In today’s digital world, data has become an essential part of our daily lives. Losing important data can be distressing. Whether it’s your photos, videos, documents, or any other file, data loss remains a constant risk. There are several reasons, such as accidental deletion, formatting, system crashes, corrupted partitions, etc., why these files get deleted from your computer. Luckily, multiple data recovery methods and third-party data recovery software tools are available that you can try to restore your lost files.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 free data recovery software of 2026 that you can try to recover lost data in Windows. Just check and compare the features of these tools and select the one that best fits your needs.
Key Features of Check in Data Recovery Software
Before you select any data recovery tool to restore your lost files, it’s important to check its features. Here are some features you can check:
File Type Support
Ensure your data recovery software supports recovery of deleted files of various types, such as photos (JPG/PNG), videos (MP4/AVI), documents (DOCX/PDF), archives (ZIP/RAR), etc.
Scan Modes
Some professional data recovery tools offer both Quick Scan (for restoring recently deleted files) and Deep Scan (to thoroughly scan your storage drive for deleted files).
Preview Functionality
Check if your data recovery software allows you to preview recoverable files before restoring. This saves time and helps you pick only the files you need.
Easy-to-use Interface
Your free data recovery software must offer simple navigation and clear step-by-step instructions for a smooth and hassle-free data recovery process.
Support for Different File Systems
Better tools support more filesystem formats, including NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, APFS (Mac), etc.
05 Best Data Recovery Software of 2026: Pros & Cons
Here are the best 05 free data recovery software tools that you can try in 2026 to restore your deleted files:
01: Stellar Data Recovery Free
Stellar Data Recovery Free is one of the most popular free data recovery software you can use to recover files deleted for various reasons, including accidental deletion, formatting, system failure, etc. This lightweight and beginner-friendly software supports recovery from different storage devices such as hard drives, USB flash drives, memory cards, portable players, and other removable media.
The Stellar Data Recovery Free software allows you to restore deleted files up to 1 GB for free. It uses both quick and deep scan modes to find files that are even permanently lost from your device. The interface is designed to be intuitive and beginner-friendly, guiding users through scanning and recovery steps smoothly.
Pros:
- Its preview feature lets you preview the recoverable files before saving them on your device.
- The free version supports recovery of up to 1 GB of files for free, without paying any cost.
- The Stellar Data Recovery Free software works well with formatted, corrupted, and deleted file scenarios, including external drives and USB devices.
Cons:
- Advanced features like partition, RAID, or photo/video repair may need premium upgrades.
- Recovering files using deep scanning can be time-consuming, especially on large drives.
- Some users report slow preview generation and inconsistent recovery results in complex cases.
02: Recuva
Recuva is a free data recovery software for Windows, which you can use to recover deleted files of various types, including photos, videos, documents, and more. You can use the preview feature of this software to preview the recoverable files, which helps you in selecting exactly what you need. The simple wizard-style user interface of this free data recovery software makes it beginner-friendly, guiding users step by step through the recovery process without technical expertise.
Pros:
- Offers both quick and deep scanning modes to locate recently deleted and hard-to-find files on formatted or corrupted devices.
- The software can recover deleted files from various internal or external storage devices, including memory cards, SSDs, USB drives, etc.
- It supports various file systems, including FAT, exFAT, NTFS, etc.
Cons:
- Free version offers limited recovery success in complex cases; it often fails when files are heavily overwritten or when drives are severely damaged.
- It lacks advanced features such as bootable recovery media or disk imaging, which are reserved for the paid Pro edition.
- The interface feels outdated and basic, which may frustrate experienced users.
03: Disk Drill
Disk Drill, developed by CleverFiles, combines powerful scanning with a clean interface and useful auxiliary tools, such as disk health monitoring. It supports both Windows and macOS and is recommended if you want visual feedback during recovery, such as previewing images and videos before restoring them.
The free version of Disk Drill software supports recovery of deleted files up to 500 MB for free. To restore files of a larger size, you can use the premium version. This software also includes features like Recovery Vault, which safeguards important file metadata for easier future recovery, and the ability to create byte-level backups of failing drives to protect data during recovery.
Pros:
- A simple and intuitive interface makes data recovery simple, even for beginners with minimal technical knowledge.
- It supports both quick and deep scans across many storage devices, including USB drives, SSDs, and memory cards.
- The preview feature lets you preview the recoverable files before saving ensures you only restore necessary files, saving time.
Cons:
- To restore files larger than 500 MB, you need to use the premium version.
- Deep scanning processes can be slow and time-consuming, especially on large drives.
- To unlock unlimited recovery and advanced tools, purchasing the paid Pro version is required.
04: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free is a user-friendly tool that helps recover lost or deleted files from various storage devices. The software supports recovery of deleted photos, videos, emails, archives, and other types of files. It also allows you to preview recoverable files and use filters to quickly find specific items. The free edition allows recovery of up to 2 GB of data, with friendly options like pause/resume scan and recovery during scan for flexible recovery.
Pros:
- Allows pause/resume scans and recover files while scanning, saving time and improving flexibility.
- User-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to restore deleted files in three simple steps.
- It supports recovery from various internal and external storage devices.
Cons:
- The free version lacks advanced recovery options like NAS recovery, bootable media, and unlimited recovery.
- Performance and recovery success can vary depending on the file system and the severity of the storage media.
05: Wondershare Recoverit Free
Wondershare Recoverit is widely recognised for its intuitive interface, powerful scanning algorithms, and support for a wide range of file formats. The software is compatible with different storage devices, including HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, memory cards, cameras, NAS systems, and works best with both Windows and macOS platforms. It also features filtering and search options to find specific recoverable files quickly and operates in read-only mode to prevent any changes to the source drive during recovery.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface with intuitive navigation simplifies recovery for beginners and non-technical users.
- Supports recovery from several devices and over 1,000 file formats, including photos, videos, documents, emails, and more.
Cons:
- The free version restricts recovery to just a small amount of data, limiting its usefulness for large recoveries.
- Some recovered files may lose original names or structure, requiring manual sorting after recovery.
Wrapping Up
Data loss from your computer may put you in trouble, especially if the deleted file contains valuable memories, important information, or precious professional data. If you ever find your files missing, it’s important to immediately proceed with adequate recovery workarounds. There’s no single “best” free data recovery software for everyone in 2026 — it depends on your operating system, your level of technical comfort, and how much data you need to recover. With the right approach — stopping use of the affected drive, choosing the right tool for the scenario, and acting quickly — you can easily get your deleted files back.
