Best Windows File Recovery Alternatives: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide explores the top 5 alternatives, delves into user cases, reasons behind the quest for alternatives, and cons of Windows File Recovery, and helps you recover deleted files easily.

Lori

By Lori / Updated on December 11, 2024

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User Case:

Picture this: you've been burning the midnight oil on an important project, meticulously crafting documents and compiling crucial data, only to have it all disappear in the blink of an eye. Whether it's an accidental deletion, a system crash, or a formatting error, the loss of valuable files can be devastating.

In such moments of despair, having a reliable data recovery solution is nothing short of a lifesaver. That's where Windows File Recovery alternatives come into play, offering a beacon of hope to recover deleted files in Windows 10

Why Seek Windows File Recovery Alternatives?

While Windows File Recovery serves as a go-to option for many users, it's not without its limitations. Some users find that it is difficult to use Windows File Recovery because its interface is clunky and unintuitive, while others lament its lack of support for certain file formats.

winfr-interface

Additionally, the complexity of its scanning process may deter those seeking a more streamlined solution. Hence, the quest for Windows File Recovery alternatives becomes inevitable, driven by the desire for enhanced functionality, user-friendly interfaces, and broader compatibility.

Cons of Using Windows File Recovery

1. Hard to Use: Windows File Recovery uses commands instead of clicks. If you don't know how to use command prompts, it can be pretty tough.

2. Limited Support: It only works with certain types of storage systems like NTFS and FAT. If your files are on a system it doesn't support, you're out of luck.

3. Basic Features: It doesn't have some of the extra tools that other recovery programs offer, which can help dig deeper and find more lost files.

4. No Previews: You can't see the files before you bring them back. This means you might recover lots of files you don't need while missing the ones you do.

5. Easy to Make Mistakes: Because you have to type commands, it's easier to make a mistake that could mess up your chances of getting your files back.

Top 5 Feasible Windows File Recovery Alternatives

Top 1. MyRecover

MyRecover is the first recommended Windows file recovery alternative tool because of its intuitive GUI, advanced scanning method, and high data recovery rate. It can recover deleted or lost files from HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, SD cards, etc.

myrecover-recover-deleted-files

Please go to the next section to know the detailed steps to quickly recover permanently deleted files using MyRecover.

Top 2. Recuva

Developed by Piriform, Recuva is renowned for its user-friendly interface and robust file recovery capabilities. Whether it's photos, documents, or videos, Recuva can retrieve a wide array of file types with ease.

Recuva sd card recovery

Steps: To recover files using Recuva, simply download and install the software, initiate a scan of the desired drive, preview the recovered files, and select the ones you wish to restore.

Top 3. Wondershare Recoverit

Wondershare Recoverit shines as an easy-to-use data recovery tool. With the capability to recover more than 1000 file types, such as photos, videos, and audio files, it boasts an impressive success rate of 95%. Additionally, users have access to a reliable online support center that features a helpful chatbot for prompt assistance.

Recoverit

Steps: Begin by downloading and installing Wondershare Recoverit, select the desired drive or location for scanning, preview the recoverable files, and proceed to restore them to their original location with just a few clicks.

Top 4. Stellar Data Recovery

With over two decades of experience in the field of data recovery, Stellar Data Recovery is a name synonymous with reliability and efficiency. From accidental deletions to partition loss, Stellar offers a comprehensive range of recovery options to suit every need.

stellar-recover-deleted-files

Steps: Install Stellar Data Recovery on your system, launch the software, select the desired drive for scanning, preview the recoverable files, and initiate the recovery process to restore your lost data in no time.

Top 5. Disk Drill

Known for its cross-platform compatibility and lightning-fast scanning speeds, Disk Drill is a favorite among users seeking a quick and efficient data recovery solution. Whether you're on Windows or Mac, Disk Drill has got you covered.

disk-drill-sd-card-recovery

Steps: Download and install Disk Drill on your system, choose the drive you wish to scan, wait for the software to complete its analysis, preview the recoverable files, and proceed to recover them with ease.

How Do I Recover Permanently Deleted Files in Windows 10?

Enter MyRecover, a professional data recovery tool designed to simplify the process of file retrieval on Windows systems. Equipped with both Quick Scan and Deep Scan functionalities, MyRecover ensures thorough and efficient recovery of deleted files, regardless of the cause.

Users can effortlessly filter and preview files based on various criteria such as filename, file format, and deletion date, allowing for a seamless recovery experience.

MyRecover
Powerful Windows File Recovery Software
  • Recover more than 200 file types, including photos/videos/audio/documents/emails/archives, etc.
  • Support recover files from USB drives, SD cards, HDDs, SSDs, external hard drives, and other storage devices.
  • Keep the original file names, formats, quality, and paths after data recovery.
  • Work withWindows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server.

To recover permanently deleted files in Windows 10/11, follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Install and run the software, and hover the mouse over the drive saved deleted data. Then, click Scan.

select-location-to-scan

Step 2. It scans your hard drive with Quick Scan & Deep Scan automatically. While scanning, please filter your wanted file or sort the results by Date modified, Type, Size, etc.

scanning-drive

Step 3. Check the Deleted files/Other missing files > go to the file's original location to recover data while keeping the filename/directory/format. Also, you could click the Recycle Bin to recover items deleted from Recycle Bin.

select-files-to-restore

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of data recovery, having access to reliable alternatives to Windows File Recovery is essential for safeguarding against unexpected data loss. Whether it's Recuva, Wondershare Recoverit, Stellar Data Recovery, Disk Drill, or MyRecover, each option offers its unique set of features and functionalities to cater to diverse user needs.

I would recommend MyRecover to you as the best option for recovering deleted files in Windows 10. With its scanning algorithm, you can scan and find deleted files within minutes. What's more, it is simple and users can operate it without any difficulty. Everyone can recover desired data in 3 easy steps.

But keep this in mind, you are not always lucky enough to get your lost data back. Don’t forget to back up your important data using this free backup software like AOMEI Backupper Standard automatically. This way, you don't have to worry about data loss anymore.

FAQs

1. Does Windows Have a File Recovery Tool?

Yes, if you can't find a lost file from your backup, you can use the Windows File Recovery tool. It's a command-line application available from the Microsoft Store.

2. Can Permanently Deleted Files Be Recovered?

Yes, it is possible to recover files even after they have been permanently deleted. The ease of recovery depends on how long ago the files were deleted. You might need specialized tools to recover data that has been corrupted or extensively damaged.

3. Where Do Permanently Deleted Files Go in Windows?

Files that are deleted normally go to the Windows Recycle Bin unless they are removed using the "Shift" + "Delete" command, which permanently deletes them from your computer. However, these files still physically exist on your storage device until they are overwritten by new data.

4. Is MyRecover Safe to Use?

MyRecover is completely secure and reliable, provided that you download and purchase it from the official MyRecover website. Avoid downloading pirated or cracked versions of MyRecover products as they pose significant risks of permanent data loss and threaten your data security.

5. Can I Recover Data from a Formatted Drive?

Yes, data recovery tools like MyRecover can recover data from formatted SSD/HDD/USB/SD effectively. 

Lori
Lori · Editor
Lori receives professional technical training since joining AOMEI, and aims at helping users troubleshoot problems on data recovery and protection. She focuses on simple, efficient and practical methods, and provides professional advice. Being able to help readers and users is her ultimate goal.