The convenience of an external hard drive can’t be denied, making it easy to transfer data and share files between devices with easy installation. However, it’s important to remember that these drives are rather weak.
Lack of knowledge about how to recover files from external hard drives can lead to fear and confusion when data loss occurs. Understanding the process of recovering data from an external drive can increase your chances of protecting against possible hazards.
In this article, I will share my personal reviews after testing various recovery tools. I will fix common issues and provide powerful solutions for external hard drive data recovery.
Below you will find a list of the top 10 tools for file recovery from external hard drives. This item is based on our own experience, user reviews, and features of each tool.
WinfrGUI:
Manages external hard drive file recovery using WinfrGUI. A solution created by Microsoft Corporation that uses Windows File Recovery. This GUI version features more sophisticated navigation and command parameters that are ideal for users of all levels of expertise. It supports multiple file systems and has a graphical interface that is easy to use and completely free.
To recover your valuable data using WinfrGUI:
- Connect your external hard drive to your Windows computer
- Enable WinfrGUI
- Use an easy-to-use interface to select the desired internal drive.
- Start searching for missing information.
- View recoverable files easily.
- Select the file you want to recover and start the process.
WinfrGUI not only a free data recovery tool , but also provides additional features for managing hard drives. It proved to be a valuable tool for IT professionals and new users.
TestDisk:
TestDisk is an open source data recovery software that specializes in repair excel file online free. While it runs through a command-line interface without a graphical user interface. It is a reliable option for users who feel comfortable in this environment.
Advantages:
- Offers adaptability and independence.
- Compatible with multiple operating systems.
- Recover missing partitions and fix boot problems
Disadvantages:
- No graphical user interface
- Could not recover data after formatting external drive.
Stellar Data Recovery:
Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery is a powerful tool for recovering deleted data from both internal and external hard drives. It can also recover lost data from inaccessible partitions. This software supports a variety of file formats and storage devices that have been trusted by more than 2 million customers.
Advantages:
- Provides free data recovery up to 1 GB.
- Easy-to-use interface with sampling capability.
- Supports BitLocker encrypted drives
Disadvantages:
- The limited functionality in the first sample file warns users about possible bad sections.
PhotoRec:
PhotoRec is a non-commercial tool designed to recover multimedia file formats such as photos and videos from hard drives, memory cards and digital cameras. Although it lacks a graphical interface, it has the ability to detect hundreds of file signatures.
Advantages:
- Offers adaptability and independence.
- Works with multiple operating systems.
- Recognize the signatures of hundreds of files.
Disadvantages:
- Less easy to use than other tools.
- No disk copy function.
R-Studio:
R-Studio is a set of data recovery tools designed for technicians and network professionals. It supports various file systems, enables raw file retrieval and provides RAID recreation capabilities.
Advantages:
- Compatible with all main operating systems.
- Multi-System File System Scan
- The ability to re-create RAID
Disadvantages:
- Complex for beginners.
- Example Limited File Format Show
Wondershare Recoverit:
Wondershare Recoverit is a well-designed hard drive recovery tool that supports over 1,000 file formats and includes the ability to repair damaged video files.
Advantages:
- Supports more than 1,000 file formats
- Modern user interface with sample viewing capabilities.
- Repair corrupted video files
Disadvantages:
- Cannot scan all drives
- Unreliable recovery time assessment.
Recuva
Recuva is a reliable data recovery tool for Windows that can retrieve lost data from both internal and external hard drives. Free versions offer unlimited recovery.
Advantages:
- Unlimited data recovery for free.
- There are two modes.
- Translate to multiple languages
Disadvantages:
- Need to be efficient.
- No latest update.
Data Rescue 6:
Data Rescue 6 is a versatile hard disk recovery software suitable for both home and professional users. The free version allows users to find lost files and recover them according to a refund format.
Advantages:
- There are two modes.
- High scanning speed
- More Backup & Repair Features
Disadvantages:
- Old user interface
- Comprehensive Data Recovery Results
- Available in English only
DiskGenius:
DiskGenius is an entire hard drive manager used to recover, backup, and partition management. While it has advanced features, the user interface can be complicated for some users.
Advantages:
- Advanced Features Available
- Fast scanning speed
- Powerful recovery performance for NTFS, exFAT and FAT32
Disadvantages:
- Complex user interface
- Inconvenient file viewing feature
Windows File Recovery:
Windows File Recovery is a Microsoft tool for data recovery on Windows 10 2004 and later. It can be downloaded for free from the Microsoft Store but does not have a graphical user interface and supports limited file formats.
Advantages:
- Completely free.
- Easy to download from Microsoft Store
Disadvantages:
- No graphical user interface
- Limited support for file formats
- Invalid update
Tips to increase the success rate of external hard drive file recovery:
To increase the likelihood of successful hard drive recovery, please consider the following tips:
- Avoid delays in the recovery process to prevent further data loss or duplication.
- Choose the most suitable software for your needs.
- Reduce the risk of overwriting by unconnecting the affected hard drive until you are ready to start the recovery process.
By following these tips and using the recommended software, you can improve your chances of effectively recovering data from your external hard drive. Remember to back up your important files regularly to reduce the risk of permanent loss in case the hard drive fails.
