Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Disk Drill is CleverFiles’ file-recovery software for Windows and macOS. It scans supported storage for deleted or otherwise missing files and lets you assess some results before recovery, but it cannot guarantee that a file will come back intact. Your chances depend on the storage device, file system, what happened to the data, and whether the affected storage has been written to since.
For the safest first attempt, check the Recycle Bin or Trash and your backups, stop using the affected drive, scan and preview the files, then save anything recovered to a different physical disk. Disk Drill’s Windows and Mac editions are not identical, so check the platform-specific limits before relying on a particular feature.
What Disk Drill does—and what it cannot promise
Disk Drill is made by CleverFiles. Its recovery process scans a supported drive or other storage source for files that may still be recoverable. Vendor materials describe file-system-based recovery as well as signature scanning, which looks for recognizable file patterns when file-system information or partitions are missing or damaged.
A scan result is not proof that the original file can be restored completely or opened successfully. Deleted data may become unavailable when its storage location is overwritten; CleverFiles also warns that SSD TRIM can clear freed blocks. No recovery application can promise a 100% chance of success.
#1 Best Overall
- Valued Carpenter Pencil Set: You will get 2 pcs solid carpenter pencils with 26 piece 2.8 mm refills, 1 replaceable sharpener, 1 plastic storage box.The complete carpenter pencils combination allows you to finish your work faster and more easily
- Deep Hole Marker Pencil: The deep-hole construction pencils adopts 45mm elongated tip design, which is more convenient to mark in the small hole or in other tight areas that other carpenter markers cannot reach
- Carpenter Pencils with Sharpener: The sharpener is screwed into the top of the work pencil, which won't get lost either. Built-in pencil sharpener that keep the lead with pointed and smooth to Improves line of sight in fine work
- Stronger Solid Lead: This work pencil is matched with a 2.8 mm thick lead , which is much thicker and stronger during the drawing process of construction work, it will not break or damage easily
- Marks on Various Surfaces: 3 colors solid construction pencil can marks on various surfaces,such as metal, plastic, wood, paper etc. Ideals for woodworkers, contractors, craftsmen, builders, merchants and masons
CleverFiles explains deleted-file recovery this way: “The data will remain recoverable until the same physical location on the device is overwritten, and Disk Drill can scan the drive and recover that data.” That is the vendor’s general explanation, not a guarantee for every device, file, or deletion scenario.
How to use Disk Drill more safely
- Check simpler recovery options first. Look in the Recycle Bin on Windows or Trash on macOS, then check any backups or cloud-synced copies. If the file is there, restoring it avoids scanning the source drive.
- Stop writing to the affected storage. Avoid downloading, installing, copying, or saving files to that drive. New writes can overwrite data you are trying to recover. If you suspect physical failure or the drive is no longer readable, stop repeated scan attempts and consider a data-recovery service.
- Install or run the recovery tool from another drive where practical. Do not put new data on the storage device you are trying to recover. Choose the Disk Drill edition for the computer and source device involved; Mac and Windows capabilities differ.
- Scan and inspect the results. Use the available scan and preview options to look for the target files. A visible result or preview can help assess whether a file appears present, but does not establish that its full contents will restore intact.
- Recover to a separate physical disk. Select an external recovery drive or another disk—not a different folder on the affected drive—as the destination. CleverFiles specifically recommends recovering to a different disk.
- Verify the recovered files. Open important files from the destination and check their contents. Keep the original affected storage unchanged until you have confirmed the recovered copies or decided on another recovery route.
Windows and Mac editions: what differs
CleverFiles’ comparison page, updated June 13, 2025, describes Disk Drill 6.0 and says the two editions differ in interface and recovery backend. Its table lists macOS 10.15 or later and Windows 10 or later; for Windows Server it lists Server 2016 or later on x64. These are the requirements shown on that dated page, so check the current system requirements before installing.
Rank #2
- Ergonomically Designed: Work in tight areas with a compact design that gets into tough spots
- Compact and Lightweight: Both tools are designed to fit into difficult to reach spaces. The 1/4" impact driver has a length of 5.55 in. and weighs just 2.8 lbs, while the 1/2" drill/driver measures only 7.5 in. and weighs 3.6 lbs
- Both the DEWALT impact driver and electric drill driver feature integrated LED work lights with a convenient 20-second delay, ensuring enhanced visibility in dimly lit or challenging work areas
- One-Handed Loading - Keep one hand free with a 1/4 in. hex chuck that accepts 1 in. bit tips
- Power drill cordless with 1/2" single sleeve ratcheting chuck provides tight bit gripping strength, making bit changes faster and more secure
The same comparison page says one Mac/Windows license allows up to three device activations. Licensing terms can change; confirm the current terms on CleverFiles’ page before buying.
| Edition or detail | What CleverFiles’ cited pages state |
|---|---|
| Windows free tier | Unlimited file previews and up to 100 MB of free recovery, according to the CleverFiles FAQ marked updated October 17, 2025: Disk Drill product overview. |
| Mac free tier | Files can be previewed; free recovery is limited to files protected in advance by Recovery Vault or Guaranteed Recovery, according to CleverFiles’ product page: Disk Drill landing page. |
| License activations | Up to three device activations under one Mac/Windows license, in CleverFiles’ comparison updated June 13, 2025: Mac and Windows comparison. |
The figures above are vendor-stated terms, not independent test results. CleverFiles’ 2025 comparison also listed prices of US$89 per year or US$149 for a lifetime license, but those dated prices are not established as current. Check the live purchase page for current pricing rather than relying on them.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
- 【Great Compatibility】This Katerk 1/4 inch hex shank bit holder is specifically designed for 1/4 inch hex shank drill bits. It's compatible with most 1/4 fast hex handles, hex sockets, various electric screwdrivers, and handheld screwdrivers. The bit holder makes it a valuable addition for any handyman.
- 【Secure and Safe】Built with a secure backup nut design, each drill bit holder securely locks onto your bits, ensuring they stay firmly in place. Additionally, our bit holder incorporates a high-quality steel ball rolling design that holds up to several kilograms of weight, ensuring your various drill bits don't fall off.
- 【Easy One-Handed Operation】The bit holder for impact driver allows you to change bits single-handedly, simplifying your workflow. Its multi-color design further allows for quick identification of the drill bit you need.
- 【Compact and Convenient】Thanks to its compact size, this 1/4 inch bit holder is easy to carry around. The bit holder allows for easy attachment to various tools, making this a convenient addition to your construction accessories. The Katerk bit holder is cast from high-quality alloy material, promising a long product lifespan. Despite its rugged strength, the bit holder remains lightweight, making it portable.
- 【Cool Christmas Gift For Men Stocking Stuffers】 This screwdriver bit holder, driver bit holder, impact bit holder, can be given as a gift to your loved one, especially for anyone involved in construction or electrical work. It's a must-have for stocking stuffers for men and women, tools gifts for dad, tech gadgets for men, gifts for dad, gifts for him, gifts for husband, gifts for boyfriend, cool gadgets for men, and cool gifts for dad.
What storage and file systems does it support?
CleverFiles lists internal and external hard drives, SSDs, USB flash drives, memory cards, digital cameras, virtual hard drives, RAID arrays, and disk images among Windows recovery sources. Its help-center materials discuss FAT variants, exFAT, NTFS/NTFS5, ReFS, HFS/HFS+, APFS, EXT2/3/4, BTRFS, and RAW volumes. This is vendor-described support; it does not mean every file on every supported source will be recoverable.
Signature scanning may help when file-system metadata or partitions are missing or corrupted, but recovery still depends on readable data remaining on the storage. A device that is physically damaged, inaccessible, encrypted, or affected by SSD TRIM presents different constraints from an ordinary deleted-file case.
Rank #4
- Long Nib and Deep Hole Marker: Our mechanical carpenter pencil with 45mm nib is designed for easy marking of deep holes or narrow areas. These construction pencils are the great choice for woodworking tools, construction tools, carpenter tools, contractor tools, wood carpentry tools and architect tools
- Extra Refills in 2 Colors for Versatile Marking: The construction mechanical pencil comes with 12 extra 2.8mm refills, including 6 red and 6 black refills. The black refill is suitable for light surfaces, while the red wax is perfect for dark surfaces. Our carpenter mechanical pencil makes sure that you'll have an ample supply for extended use
- Built-in Sharpener: Our construction pencil comes with a built-in sharpener to ensure the mechanical pencil tip is always sharp and ready for use. Never buy an extra pencil sharpener again. A great tool for any woodworker pencil, contractor pencils. The refill can easily be extended or retracted with a simple click of the pencils mechanical, allowing you to work more efficiently and accurately
- Portable Clip Design: Our deep hole construction pencil features a portable clip design, easy to carry and attach to your pocket or tool box, so that you can keep the carpenter pencils mechanical close at hand, making it a convenient tool to have on the go. Great gifts choice for carpenters
- Stronger Pencil Lead: The black refills are made of lead, sturdy and smooth. The red refills are made of wax, clear and light. These marking pencils are much thicker and stronger than normal pencils during the marking process of construction work, suitable for various surfaces, such as glasses, metal, boards, floors, walls, furniture, etc. The written marks can be easily wiped with a wet paper towel when needed
Mobile-device support is less straightforward: CleverFiles’ pages describe iOS recovery through Disk Drill for Mac and separate iPhone/iPad and Android routes, but they do not align perfectly on the details. Check the current support instructions for the exact phone, operating system, and host computer before relying on mobile recovery.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How much evidence is there about recovery success?
TechRadar’s review reports one Windows 11 test on a system with 16 GB of RAM and an Intel Core i5-12500H. The reviewer put 22 mixed-format files on a 1.36 TB NTFS hard drive, deleted the folder, emptied the Recycle Bin, scanned, and reported recovering all 22 files. The reviewer also reports similar results in a repeat test using local PC drives. This is one disclosed test scenario, not a general success rate or a prediction for your drive. TechRadar also said scans of external drives were slower than some competing tools.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesBest Value
- Milwaukee Ink all Fine Point Marker, Black, 4 Per Pack
- 4 per pack Features Clog Resistant Marker Tip Writes through Dusty, Wet and Oily Surfaces Durable Marker Tip for Writing on Concrete, OSB and Rough Surfaces
- Clog resistant tip writes on dusty, wet and oily surfaces and is optimized for rough surfaces such as OSB, cinderblock and concrete
- Hard hat clip- attaches for easy access
- Quick dry time with reduced smearing and marking
Read the test details in TechRadar’s Disk Drill review. The result is useful evidence that recovery worked in that setup, but it cannot establish outcomes for different file systems, devices, overwritten data, SSDs, or physical damage.
Quick Recap
When Disk Drill is—and is not—a sensible next step
- Consider a software scan when the storage device is readable, the files were deleted or lost through a software or partition problem, and you can avoid writing new data to it.
- Do not treat a preview as a guarantee. Confirm the actual recovered copy before counting on it, especially for important documents, photos, or work files.
- Be cautious with SSDs. If TRIM has cleared the freed blocks, software may have no remaining data to recover.
- Stop if the device appears physically damaged or is failing. Repeated scans can be a poor choice when the drive is unstable or unreadable; professional recovery may be more appropriate.
- Compare alternatives by the problem you have. Check exact platform and file-system support, free recovery rules, preview behavior, destination-drive requirements, handling of SSD/TRIM and damaged media, and current license terms. CleverFiles identifies Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery, Wondershare Recoverit, and Stellar Data Recovery as alternatives, but the available evidence here does not establish a current head-to-head comparison. CleverFiles also describes Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery as a free command-line alternative with basic scans and unlimited recovery.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
