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If you deleted or lost files on a Windows PC, stop using the affected drive, check the Recycle Bin and any backups, and save any recovered files to a different drive. Continued use can overwrite deleted data, making recovery less likely. No recovery program can guarantee that your files will come back.
What to do first after losing files
- Stop writing to the affected drive. Avoid installing recovery software on it, downloading files to it, or continuing ordinary work from it. Microsoft warns that computer use can overwrite space where deleted file data may remain. Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery guidance recommends minimizing or avoiding computer use to improve the chance of recovery.
- Check the Recycle Bin and backups. If the files are there, restore them through Windows rather than running a scan. Also check any backup you already use.
- Choose a separate destination. Recover files to another drive, such as an external drive, not the drive being scanned. Windows File Recovery requires source and destination drives to differ.
- Pick a recovery method that fits the loss. A recent deletion from an NTFS drive differs from an older deletion, a formatted disk, or a damaged filesystem.
Is there a free Windows recovery option?
Windows File Recovery
Windows File Recovery is Microsoft’s free command-line app for Windows 10 and Windows 11. It attempts to recover deleted files from local internal or external storage and USB devices when they are not recoverable from the Recycle Bin. It does not support cloud storage or network file shares. See Microsoft’s instructions and mode guidance.
Its command-line interface is less approachable than a point-and-click app, but it is a useful first option if you are comfortable following commands. Microsoft distinguishes its modes by filesystem and circumstances:
| Mode | When Microsoft recommends it |
|---|---|
| Regular | Recent deletions on NTFS drives |
| Extensive | Older deletions, formatting, corrupted NTFS disks, and FAT or exFAT drives |
For a non-NTFS filesystem, Microsoft says to use Extensive mode. Keep the source and destination on different drives, and follow Microsoft’s current command examples rather than guessing at a command.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Free versions of commercial apps
Some commercial recovery tools advertise free editions or limited free recovery. Read the current terms carefully: a free scan or preview is not the same as being able to save recovered files without charge, and allowances can change. EaseUS advertises a free Windows edition with preview, filtering, and deep-scan features; its product page also claims support for more than 1,000 file types, a vendor figure rather than an independently verified result. Check EaseUS’s current free-edition details before relying on an allowance.
Which paid recovery software should you consider?
The evidence-backed choices below are candidates, not a guarantee of recovery or a verified ranking of eleven programs. Match features to your loss scenario, and confirm current Windows compatibility, recovery limits, license duration, and price on the vendor’s page before paying.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
EaseUS positions its Windows tool for cases including lost partitions, formatting, and system failure, and advertises file filtering, preview, and deep scanning. Those are vendor-described capabilities, not a promise that a particular disk or file can be recovered. TechRadar’s 2026 comparison names it its best overall pick and reports a 2GB free recovery allowance and restoration testing; those are TechRadar’s findings, not independent results from this article, and the allowance should be checked against current terms. Read TechRadar’s comparison. EaseUS’s store FAQ lists a 30-day money-back guarantee; review the current purchase terms directly at EaseUS’s store.
Stellar Data Recovery for Windows
Stellar divides capabilities among Windows editions. Its purchase page says Standard handles common deleted or formatted data and supported internal or external media; Professional adds lost-partition recovery, unbootable-system recovery, and disk imaging; Premium adds corrupt video and photo repair. These are vendor descriptions, and available capabilities and licensing can change. Check Stellar’s current edition details. TechRadar reports a free recovery allowance of up to 1GB and describes slower scans and a requirement to complete a scan before recovery; attribute those observations to that publication rather than treating them as universal results. See its comparison.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Other names to investigate
TechRadar’s comparison also lists AnyRecover and Ontrack EasyRecovery. Treat them as starting points for your own comparison: the available evidence here does not establish their current Windows compatibility, free limits, supported scenarios, or licensing terms. Check each vendor’s official Windows product page before choosing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to compare recovery tools for your situation
Before installing or buying an app, compare the details that affect your case rather than relying on a “best” label:
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- Type of loss: recent deletion, older deletion, formatting, lost partition, damaged filesystem, or an unbootable PC.
- Windows and storage support: confirm the current Windows version, filesystem, and media type are supported.
- What “free” means: distinguish scanning and previews from a recoverable-file allowance, and check any cap.
- Recovery destination: make sure you can save output to another drive.
- Advanced workflow: check whether your case calls for disk imaging or recovery from an image, and whether the tool supports it.
- Full license terms: confirm the total price, duration, renewal terms, and edition-specific features before checkout.
There is no broadly applicable success rate that predicts whether your files will be recovered. A scan result, vendor claim, or another reviewer’s test cannot establish the condition of your drive. The key practical constraint is whether the data remains recoverable; avoid further writes and do not treat any product as a guarantee.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
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.
