware problems, like mechanical damage to parts of the computer, primarily the hard drive. If hit, the impact affects this part’s structural integrity, and data loss is imminent. The same applies to a spillage to your computer parts, causing a short circuit. A power blackout can also cause data loss. Human error is another cause for losing data. Here, you look at occurrences such as accidental deletion of your data.
You may also blame software problems on your data loss. Operating system failure will also do some damage to your files. Then, there is the issue of malware attacks, which is among the leading causes of information loss. Virus and Trojan horses cause damage to your computer system, and one of the outcomes is lost material.
How does data recovery work? When you install data recovery software on your device and run it, it restores your files by perusing secondary and removable storage media. You should also note that the files should not be permanently lost. In other words, it should linger in the system after any hitch. If you permanently deleted the files from the system, and new data has been over written in the same place after the deletion, then you cannot recover them.
Part 2: Top 10 Free/Paid Data Recovery Software for You
After understanding how data recovery software works, we now introduce you to the crème of such programs with editors’ choice or recommendation. These paid or free data recovery software will definitely be able to fulfil your needs easily.
1. Editors’ Choice: Wondershare Recoverit[W2]
Our top pick is Wondershare Recoverit, which is very reliable in recovering your lost files. Versatility is this utility’s selling appeal. You can use it to restore data of different formats, over 1000 types! Additionally, it comes in handy for data loss in various situations like accidental deletion, corrupted files, and hardware damage. The recovery is lossless, meaning Wondershare Recoverit retains your files quality, a perk if you are recovering media files like videos and photos. It can recover data with advanced technology and accuracy.
This tool has a free and paid version. You can use the free version as a trial to see what it offers. Later on, you can choose to unlock more features by going pro. Its versatility also comes into play when looking at compatibility with operating systems. Supported systems are older and newer versions of Windows OS and Mac OS. It does an excellent job in hard drive recovery, a feat some programs perform poorly.
Features:
- Recovers over 1000 different file formats.
- It can restore your data from more than 2000 storage media devices.
- Advance data recovery method ensures maximum data recovery possible.
- Supports older and new versions of Windows and Mac operating systems.
- Lossless recovery and offers a preview of the files you want to recover.
2. Recuva
Recuva is the software to bank on if you want speedy restoration of deleted files. When you launch it, it takes a matter of minutes to have your files back on your device. It is a lightweight program, meaning it does not take much of your device’s storage space. You can start with the free version as a newbie to this utility. It gives you an idea of what to expect when you buy into a subscription package.
Features:
- Speedy recovery.
- It has a free version.
- Its deep scan feature for hard to find files.
- The software can access files on your external storage media.
3. EaseUS Data Recovery
EaseUS data recovery is another flexible tool that will not disappoint you if you have lost your data. It is an easy-to-use utility that works for Windows and Mac operating platforms. The other thing to love about it is its security. Some software can put your device at risk of malware infestations. That is not the case with the EaseUS, courtesy of its robust architecture. You can download it for free to sample it before subscribing to its Pro plans and access more features.
Features:
- The pro versions recover unlimited data.
- A robust architecture that enhances device security
- Supports Mac and Windows OS.
- It has a free version.
4. Disk Drill Windows Data Recovery
If you have a Windows device, the Disk Drill Windows data recovery tool will do you justice in recovering lost files. It supports all versions of this operating system, including Vista, XP, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10. The restoration process is fast, and the tool is compatible with several file systems. Additionally, it is minimalistic; hence, it takes minimal PC storage space. Disk Drill has a file protection feature that upholds the recovered files’ integrity.
Features:
- A Windows-oriented tool.
- Fast restoration.
- File protection and lightweight design.
5. TestDisk Data Recovery
Have you lost your partition data? You do not need to worry as there is an excellent partition recovery in TestDisk. It is a freeware that works for various platforms to recover lost items. Besides data restoration, TestDisk also repairs corrupted files. This toolkit uses a command-line interface, and many people opt for it due to its 97% accuracy rate in data recovery.
Features:
- TestDisk is freeware.
- It works with several platforms, such as Windows, Linux, and Mac.
- You can use this utility to repair corrupted files.
- Suitable for restoring lost partition data.
6. Minitool Power Data Recovery
Minitool power data recovery will have your back if you lose your files in any way. This tool will recover all, whether accidental deletion, OS crash, hardware issues, and many more. It is convenient to use, and after a few trials as a beginner, you can hack it. Moreover, this recovery utility works with over 100 file formats. It guarantees the retrieval of your files, regardless of the type. If you want to start using this tool, try the free version before upgrading to a suitable plan.
Features:
- Works with over 100 file types.
- Fast recovery.
- A readily available customer support team.
7. UndeleteMyFiles Pro
If you lost data through accidental deletion, UndeleteMyFiles Pro will undo the damage. The speed of this toolkit is something that will amaze you as it takes a handful of minutes to restore your files. The tool relies on an effective two-step process to get back the lost materials on your device. Its user-friendly interface will enhance your experience with this tool. You will appreciate the adaptability of this tool, courtesy of its broad support of Windows versions, including the older releases.
Features:
- Speedy file recovery.
- A reliable two-step process of restoration.
- You can use it for all Windows OS releases.
8. Puran Software
Puran software is another excellent solution to lost data. This retrieval tool is highly flexible, evident from its suitability with various operating platforms. In addition, it is a multilingual utility that supports languages like Hindi, English, Portuguese, Spanish and Punjabi. The toolkit is beginner-friendly as it is easy to use. You may also use it for lost partitions and repair corrupted files. Puran software is lightweight, thus economic on your PC’s storage.
Features:
- A beginner-friendly user interface.
- A lightweight utility.
- Multilingual support.
- It does a great job in retrieving lost partitions.
9. Glarysoft File Recovery
Glarysoft file recovery is an ad-free freeware. Once you download it, you can permanently retrieve your lost files. Its sturdy architecture helps protect your computer against malware attacks, which can compound a lost file situation. You can use this toolkit for various file formats, including documents, photos, and media files, showing you its edge of versatility. The recovery process is fast and starts with scanning your storage media. You select the files you want restored and initiate the recovery.
Features:
- Free service.
- Zero ads.
- The software works with many file formats.
10. Wise Data Recovery Pro
The final pick will come to your aid should you lose your data due to accidental deletion, hardware damage and software crashes. It will recover emails, documents, photos and other files. This utility has a minimalistic design, translating to space economy. Furthermore, it has a free version, which you use for trial purposes. Later on, you upgrade to the pro version to get more resources.
Features:
- A free trial version.
- Suitable for recovering many file formats, including emails.
- A lightweight design.
- A portable version if you want to avoid data overwriting.
Conclusion:
As you know by now, that data recovery software is a must have tool for daily usage. Losing data accidentally or for some other reason is very natural. Thankfully, we have all kinds of powerful paid or free data recovery software available that can help us get back lost data in a few clicks. Judging by all the information provided in this article, you should consider using these tools when you lose any data. Moreover, we have also given you our choice to use Wondershare Recoverit, as it’s the best tool in every way competing with other data recovery software on our list. Let us know in the comments which one works better for you or Recoverit is your favorite like millions of others.