Data management on a Windows PC can be particularly stressful when dealing with multiple partitions. Most of the time, disk management tools have made it quite easy to analyse discs, free up space, and even create partitions. However, unforeseen events can occur, leading to partition loss and potential data disasters. Well, there are ways to get that sorted via recovery.
The recovery process on Windows is not something new, as we’ve seen video recovery tools, USB recovery tools and SD card recovery tools. So, for partitions being recovered, that shouldn’t be a new thing either. When it comes to recovering partitions on Windows, one needs to use the right application. However, most of the ones you’ll find online are paid, leaving the question of which ones are free. Well, there are a lot of free programmes on the Internet.
In this article on Naijaknowhow, we’ve made a list of free partition recovery software for Windows. Whether you’re on Windows 10, Windows 11 or any older versions, these tools have you covered. If you have a lot of partitions on your PC and one is broken or damaged, these tools will let you recover them easily. Using any of these partition recovery programs, you’ll find it easier to recover not just a partition but every piece of data on it as well.
List of Free Partition Recovery Software for Windows
A partition recovery tool is almost the same as using a partition manager on your PC. We also have tools like Clonezilla that work perfectly on all Windows OS. Aside from fixing damaged partitions, you can use Windows repair tools in case your PC encounters a problem. With that being said, let’s explore the free partition recovery software below.
1. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
Key Features:
- Recovers lost, deleted, and formatted partitions
- Deep scan for comprehensive recovery
- Supports NTFS, FAT16, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS
- Simple and intuitive interface
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard comes first on the list, and it is a friendly tool you can use for recovering lost or deleted partitions. One of the reasons you’ll like it is the friendly interface, which makes it easy for users to recover partitions. Whether your partition loss resulted from accidental deletion, formatting, or system crashes, this software provides a comprehensive solution. The whole process of using EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard actually comes smoothly.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard offers a wide range of features. Some of these features include the recovery of lost partitions, formatted drives, and inaccessible data. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard supports various file systems, ensuring compatibility with different storage configurations. Its deep scanning capabilities delve into the storage media, maximising the chances of recovering lost partitions and files. You’ll get to access all of its core features for free with a recovery limit of 2GB of data on Windows 11/10/8/7.
- Limitations (Free Version): Can only recover up to 2GB of data.
- Download: EaseUS Official Site
2. WonderShare Recoverit
Key Features:
- Partition-specific recovery (not just files)
- Quick scan and deep scan options
- Supports FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, VFAT, NTFS, NTFS5 file systems
- Beginner-friendly
Next on the list is WonderShare Recoverit, which also comes as free partition recovery software for Windows users. Besides, it doesn’t just work for hard discs or solid-state drives alone; you can use it for USB drives, digital cameras and a lot more. Recognised for its efficiency, the software caters to users facing partition loss due to accidental deletion, virus attacks, or unforeseen system issues. Its streamlined approach simplifies the recovery process for both novices and experienced users.
WonderShare Recoverit offers a suite of features, including the recovery of lost partitions, formatted drives, and deleted files. The software supports a broad range of file formats and storage devices, ensuring versatility. Its preview feature allows users to selectively recover specific files from lost partitions, adding a layer of customisation to the recovery process. Lastly, it is a recovery tool you’ll love and can always use anytime you want to recover something.
- Limitations (Free Version): Limited recovery size in free edition.
- Download: Wondershare Official Site
3. Recuva
Key Features:
- Recovers from corrupted, deleted, or formatted partitions
- Supports NTFS, FAT, exFAT, HFS+, and APFS (macOS)
- Advanced deep scan for complex cases
- Works on both Windows & Mac
If you’re looking for one of the top free partition recovery software programs, Recuva is an excellent choice that you’ll love. This is one of the most popular file recovery tools on the internet, excelling in partition recovery aspects. Recuva is known for its straightforward approach, making it easier for beginners and experienced users to get things done. Whether you lost a partition due to accidental deletion, formatting, or system errors, this tool handles all cases.
Another reason you’ll like it is the way it recovers partitions for individuals. It’ll recover lost or deleted partitions, and you’ll also be able to recover files from damaged or formatted drives. Moreover, Recova uses a deep scan method to ensure that it finds all chunks of missing files and partitions. This has increased the chances of recovering files to 100%, making it one of the best options available.
- Limitations (Free Version): Free version allows file preview and up to 1GB recovery.
- Download: Recova Official Site
4. MiniTool Partition Recovery
Key Features:
- Recovers lost partitions and deleted files
- Supports 400+ file formats and multiple file systems (NTFS, FAT, ext4, HFS, APFS)
- Data protection features (Recovery Vault)
- User-friendly dashboard
Another popular partition manager you’ll love to use is MiniTool Partition Recovery; it has been a popular choice over the years. MiniTool Partition Recovery is specially designed for recovering lost, deleted or damaged partitions. As part of the MiniTool Partition Wizard family, this software offers users a dedicated solution for addressing partition-related issues with precision.
Besides, MiniTool Partition Recovery focuses on recovering lost partitions and repairing partition tables. Its features include support for various file systems and the ability to recover partitions from both internal and external drives. The software’s straightforward interface guides users through the recovery process with minimal effort. If you’re looking for a hassle-free approach to partition recovery, this is one of your go-to options.
- Limitations (Free Version): Free version allows up to 500MB recovery (Windows only).
- Download: MiniTool Official Site
5. TestDisk
Key Features:
- Restores lost partitions (NTFS, FAT, ext, HFS+, etc.)
- Works with damaged boot sectors
- Open-source and completely free
- Supports Windows, Linux, macOS
TestDisk is one of the few programs that set the bar when it comes to accessing free partition recovery software on Windows. It is an open-source program that emerges as a powerful tool for getting back lost partitions and restoring non-booting discs. If you had to lose a partition due to software issues, viruses or typical human error, TestDisk has got you covered. Furthermore, it offers a command-line approach towards file recovery.
One of the reasons you’ll like it is its unique and direct approach to getting the job done. One of the features is support for a wide range of file systems. Be it FAT, exFAT, NTFS and so on, TestDisk handles all. With just a few simple lines of command-line prompts, you’ll be able to get your partition recovery process done without hassles. Its emphasis on functionality and command-line operation provides users with detailed control over the recovery process.
- Limitations: No GUI – requires command-line usage (not beginner-friendly).
- Download: TestDisk Official Site (CGSecurity)
6. PhotoRec
Key Features:
- Recovers deleted photos, videos, and documents
- Supports over 480 file extensions
- Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, macOS)
- Completely free & open-source
There are numerous free partition recovery tools available, and PhotoRec is one of the best options. The same team behind TestDisk developed this program, but they have many differences. PhotoRec is a very powerful file recovery tool that also features partition recovery. Its primary function is to let you recover digital photos alongside extra support for different file types. Moreover, it also features a friendly interface like the rest.
PhotoRec’s features include the recovery of files from hard drives, CD-ROMs, and lost partitions. Its support for a vast array of file formats and its ability to work across different operating systems make it a versatile tool for users dealing with complex data recovery scenarios. In addition, PhotoRec supports a wide range of file formats, encompassing over 480 extensions, making it one of the few programs that can recover almost all files.
- Limitations: Command-line interface may be difficult for beginners.
- Download: PhotoRec Official Site (CGSecurity)
7. Disk Drill
Key Features:
- Recover lost or deleted partitions
- Full partition management (resize, merge, format, migrate OS)
- Supports NTFS, FAT, FAT32, exFAT, ext2/ext3/ext4
- Easy-to-use interface
Known to be a popular choice on the Google Play Store and Apple Store for Android & iOS users. Disk Drill is a comprehensive data recovery tool you’ll also love to use as a Windows user. Thanks to the friendly interface of this tool, you’ll find it easier to recover lost partitions. Whatever the reason for losing that partition, Disk Drill ensures you’ll get it back without a lengthy process. The program comes with a friendly interface as well.
Disk Drill’s features include partition recovery, file recovery, and the ability to create backups to prevent future data loss. The software supports various file systems and offers a straightforward interface. Besides, it targets almost all device types, making it one of the best in the game. The free version is quite effective, but if you want to explore more features, upgrading to the pro version won’t be a bad decision.
- Limitations: Free version has restricted recovery capabilities (Pro version required for full use).
- Download: Disk Drill Official Site (Clearfiles)
8. Stellar Data Recovery
Key Features:
- Advanced partition recovery from complex cases
- Supports all major file systems including ReFS, ext4, HFS, and APFS
- Network recovery support
- Hex editor for deep data inspection
Rounding up the list, Stellar Data Recovery is another excellent recommendation to consider. It is a robust data recovery tool for Windows users, offering both free and paid features. If you’re looking for basic partition recovery features, the free version has you covered. Also, it is known for both simplicity and powerful partition recovery capabilities. Regardless of what you want to recover, this is one of the best tools for you.
Using this tool, you’ll be able to recover data from Windows devices and storage media. When it comes to supported drives, it works with HDDs, SSDs, USBs, and more. Even if you want to target mobile or digital storage, you can use it on SD cards, CF cards, and many other types of storage. Another awesome feature of Stellar Data Recovery is the ability to recover files from encrypted drives. If you mistakenly used any file encryption tool, Stellar Data Recovery will come to your rescue.
- Limitations: Steeper learning curve; Free trial allows only file previews and up to 1GB recovery.
- Download: Stellar Official Site
Conclusion
Losing data to a partition can be one of the most painful experiences for a Windows user. While one can’t always be too careful, issues like this are bound to happen. But with the right partition recovery tool at hand, everything becomes easy. From Disk Drill to Stellar Data Recovery and other options on the list, you’ll surely find the right one to use.
