Jan 15, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions
A freeware data recovery software is one that helps you retrieve files deleted by mistake, repair corrupted files or resume files lost in a system crash. Among the best 10 available some are completely free while some have paid versions for enjoying unlimited benefits.
A good freeware recovery software will support the maximum number of file formats and data storage disks, whether internal or external. While most are only available for Windows OS, a few are also available for Mac OS and other operating systems such as Linux or SunOS. Most are easy and flexible to use, providing high data recovery.
To understand this, we need to take a look at these 2 terms first - freeware and free software. Freeware is licensed software that is available free of cost for you to use. You can download the original software for free and enjoy all its features for an unlimited period. An example of a popular freeware would be Skype.
Free software, on the other hand, is also available free of cost. However, it is not completely licensed. Apart from downloading and using it for free, you can even suggest any changes and up gradation in its features. It has copyright only on its name, not the entire product. A common example of such software is MySQL.
Coming to a freeware data recovery software, it is a software that allows you to recover files deleted by mistake, corrupted, or lost due to system crash or virus attack. While some of them have both paid and free versions, some are completely free. It is only for you to use and enjoy, not for distributing or editing it.
On the other hand, free software for data recovery would be one that you can download, use, and distribute. If you are a developer, you are even free to copy it, edit it, or improve it. The only thing you cannot have is the name of this software.
Given below, is a list of freeware data recovery software. All of them are licensed with complete copyrights. You may enjoy most or all of its features free of cost for as long as you want.
The freeware recovery software tools have been listed based on their features as well as consumer reviews. They are all trusted and safe to use software tools used by millions of clients worldwide.
Recover 96% of your lost and deleted files in just 3 simple steps using Recoverit Data Recovery. This is the most widely used freeware to recover documents, photos, videos, graphics, and audio files. While the free version allows you to recover up to 100 MB in a year, the paid plans are unlimited.
The software is supported by both Windows and Mac machines. Apart from the internal storage, it recovers files from external drives, OS crash, virus attacks, and empty recycle bins too. You’ll need 56 MB in your PC to install this software.
Pros
Cons
When it comes to deleted photos, this is one of the most popular choices of data recovery software. This is because apart from Windows and Mac, it is also compatible with Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, ARM, and SunOS.
Apart from photos, you can recover several other files using this software too. It even helps you recover files from SD cards, phone memory, and digital cameras. You can rely on it no matter how damaged your file system is.
Pros
Cons
Recently, Pandora Recovery has introduced its new software for both Windows and Mac, called Disk Drill. The free version can recover files up to 500 MB, supporting all formats. The UI is made very simply. So, you don’t have to be very tech-savvy to use this software.
They have over 10 million users across more than 150 countries in the world. This is mainly because of its flexibility, high speed, affordability, and user-friendly interface. Whether your files are corrupt, encrypted, or compressed, you can easily recover them using Disk Drill 4, the current version of Pandora Recovery.
Pros
Cons
The latest version, 1.2.1 was released in 2016 and has been used by many. The maximum storage space you need in your PC is only 2.26 MB. It is completely free, irrespective of how much data you want to recover.
The software supports more than 50 file formats. It can recover corrupted files and files deleted due to formatting. The search box helps you work faster and the overall interface is easy to use. You have an option for a quick scan, deep scan, and a full scan.
Pros
Cons
Based in Europe, the CONVAR group of companies presents a PC Inspector, a freeware for data recovery. This is another free software available for Windows OS users without any limitations on the amount of data you wish to recover.
The smart recovery retrieves data from smart media card, flash card, multimedia card, memory stick, microdrive, and other digital camera storage devices. It supports around 50 file formats, whether deleted by mistake, corrupted, or lost by a system crash.
Pros
Cons
Yet another free software for data recovery that is only designed for Windows operating system. It is a portable software that allows you to recover data from external drives and disks. However, the free version allows limited recovery of files.
The freeware is quick to install and use. The FAQs and helpdesk are useful in case you face any problems or have any queries. For unlimited data recovery and automatic updates, the premium version is better.
Pros
Cons
This freeware is specially designed for photo recovery. Established for more than 26 years, it has a user base of more than 3 million customers spread across more than 190 countries. It is known for supporting almost all file formats and recovering data from the most damaged drives.
You can recover corrupt files, email files, and data present in unbootable disks. It is available for all Windows operating systems, free of cost. However, to obtain unlimited recovery and all the features, you need to subscribe to a paid version.
Pros
Cons
This software is popular for recovering image files. Whether deleted accidentally, corrupted, lost in system crash or corruption of the disc, you can easily recover files using this freeware. The free version allows you to recover up to 200 MB.
It supports almost all file types, present in ZIP folders, external memory cards and sticks, flash drive, USB drive, and hard discs. It is a trusted, licensed software with proper customer support and tutorial guides available on their official site.
Pros
Cons
Software that works with a high speed, has a high recovery rate, is easy to use, and supports all file formats. Considering that the freeware can be installed in both Windows and Mac, you can easily use Recoverit. It is one software that has all the features necessary in a good freeware data recovery software.
Any software you use needs to have a user-friendly interface and a good speed. Recoverit is very quick when it comes to the initial scan. It also responsibly works on upgrading the software, removing any bugs. Except for unlimited recovery, you get every other feature it has in the free version.
Security Verified. 3,591,664 people have downloaded it.
Amy Dennis
staff Editor