DataRecovery review
A free, open-source Linux app combining disk imaging and PhotoRec file recovery.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
DataRecovery is a free, open-source Linux desktop application from koxt2 for recovering files from storage devices and existing disk images. Built with GTK4 and Libadwaita, it brings disk imaging and file recovery into one workflow, making it a fit for Linux users who want both stages in a desktop app. It can organize recovered files into folders by extension, and offers selective file-type recovery plus custom PhotoRec file-signature support.
Its clearest strength is the linked recovery process: GNU ddrescue creates disk images through a four-pass workflow, while PhotoRec handles file recovery from either physical storage or an image. DataRecovery also detects mounted partitions to reduce corruption risk, provides SMART data monitoring and drive-health indicators, and can optionally retain corrupted files and disk images. Optional duplicate removal uses rdfind. This combination favors users who want an integrated set of recovery steps and controls rather than a single-purpose undelete utility.
The trade-off is a narrow platform and recovery scope. DataRecovery supports Linux, and its workflow depends on GNU ddrescue, PhotoRec, UDisks2, rdfind, and SMART rather than presenting a broader cross-platform recovery suite. File preview is not documented, which may make it harder to inspect results before deciding what to keep. Choose it if you use Linux and value disk imaging alongside selective PhotoRec recovery; look elsewhere if you need another operating system or a workflow centered on previewing recovered files.
DataRecovery pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Creates disk images with a four-pass GNU ddrescue workflow
- Recovers selected file types from devices or disk images with PhotoRec
- Adds SMART monitoring, mounted-partition detection, and optional duplicate removal
- Where it doesn't
- Runs on Linux only
- Uses PhotoRec, so recovery is focused on file recovery rather than broader repair
- No file preview is documented
DataRecovery fact sheet, pricing and score →
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