How to Recover Deleted Files on Windows Using Third-Party Software
Sometimes built-in Windows methods like Recycle Bin or File History aren’t enough. That’s when third-party file recovery software can help. These tools scan your drive deeply and restore files even after formatting or accidental deletion.
1. Recuva (Free & Easy)
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Download and install Recuva from Piriform.
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Open the program → choose the file type (documents, photos, videos, etc.).
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Select the drive to scan → click Start.
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Preview files found and click Recover to restore.
2. TestDisk & PhotoRec (Advanced, Free & Open Source)
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Download from CGSecurity.
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TestDisk helps recover lost partitions and repair boot issues.
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PhotoRec scans for deleted files of many formats.
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Extract the files, run the tool, select the drive → scan → restore to another location.
3. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (User-Friendly, Paid with Free Limit)
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Download from EaseUS.
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Install and launch the tool → choose the drive.
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It automatically scans for deleted files.
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Preview results and recover up to 2 GB free, more with a paid plan.
4. Disk Drill (Cross-Platform)
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Download from CleverFiles.
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Available for both Windows & macOS.
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Quick and deep scan options for formatted drives or partitions.
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Save recovered files to an external drive.
5. R-Studio (Professional Recovery Tool)
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Designed for IT professionals, but powerful for home use too.
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Works with damaged disks, RAID arrays, and multiple file systems.
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Paid software, but highly reliable for complex recovery.
Tips for Using Third-Party Recovery Tools
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Act fast → the sooner you scan, the higher the recovery chance.
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Install software on a different drive than the one you’re recovering from.
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Save restored files to an external disk to avoid overwriting.
Conclusion
Third-party recovery tools like Recuva, TestDisk, EaseUS, and Disk Drill make it possible to bring back files even when Windows can’t. Start with free options like Recuva or TestDisk, and move to paid software if your data is very important. Regular backups will always save you from these stressful moments.