MyRecover
How to Safely Recover Data from Uninitialized Disk (Updated)
This article describes reliable Windows data recovery software - MyRecover that can recover data from uninitialized disk effortlessly in 3 steps. Scroll down to learn more.
By Penny / Updated on December 11, 2024
In general, you cannot see the uninitialized disk in File Explorer, as it does not have a file system, but in Disk Management, shown as unallocated space or no capacity.
It does not mean your data is gone. They are still on the disk and recoverable (if there's no data overwriting). We'll show you 3 useful methods to recover data from initialized disk.
Scroll down to explore more.
Why is the disk shown as uninitialized?
This "disk unknown not initialized" issue can be caused by many reasons. Here are some common reasons:
- You get a brand new HDD or SSD without initializing.
- You initialize a disk incorrectly.
- Windows can't recognize the disk well due to corrupted partition table.
- Physical damage, such as bad sectors, or hardware failure can cause uninitialized disks.
- Viruses or malware attack your partition table or file system, causing initialized disks.
How to recover data from uninitialized disk
Now, you may be wondering how to recover data from uninitialized disk. There are many methods, but the most effective method is to use reliable data recovery software. The process is divided into two parts, the first of which is initializing the disk to make it easier to be recognized.
Part 1: Initialize Disk showing "Uninitialized"
We will show you how to initialize disk in Disk Management.
Step 1. Open Disk Management
Press “Win + X” and select the “Disk Management” option.
Step 2. Select "Initialize Disk"
In Disk Management, locate and right-click the uninitialized disk and select the “Initialize Disk” option.
Step 3. Pick a Partition Style
Choose “MBR” or “GPT” as you prefer. To some degree, GPT is a better choice. Then click “OK” to save these changes.
Part 2: Recover Data after Initialize Disk using MyRecover
MyRecoverisone of the best Windows data recovery tools that supports multiple storage devices and data loss scenarios. So you can use it to recover data from uninitialized disks efficiently.
In addition, it supports over 1000+ data formats, which makes it easy to recover documents (e.g. recover lost Word), images, audios, videos, etc.
Before starting, learn more about MyRecover.
⭐⭐⭐Powerful features & advantages of MyRecover:
- ✔ Top algorithms - scan a disk quickly and thoroughly through the underlying file system to find as many files as possible.
- ✔ Search or filter files quickly through data types, file names, extensions, etc.
- ✔ Preview and recover files while scanning.
- ✔ Recover specific files or folders instead of all.
- ✔ Compatible with different storage devices, such as internal/external hard drives, USB drives, memory cards, etc.
- ✔ Support NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS file systems.
- ✔ Support Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and servers.
- ✔ Handle different data loss scenarios well, such as accidental deletion, formatting, virus infection, lost partition, etc.
Then, download and install it to get started.
Step 1. Select Uninitialized Disk to Scan
Open MyRecover. Hover the uninitialized drive and click Scan.
Step 2. Scan Disk for Data
Just let it scan your disk automatically and be patient. The "Quick Scan" is a faster scan for recently deleted files while "Deep Scan" is a more thorough search.
Step 3. Select Files to Recover
Go to the sidebar directories: Deleted Files/Recycle Bin/Other Missing Files, and choose the desired files. You can double-click them to preview them and tick the checkboxes or leave them blank.
If your files are too large or you don't want to wait for the final scan results, try to search or filter the files you want to according to the following items:
- Name or Extension: Type the filenames or extensions of your desired files in the search box to narrow your search.
- Data Type: Specify documents, images, audio, videos, compressed files, etc. in the Filter feature.
- Date Modified: Set the date from today to yesterday, last 7/30 days, etc., according to your situation.
- Size: Filter the file size, such as <128KB, 128KB~1MB, 1MB~ 512MB, etc.
Step 4. Start Data Recovery
Then, click “Recover x files” and select a new path to recover data from initialized disk.
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Restoring to original location may overwrite data, resulting in permanently deleted files.
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To recover a large number of deleted or missing files with no effort, consider getting MyRecover Pro or Technician edition.
It is not limited to recovering data from uninitialized disk. You still can use it to recover deleted files from hard drive, SATA SSD, M.2 SSD, USB drive memory card, etc., in the following scenarios:
- Recover files from formatted hard drive
- Recover files deleted by virus
- Recover files from lost partition
- Recover deleted files from Recycle Bin
- ......
Other Methods to Recover Uninitialized Disk
Now, you can try to recover Uninitialized Disk in the following methods.
Way 1: Reconnect the Disk to Your PC
The "Unitialized" disk may be due to a loose connection, or the cable connected to the disk, especially for external disks.
Disconnect the disk and reconnect it to a USB port tightly. If necessary, replace the old cable with a different one. For internal disks, reconnect to the motherboard.
Way 2: Restore Partition Table
MBR (Master Boot Record) is the default partition table format for hard drive within 2 TB. Thus, you can try to restore partition table by rebuilding MBR using a powerful partition manager - AOMEI Partition Assistant. Only three steps can help you.
Free download it to have a try.
Step 1. Open AOMEI Partition Assistant. Locate and right-click on the unformatted disk, choose the Rebuild MBR option.
Step 2. Choose the operating system you’re using and click the OK button.
Step 3. On the main interface, click Apply > Proceed.
In the end
Are you wondering how to recover data from uninitialized disks? This article shows you 3 easy and quick methods to help you and the most effective method is using reliable data recovery software - MyRecover. Free download it to have a try.
If you’re unwilling to suffer the second damage, it's suggested to consider utilizing this free backup software for Windows, AOMEI Backupper Standard to protect your files, disks, partitions, or systems.
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