[FREE] GoPro File Recovery on Windows

Overview of GoPro file recovery 

GoPro cameras are renowned for capturing breathtaking action shots and unforgettable moments, making them a go-to device for adventurers and content creators alike.

However, imagine this: after an incredible day of surfing, you’re eager to review your footage, only to find that some videos and photos dissappeared from GoPro SD card. This scenario is more common than you think, but don’t worry—GoPro file recovery is possible.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons of GoPro files loss, and offer best methods to recover lost files from your GoPro and ensure your memories are never lost for good.

Why do I lose files from my GoPro?

Losing files from your GoPro can occur due to several reasons. Here are some common causes:

✦ Corrupted SD Card: Damage or corruption to the SD card due to improper handling, power loss, or overuse.

✦ Accidental Deletion: Files may be deleted unintentionally while navigating the camera or during file transfer.

✦ Improper File Transfer: Interruptions during transferring files to another device can cause data loss.

✦ Formatting the SD Card: Formatting erases all data, sometimes done accidentally or to fix card issues.

✦ Firmware Glitches: Outdated or buggy firmware can lead to file-saving errors.

If you’ve already lost files, you can use a data recovery tool on your computer to scan the GoPro's SD card for recoverable data.

Useful tips for GoPro deleted file recovery

Before beginning GoPro file recovery, it is essential to remember a few helpful tips that can greatly impact the data recovery rate.

Stop using your GoPro: If you’ve accidentally deleted a precious video or photo while using your GoPro camera, you’re recommended to stop using the GoPro camera and its SD card because this precautionary measure can prevent overwritten files. Overwritten files are difficult to be recovered even with professional SD card recovery software.

Remove your SD card: Please remove the SD card from your GoPro camera and store it safely until you are ready to begin GoPro file recovery. Modern GoPro action cameras, including Hero 3/4/5/6/7/8/9, do not have internal memory, so having an alternate SD card is necessary to record any footage.   

Avoid formatting the SD card: Formatting GoPro SD cards will not help restore lost files. Remember not to perform disk formatting as you receive this error message (you need to format the disk before using it). Although less detrimental than overwriting the lost files, disk formatting would only complicate the recovery process.  

Create a disk backup of your SD card: Creating a byte-to-byte copy is advisable to safeguard your GoPro SD data because this process involves generating an exact replica of your SD card, including all its saved data.

Please scroll down to find ways to perform GoPro file recovery for free.

How to recover deleted photos and videos from GoPro camera [Hot]

How to recover deleted GoPro videos from SD cards? At this point, powerful GoPro file recovery software like MyRecover could be your second-to-none choice. MyRecover is good at recovering deleted videos and photos from GoPro SD card.

Step 1. Connect the GoPro camera SD card to your Windows and launch MyRecover. Find the SD card and click Scan.

Step 2. MyRecover will automatically scan your GoPro camera SD card and search all the recoverable files.

You can preview/filter specific files according to document type, Name, Path, or Date.

• Name: Type the relevant filenames in the search bar to quickly locate your desired deleted/lost files.
• Date modified: Set a customized date (today, yesterday, last 7 or 30 days, etc.)
• Size: Filter the file size (<128KB, 128KB~1MB, 1MB~512MB, etc.)

Step 3. Under the Other Missing Files, select your needed photos/videos. Then click the “Recover x files” .

Alternative to GoPro file recovery

The official Microsoft command-line software - Windows File Recovery is also a nice try to get lost GoPro videos back. Follow the steps below to learn how to recover deleted videos from GoPro Hero 8 and other models of GoPro camera.

Preparation to utilize Windows File Recovery Before the recovery process, you need to check your GoPro file system. Connect your GoPro to your computer > Click This PC > Locate and right-click your GoPro > Select Properties to view it in the File System section.

Now, you can recover deleted videos from GoPro using the steps below.

Step 1. Search for Windows File Recovery in the Microsoft Store and click Get to install it on your PC.

Step 2. Please search for the program in the Windows search box, and click it > Click Run as administrator.

Step 3. Choose a suitable mode to recover your MP4 files based on the File System you just check.

File system	Circumstances	Recommended mode
NTFS	Deleted recently	Default
NTFS	Deleted a while ago	Segment, followed by Signature
NTFS	After formatting a disk	Segment, followed by Signature
NTFS	A corrupted disk	Segment, followed by Signature
FAT and exFAT	Any	Extensive

Step 4. Follow the prompts to enter the correct command line, such as winfr D: E: extensive /n *paper* > Click Y to continue.

Switches	Definition	Supported mode(s)
/n	Filter the scan range: scans for a specific file with its file name/path/type, etc.	All
/y:	Recover specific extension groups.	Signature
/k	Recovers system files.	NTFS Segment​​​​​
/u	Recovers undeleted files, for example, from the Recycle Bin.	NTFS Segment

Warm tip: The destination drive of your recovered videos should not be your GoPro videos. You can save the recovered videos to anywhere else.

FAQ about GoPro file recovery & data loss prevention tips

Data loss is a common occurrence for GoPro users. If you’re bothered by deleted GoPro videos or images, please consider adopting MyRecover to get them back.

Moreover, some practical tips can help you avoid losing important footage and preserve precious memories.