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Data Science AnalyticsTop 10 Best Undelete Software of 2026
Top 10 undelete software ranked for Windows file recovery and disk tests, with tools like Recuva, PhotoRec, DMDE, and recovery notes.
How we ranked these tools
Vendors set the topic, but our editors set the inclusion criteria and the evaluation framework before research starts.
Search agents gather the source set and the review record, including transcriptions of video reviews and podcasts.
Framework: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%
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Ontrack EasyRecovery is the strongest fit when IT teams need guided, structured Windows deleted-file recovery with exportable results, whereas MiniTool Power Data Recovery works best for Windows users who want simpler guided undelete with preview validation after accidental deletion or corruption.
Editor’s top 3 picks
Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.
Ontrack EasyRecovery
Results browsing that organizes recovered items as directories after metadata reconstruction, not only as a flat file list.
Best for: Fits when IT teams need guided, structured Windows file recovery with exportable results.
MiniTool Power Data Recovery
Editor pickPreview before export inside the recovery workflow to validate recovered candidates without committing writes first.
Best for: Fits when Windows users need guided deleted-file recovery with preview validation after corruption or accidental deletion.
DMDE
Editor pickHex viewer driven verification during selection, which links candidate files to underlying disk bytes.
Best for: Fits when forensic-style validation matters and metadata or partition structures are partly damaged.
Comparison Table
Ontrack EasyRecovery
enterpriseData recovery software for deleted files, corrupted drives, and formatted storage.
Results browsing that organizes recovered items as directories after metadata reconstruction, not only as a flat file list.
Ontrack EasyRecovery uses a workflow-first interface that guides imaging and scan selection, then converts disk-level findings into a structured results tree for recursive recovery attempts. The recovery engine supports multiple Windows-relevant scenarios such as deleted file restoration and partition-related recovery, and it surfaces recoverable entries using recognizable file names when metadata reconstruction succeeds. Export options support writing recovered data to a different destination volume, which reduces the chance of overwriting blocks during the extraction phase.
A tradeoff appears in the depth of tuning, because advanced analysts get fewer low-level knobs than tools that emphasize manual signature carving and repeated parameter sweeps. A common fit is a lab or IT helpdesk workflow where time matters and recoveries need to be validated by file headers and directory structures rather than by custom scripts.
- +Guided recovery steps reduce mistakes during partition and file parsing
- +Structured results tree helps verify recovered paths quickly
- +Multi-file-system workflows cover common NTFS and FAT scenarios
- +Export pipeline supports safer recovery to an alternate destination
- –Limited manual control for repeated signature carving passes
- –Best results depend on successful metadata reconstruction
Small IT teams
Recover accidentally deleted NTFS files
Faster recovery validation
Digital forensics analysts
Recover data after partition table damage
More recoverable metadata
Show 2 more scenarios
Incident response staff
Recover evidence from logical disk failures
Cleaner case handoff
Prioritizes structured recovery outputs so teams can document and export recovered artifacts.
Helpdesk operations
Restore files from damaged media images
Lower risk of overwrites
Uses workflow-driven scans on imaging inputs and supports exporting to a separate destination.
Best for: Fits when IT teams need guided, structured Windows file recovery with exportable results.
MiniTool Power Data Recovery
SMBWindows recovery software for deleted files, lost partitions, and removable media.
Preview before export inside the recovery workflow to validate recovered candidates without committing writes first.
MiniTool Power Data Recovery uses a guided flow that separates scenarios like deleted file recovery and partition-level recovery into distinct scan paths. The preview pane helps filter candidates before writing output, which reduces the chance of exporting irrelevant matches during recursive directory scanning. RAW recovery modes target volumes where file system structures do not resolve cleanly, which broadens coverage beyond typical deleted-entry restoration.
A key tradeoff is that deeper recovery on failing or heavily damaged disks can take substantially longer than standard deleted-file scans. It fits best when the goal is file recovery for Windows drives and the workflow requires visual validation before extraction to a safe destination.
- +Guided recovery steps that route scans by scenario
- +Preview-driven selection that reduces saving incorrect matches
- +RAW volume recovery mode for volumes missing usable file system metadata
- +Writes recovered files with a consistent output workflow
- –Long scan times on large drives with extensive unallocated space
- –Folder reconstruction can be incomplete when metadata is heavily corrupted
Home users and freelancers
Accidental deletes from NTFS folders
Restored documents with fewer false picks
IT helpdesk and admins
Broken drive after logical corruption
Files recovered despite mount failure
Show 1 more scenario
Digital forensics support
Targeted recovery from suspect disks
More candidates from damaged storage
File signature validation supports carved outputs when metadata is unreliable.
Best for: Fits when Windows users need guided deleted-file recovery with preview validation after corruption or accidental deletion.
DMDE
specialistDisk editor and data recovery software for undeleting files and rebuilding file systems.
Hex viewer driven verification during selection, which links candidate files to underlying disk bytes.
DMDE provides recovery views driven by file system metadata when it can read it, including NTFS MFT parsing and FAT directory entry interpretation. It also falls back to scanning approaches for unallocated space and RAW content recovery when directory structures are missing or inconsistent. The interface includes a hex viewer and sector-level navigation, which helps validate whether a file header matches the expected data before restore operations.
A key tradeoff is that DMDE expects the operator to choose the right scan scope and file selection strategy, because automated handholding is limited compared with basic undelete utilities. It fits best for single-drive incidents like accidental deletion on a partition where the file system still has intact metadata. It also fits multi-hour triage on drives with logical damage because it can iterate between metadata-driven listings and raw carving based on observed results.
- +Hex viewer and sector navigation speed up file header validation
- +NTFS MFT parsing supports structured recovery when metadata persists
- +RAW volume and unallocated scanning help when directory structures fail
- +Partition table reconstruction supports recovery from damaged layout
- –Recovery quality depends heavily on choosing the right scan scope
- –Bulk restore workflows can require more manual selection steps
- –Advanced recovery scenarios raise the learning curve
- –Preview and validation are slower on large drives
Digital forensics practitioners
Recover files after logical corruption
Cleaner evidence-grade recovery sets
Windows incident responders
Undelete after accidental NTFS deletion
Faster confirmation of recovered files
Show 2 more scenarios
Small incident tech teams
Recover from damaged partition layout
Usable files without full imaging
Partition table reconstruction and follow-on scans support recovery when drive layout detection breaks.
Data recovery specialists
Carve files when directories are missing
Recoveries despite missing metadata
Signature-based recovery fills gaps when file system listings do not match recovered content.
Best for: Fits when forensic-style validation matters and metadata or partition structures are partly damaged.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
SMBCross-platform undelete and data recovery software for Windows and Mac systems.
Live previews plus selective recovery from scan results, reducing wasted restores from weak matches.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard targets Windows file recovery with guided workflows that map to common deleted-file scenarios. The tool runs structured scans for recoverable files and previews results before recovery.
- +Wizard-driven scan modes keep steps clear during deleted-file workflows
- +Thumbnail and file preview help validate recoverability before committing
- +Result filtering by file type narrows output without manual sorting
- +Supports recovery from logical drive conditions after accidental deletion
- –Limited forensic controls compared with imaging-first recovery tools
- –Deep RAW recovery workflows can produce large unusable result sets
- –Retention of original folder structure depends on filesystem metadata visibility
- –No write-blocking workflow for safe acquisition requires external discipline
Best for: Fits when Windows users need guided deleted-file recovery with previews, not forensic-grade acquisition workflows.
Stellar Data Recovery
SMBData recovery software for deleted files, lost partitions, and damaged storage devices.
Preview-driven recovery lets users validate carved and metadata-based candidates before writing output.
Stellar Data Recovery targets deleted file restoration using step-by-step scanning that includes both metadata-driven results and file-signature carving. The recovery experience shows candidates for selected items before committing extracted output. Partition repair-oriented features support workflows where access fails due to structural problems on Windows disks. There is no documented automation surface for triggering scans or exporting structured job results to other systems.
- +Guided recovery flow keeps scan steps readable for non-forensic use
- +Combines filesystem-based recovery with signature carving
- +Partition-focused recovery helpers support common disk-layout failures
- +Recovery previews reduce guesswork before full extraction
- –Limited automation and no exposed API for orchestration at scale
- –Deep forensic reconstruction like RAID rebuild is not the primary focus
Best for: Fits when teams need Windows disk and deleted-file recovery with a guided scan workflow.
Disk Drill
SMBFile recovery software for deleted data on Windows and Mac computers.
Preview-first results in the recovery UI, with a disk and sector viewer for verifying candidates before restore.
Disk Drill from CleverFiles targets Windows recoveries where users want a guided path from deleted files to previewable results. Its core workflow includes scanning for lost items on common file systems, then surfacing recoverable candidates with a preview so decisions can happen before the restore step.
- +Guided scan workflow that leads from deletion to preview before restoring
- +Recovery results include file preview and metadata to speed triage
- +RAW-style recovery path for cases where directory structures are impaired
- +Disk-level view and sector inspection for targeted investigation
- –Recovery success depends heavily on file system integrity and deletion patterns
- –Limited automation and no documented API for queueing or headless runs
Best for: Fits when Windows users need guided deleted-file recovery with previews, not a forensic imaging workflow.
Wondershare Recoverit
SMBData recovery software for deleted files, crashed systems, and removable media.
One workflow that shifts between deleted-file recovery and partition recovery with the same results browser.
Wondershare Recoverit differentiates itself with a guided recovery workflow that targets both deleted files and lost partitions on Windows. It combines deep file scanning with multiple recovery modes that try to reconstruct file structure after logical damage. Recovery results are presented with preview and filter views so users can narrow large scan outputs before exporting recovered files.
- +Guided recovery steps reduce mis-clicks during deleted-file rescans
- +Preview-first results make it easier to confirm file identity
- +Supports both storage-level and deletion-focused recovery workflows
- +Recursive directory scanning helps when folder paths are partially missing
- –Write access during recovery runs can increase contamination risk
- –Partition-related recovery can yield partial files when metadata is damaged
- –Does not provide forensic-grade chain-of-custody export or audit artifacts
- –High scan volumes can slow UI responsiveness on slower disks
Best for: Fits when Windows users need repeatable undelete-style recovery with previews, not courtroom-grade forensic documentation.
Remo Recover
SMBData recovery software for restoring deleted files from Windows, Mac, and storage devices.
Preview-first undelete flow that maps deleted items back into navigable results for manual selection.
Remo Recover is an undelete and data-recovery tool that focuses on getting back deleted files by scanning volumes for file remnants and rebuilding recoverable directory and metadata information. It supports Windows storage types and drives with multiple recovery modes, including targeted recoveries from deleted folders and broader scans for lost items.
- +Preview-driven selection after scans reduces wrong-file recovery attempts
- +Multiple scan modes support both deleted-folder recovery and deeper lost-file searches
- +Recovers recognizable file types by validating signatures during the recovery pass
- +Provides a repair-oriented workflow for certain file system disruptions
- –Undelete recovery depends heavily on how recently data was overwritten
- –Limited automation surface compared with tools built for scripted recovery pipelines
Best for: Fits when technicians need a Windows undelete workflow with scan preview and manual selection.
iBoysoft Data Recovery
SMBRecovery software for deleted and lost files on Windows, Mac, and external drives.
Preview-driven recovery workflow that helps validate hits before exporting from large scan result sets
iBoysoft Data Recovery scans Windows volumes for recoverable deleted files and supports RAW volume recovery workflows when the file system metadata is damaged. The tool attempts partition-related recovery inputs through disk initialization and volume detection, then focuses on finding files via metadata parsing and file signature carving.
- +Preview and result filters reduce time spent sorting large scans
- +Supports RAW volume recovery when directory metadata is unreliable
- +Logical recovery attempts cover common Windows file loss scenarios
- +File signature carving helps when metadata parsing fails
- –Deep scans can produce noisy results without aggressive filtering
- –Fewer forensic imaging and write-blocking workflow controls than advanced tools
Best for: Fits when Windows file deletion needs recoveries with preview-based triage on typical disks.
Glary Undelete
SMBWindows undelete tool for recovering deleted files from NTFS and FAT file systems.
Hex viewer plus candidate metadata preview during the undelete selection step.
Glary Undelete targets Windows deleted-file recovery with a workflow focused on scanning drives, selecting candidate files, and previewing before restoring. Recovery is driven by file signature identification plus directory and metadata parsing, which supports pulling files that were removed from the logical file list.
- +Preview and candidate details reduce accidental restores
- +Hex viewer helps validate file headers before recovery
- +Recursive scanning finds files beyond the original directory entries
- +Restore workflow is simple enough for single-disk attempts
- –Limited forensic controls compared with disk-imaging toolchains
- –Recovery quality can drop on heavily fragmented or overwritten regions
Best for: Fits when Windows users need quick, guided recovery of deleted files from internal drives without forensic imaging.
Conclusion
After evaluating 10 undelete software, Ontrack EasyRecovery stands out as our overall top pick — it scored highest across our combined criteria of features, ease of use, and value, which is why it sits at #1 in the rankings above.
Use the comparison table and detailed reviews above to validate the fit against your own requirements before committing to a tool.
How to Choose the Right Undelete Software
Undelete software targets deleted-file recovery on Windows storage by combining filesystem-based parsing with preview-driven confirmation before writing recovered output. This buyer's guide covers Ontrack EasyRecovery, MiniTool Power Data Recovery, and eight more tools selected for file recovery behavior and Windows disk recovery usability.
The selection emphasizes how each tool presents candidates during the undelete workflow, how recovery results are organized for verification, and how much manual control is available when metadata is incomplete. The tools included also range from preview-first recovery wizards like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to hex-viewer validation workflows like DMDE.
Undelete Software for Windows deleted-file recovery with preview validation and controlled output
Undelete software is designed to recover files after deletion by scanning disk structures and reconstructing paths and metadata so recovered items can be saved back to a chosen location. Most tools start from a deletion-oriented workflow that surfaces candidates for preview so users can validate file identity before export.
Ontrack EasyRecovery organizes recovered items as a structured results tree after metadata reconstruction so recovered paths can be verified quickly. DMDE adds hex viewer driven verification during selection, linking candidates to underlying disk bytes for tighter validation when filesystem structures are damaged.
Undelete recovery workflow controls that affect result accuracy
Undelete software earns usable results when the workflow makes candidates verifiable before export, because Windows deleted-file recovery succeeds or fails on correct file identity. Preview-first scans reduce wrong-file restores when filesystem metadata is damaged or directory metadata is incomplete.
Structured results tree after metadata reconstruction
Ontrack EasyRecovery rebuilds a structured results tree so recovered paths can be verified as directories instead of a flat file list. This structure fits Windows undelete tasks where path validation matters for audit and troubleshooting.
Preview before export inside the recovery workflow
MiniTool Power Data Recovery and EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard both place previews in the recovery flow so users validate candidates before saving output. MiniTool routes scans by scenario and highlights selection choices, while EaseUS uses selective recovery from scan results to cut wasted restores.
Hex viewer driven verification tied to disk bytes
DMDE and Glary Undelete use a hex viewer to validate candidate files against the underlying disk bytes during selection. DMDE’s sector navigation supports tighter header checks when NTFS structures are partly damaged.
Scan scope control and selection depth for corrupted metadata
DMDE’s recovery quality depends on choosing the right scan scope, which makes it better suited for users who can control search boundaries. MiniTool Power Data Recovery can slow down on large drives with extensive unallocated space, which makes scope discipline a practical requirement there.
Workflow breadth across deleted-file and partition recovery
Wondershare Recoverit uses one results browser across deleted-file recovery and partition recovery, which reduces retraining across tasks. Ontrack EasyRecovery instead emphasizes guided structured Windows recovery with exportable results for clearer undelete verification.
Filtering and triage controls for large candidate sets
iBoysoft Data Recovery and MiniTool Power Data Recovery both focus on reducing time spent sorting large scans through preview and result filters. iBoysoft highlights preview-driven recovery to validate hits from noisy deep scans when directory metadata is unreliable.
Choose based on undelete verification depth and automation needs
The second axis is how the tool fits into repeatable recovery runs, including whether the workflow supports orchestration by scripts or queueing. Tools with no documented API and limited automation surface suit manual, one-off Windows recoveries, while teams that require pipeline behavior need automation-friendly controls.
Match verification depth to the damage level seen on the disk
If filesystem metadata is mostly intact, MiniTool Power Data Recovery and EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard keep users in a guided preview loop that reduces incorrect saves. If partition structures or metadata are partly damaged, DMDE’s hex viewer driven selection and sector navigation provide tighter byte-level validation.
Pick the results organization that fits how recovered paths must be checked
If path verification is the core task, Ontrack EasyRecovery’s structured results tree after metadata reconstruction supports quick directory-based validation. If manual selection from mapped deleted items matters more than directory reconstruction, Remo Recover maps deleted items into a navigable results view for hands-on triage.
Decide whether one workflow must cover multiple recovery scenarios
If both deleted-file recovery and partition recovery are recurring tasks in the same operational session, Wondershare Recoverit keeps both in one results browser to reduce switching. If the focus is disciplined undelete recovery with guided structured exports, Ontrack EasyRecovery keeps the workflow anchored on metadata reconstruction and structured outputs.
Control scan scope to manage throughput and candidate noise
For large drives with extensive unallocated space, MiniTool Power Data Recovery reports long scan times, so scope choices and scan modes become the practical bottleneck. For forensic-style selection where scope mistakes degrade quality, DMDE requires careful scan scope selection to avoid low-quality candidates.
Evaluate automation and orchestration requirements before committing to a manual UI tool
If recoveries must run repeatedly in a scripted or orchestrated pipeline, tools that lack a documented automation surface add manual steps and queue management overhead. Stellar Data Recovery and Disk Drill both provide guided preview and selective recovery flows, but they lack the automation depth needed for headless or orchestrated runs.
Assess write-risk and contamination concerns in recovery runs
When recovery output writes can contaminate evidence, prefer workflows that keep selection and preview tight before any save step. Wondershare Recoverit increases contamination risk when write access is used during recovery runs, so it fits best when operational recovery priority outweighs evidence purity.
Undelete Software buyers by workflow style
Undelete software also varies by how it handles corrupted metadata and whether it produces structured outputs or noisy candidate sets. These differences determine whether recovery time stays predictable or becomes dominated by selection and filtering.
Windows IT teams running repeated deleted-file recoveries
Ontrack EasyRecovery’s structured results tree and guided recovery steps support fast path verification after metadata reconstruction when undelete tasks repeat.
Technicians needing scenario-driven previews to prevent incorrect restores
MiniTool Power Data Recovery uses scenario scans and preview-driven selection so users validate recovered candidates before exporting output from large candidate pools.
Forensic-style recoveries where byte-level validation matters
DMDE’s hex viewer driven verification and sector navigation let users link candidate files to disk bytes during selection when filesystem structures are partly damaged.
Operational helpdesk staff recovering deleted items with manual triage
Remo Recover and Disk Drill map candidates into a preview-first UI so technicians can validate and select items interactively without building a more controlled forensic workflow.
Users facing unreliable directory metadata and needing RAW volume recovery
iBoysoft Data Recovery supports RAW volume recovery when directory metadata is unreliable, which fits cases where carved or metadata-light results require preview-based triage.
Common Undelete Software pitfalls that reduce recovered file usefulness
Misconfigured recovery runs also inflate time spent on noise, especially when unallocated space is large or metadata is heavily corrupted. Users who do not constrain scan scope or filtering controls can end up exporting low-quality matches or spending more time sorting results than recovering them.
Exporting without validating candidate identity using preview or hex checks
Use MiniTool Power Data Recovery and EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard preview controls to validate candidates before writing output, because previews reduce the chance of restoring incorrect matches. Use DMDE’s hex viewer verification when candidates are selected from damaged metadata so the file header validation is tied to disk bytes.
Scanning without scope discipline on drives with extensive unallocated space
MiniTool Power Data Recovery can run long scans on large drives with extensive unallocated space, so narrow scan scope and scenario selection to keep throughput workable. DMDE’s recovery quality depends heavily on choosing the right scan scope, so expand scope only after validating early candidate quality.
Assuming forensic imaging workflows and automation controls are included in every undelete tool
Stellar Data Recovery and Disk Drill provide guided preview and selective recovery, but both offer limited forensic controls and no documented API for orchestration at scale. Forensic requirements that need evidence-safe acquisition workflows require choosing a tool whose workflow design supports that verification depth.
Running recovery in a way that increases contamination risk
Wondershare Recoverit can increase contamination risk when write access is used during recovery runs, so it fits operational recovery where evidence purity is not the primary constraint. Prefer tools that keep users in a preview-first selection loop when contamination risk matters.
How We Selected and Ranked These Tools
We evaluated undelete workflow quality by mapping how each tool presents candidates during recovery and how it supports verification before output writes. We scored features around preview behavior, results organization for path checking, and verification mechanisms that include hex viewer selection in DMDE.
We weighted ease and value to reflect how guided steps reduce selection mistakes while still supporting Windows deleted-file recovery scenarios. Ontrack EasyRecovery ranked first by combining guided recovery steps with structured results browsing after metadata reconstruction, which makes recovered directory paths easier to validate quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Undelete Software
Which undelete tools in the list support preview-driven validation before saving recovered files?
How does Ontrack EasyRecovery’s results browsing differ from file lists in other Windows undelete tools?
When drive access fails at the filesystem layer, which tools handle RAW volume recovery pathways?
What breaks if the partition table or logical layout is damaged beyond standard undelete expectations?
Which tool offers hex viewer driven verification during selection forensics-style workflows?
How do tools in this list decide what to recover when directory metadata is unreliable?
Which undelete tool is better suited for disk-level examination while keeping writes out of the main workflow?
How do guided undelete workflows compare across Wondershare Recoverit, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Ontrack EasyRecovery?
Which tool adds automation and API integration for recovery jobs, and how does that affect governance?
Tools reviewed
Primary sources checked during evaluation.
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
Funding and competing interests
This study was co-funded by several of the vendors assessed in it. No single vendor funded it. Funders could propose the market studied.
They had no role in selecting vendors, setting or weighting criteria, analysing data or drawing conclusions, and they received the same factual-accuracy check as every other vendor assessed.
Market definition, inclusion rules and criteria weights were fixed by an editor before research began and did not change afterwards. Editorial process →
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