Windows File Recovery
Microsoft's free command-line tool for recovering deleted or lost files on Windows.
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About Windows File Recovery
Windows File Recovery is a command-line program from Microsoft, installed from the Microsoft Store, that tries to recover personal files after accidental deletion, a wiped drive or corrupted data. It handles many file types, including photos, documents and videos.
It requires Windows 10 version 2004 or later. Since it has no graphical interface, it suits users who are comfortable typing commands and want a first-party option before reaching for third-party recovery software.
Strengths
- Free first-party tool from Microsoft
- Covers photos, documents, videos and many other file types
- Simple install through the Microsoft Store
Limitations
- Command line only, with no graphical interface
- Windows 10 2004 or later only
Details
- Pricing
- FreeFree from the Microsoft Store.
- License
- Proprietary
- Developer
- Microsoft
- Platforms
- Windows, Command line
- How it runs
- Downloadable app
- Works offline
- Yes
- Best suited for
- Windows users recovering deleted files without installing third-party software
- Categories
- Disk tools, Backup tools
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.
Alternatives to Windows File Recovery
Compare allSoftware that can replace Windows File Recovery for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.
Recuva
A Windows tool for recovering deleted files from hard drives, memory cards and USB sticks.
Recuva adds a graphical interface for recovering deleted files on Windows, with deep scan and secure overwrite, though some features need the paid Pro edition.
TestDisk & PhotoRec
Recovers lost partitions, makes non-booting disks bootable again, and undeletes files from FAT, exFAT, NTFS and ext filesystems.
TestDisk & PhotoRec is open source across Windows, macOS, Linux and DOS and can restore lost partitions, but uses an intimidating text menu interface.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
A consumer data recovery program for restoring deleted or lost files from drives and memory cards.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is a proprietary graphical app for Windows and Mac that also handles partition loss, with larger recoveries paid.
Disk Drill
A data recovery app for macOS and Windows that scans drives and devices for lost files.
Disk Drill adds a simple graphical interface on Windows and macOS and recovers lost partitions, but full recovery needs the paid PRO version.
Stellar Data Recovery
Commercial software for recovering deleted, lost or formatted files from computers and storage media.
Stellar Data Recovery is a commercial Windows and Mac tool with a free preview of recoverable files, while full recovery sits in paid editions.
Wondershare Recoverit
Commercial data recovery app for restoring deleted or lost files on Windows and Mac.
Wondershare Recoverit is a guided commercial app for Windows and Mac that also handles files from crashed PCs, with full use behind a paid plan.
DiskGenius
Combined partition manager, data recovery tool and backup utility for Windows.
DiskGenius combines file and lost partition recovery with partition editing on Windows, but recovery beyond small files needs a paid licence.
DMDE
A disk editor and data recovery tool that reconstructs lost files and directory structures.
DMDE runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and DOS and rebuilds directory trees after formatting, but the free edition is limited to 4000 files per directory.
Similar software
Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.
GNU ddrescue
A command-line data recovery tool that copies raw blocks from failing disks while working around read errors.
IsoBuster
A Windows data recovery program for optical discs, hard drives, USB sticks, memory cards and disk images.
The Sleuth Kit
Command-line tools and a C library for analysing disk images and recovering files in forensic work.
OSFMount
A free Windows utility that mounts disk image files as drives and creates RAM disks.
SpinRite
A bootable maintenance and data recovery utility for hard drives and other mass-storage devices, from GRC.
Hiren's BootCD PE
Bootable Windows PE rescue environment full of diagnostic and repair tools.
