Have you ever accidentally deleted important files from your computer or storage device? Don’t panic! Recuva, a powerful file recovery software, can quickly and easily retrieve lost data. Whether it’s a deleted document, precious photos, or even files from a formatted drive, It comes to the rescue.
Recuva means Recover, a file recovery freeware Windows utility that restores accidentally deleted files like pictures, music, documents, videos, emails, or any other file types you have lost. It is basically a Free Download tool. This recovery also includes the recycle bin. The recuva data recovery tool helps to recover images from digital camera memory cards, MP3 Players, and iPods.
There are many data recovery software programs on the market, most of which require payment, but there are also free programs like this. This is free data recovery software that can recover deleted data (documents, videos, photos, music, etc.) from hard drives, memory cards, flash drives, or any removable media.
In this article, we will explore Recuva’s features and how it works and provide step-by-step instructions on using it effectively for file recovery.
What is Recuva?
Recuva is a reliable and user-friendly file recovery program developed by Piriform. It is designed to help users recover deleted files from various storage devices, including hard drives, USB drives, and memory cards.
Recuva Overview
Reviewed by: Satish Ithamsetty
Recuva is a popular free file recovery tool from the makers of CCleaner that allows users to recover deleted files from their Windows computer, external drives, memory cards, and more. It has an easy-to-use interface and can recover a wide variety of file types even from damaged or formatted drives using its deep scan mode.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Overall rating: 4.9/5
- Pricing: FREE
Pros
- Completely free for basic file recovery
- Supports unlimited file recoveries
- Can recover from damaged/formatted drives
- Deep scan mode to find remnants of deleted files
- Secure file deletion option
Cons
- Limited functionality in the free version compared to paid versions
- Cannot recover as many files as some higher-end data recovery tools
- No technical support for the free version
- Potential security risks if used by malicious actors to recover sensitive deleted files
It is available in free and professional versions and offers a wide range of features to suit different user needs.
How Recuva Works
Recuva utilizes advanced algorithms to scan storage devices and locate deleted files. When a file is deleted, it is not immediately removed from the storage device. Instead, the file’s reference is removed from the file system, marking the space as available for reuse.
The tool scans this unallocated space and identifies recoverable files based on their unique signatures.
Key Features of Recuva
a. Deep Scan
Recuva offers a deep scan option that thoroughly searches the entire storage device, including the unallocated space, for recoverable files. This feature is handy when you can’t find your files through a quick scan or when dealing with a formatted drive.
b. File Recovery Options
It allows you to customize your file recovery by providing options to filter the results. You can recover files in specific formats or narrow the search by selecting a location on the storage device.
c. Securely Delete Files
In addition to file recovery, Recuva also offers a secure deletion feature. It lets you permanently delete sensitive files, ensuring they cannot be recovered. It provides different secure deletion methods, including overwriting files with random data multiple times.
Special Features
- It is a simple-to-use interface – click ‘Scan’ and choose the files you want to recover.
- Easy to use a filter for results based on file name/type
- Simple Windows-like interface with List and Tree view
- It can be run from a USB thumb drive.
- It restores all files, including office documents, images, videos, music, email, and anything else.
- Supports FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, NTFS5 , NTFS + EFS file systems
- Recuva restore deleted files from removable media (SmartMedia, Secure Digital, Memory Stick, Digital cameras, Floppy disks, Jaz Disks, Sony Memory Sticks, Compact Flash cards, Smart Media Cards, Secure Digital Cards, etc.).
- Restores files from external ZIP drives, Firewire, and USB Hard drives
- It’s fast, tiny, and takes seconds to run!
To recover lost, deleted, or data with Recuva Data recovery programs, we have to stop using the unit we want to retrieve data or use it as little as possible because the more we use it, the harder it is to recover the data. In addition, we will never recover the data on the same drive where we are trying to recover these. It also has a portable version; in case you want to recover data from a hard drive, it is best to install the portable version of this application on a flash drive to avoid using the disk where you want to recover the data.
System Requirements
To run recuva data recovery software, your computer should meet the following minimum requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, or XP (32-bit or 64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Pentium 4 or higher
- Memory: 1 GB RAM
- Storage: Sufficient space for recovered files
Downloading Recuva
- Open your web browser and visit the official website.
- Click on the “Download” button to start the download.
- Once the download is complete, locate the setup file (recuva.exe) and double-click on it.
Installing Recuva
- The Recuva setup wizard will appear. Click on “Next” to proceed.
- Read the license agreement, select the “I agree” option, and click “Next.”
- Choose the installation location, keep the default setting, and click “Install.”
- Wait for the installation to complete and click on “Finish.”
How to use Recuva to recover deleted files from external sources?
Recuva is a software developer of Piriform programs like CCleaner or Defraggler. You can download recuva freeware from their official site for free download recuva installer.
When starting this software, a wizard appears; we leave unchecked the option “Do not show this wizard at startup” because if you do not want to use the wizard, just press cancel, and the next time you need to use this tool may wish to use the wizard.
We choose where the files are to recover and continue (in this case, I will retrieve a document from a USB flash drive).
Once you have selected the file type and location, it is ready to start looking at the place you indicated.
We start to begin the search. In a short time, it will show all files that have been found:
Choosing File Types to Recover
In the next step, you can choose the types of files you want to search for. If unsure, leave the default selection to recover all file types. Click on “Next” to proceed.
Initiating the Scan
- Recuva will now begin scanning the selected drive for deleted files. The scanning process may take some time, depending on the size of the drive and the number of files.
- You can monitor the scan’s progress and see the files found in real-time.
We have already seen how to use the wizard data recovery, now let’s see how to recover data without using the wizard.
It will start the wizard screen. To exit, the wizard simply presses the cancel button.
Previewing and Recovering Files
- Once the scan is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files. You can browse the files and folders to locate the ones you want to recover.
- Select the files you wish to recover by checking the boxes next to them.
- Choose a location on your computer or an external drive where you want to save the recovered files.
- Click on the “Recover” button to initiate the file recovery process.
- Recuva will restore the selected files to the specified location. Once the recovery is complete, you can reaccess your files.
Tips for Successful File Recovery with Recuva
To maximize the chances of successful file recovery using Recuva, consider the following tips:
- Stop Using the Drive Immediately: When files are deleted, continued use can overwrite the space previously occupied by the deleted files. Avoid writing new data to the drive until you have completed the recovery process.
- Use Deep Scan for Comprehensive Recovery: If a quick scan does not find your files, try the deep scan option. It takes longer but offers a more thorough search, especially for formatted drives or files with damaged systems.
- Save Recovered Files to a Different Drive: To prevent accidentally overwriting the lost files, save the recovered files to a different drive or external storage device.
Using Recuva to Delete Files Securely
Recuva helps recover lost files and provides a secure deletion feature to permanently erase sensitive information from your storage devices. You can recuva download for windows 10 and 11.
Here’s how you can use it:
Selecting Files for Secure Deletion
- Open Recuva and click the “Options” button at the top-right corner.
- In the options menu, select “Secure Deletion.”
- Check the box next to “Enable secure file deletion.”
- Return to the main Recuva window and select the files or folders you want to delete securely.
Choosing the Overwrite Method
- Click on the “Secure Overwrite” drop-down menu to choose the overwrite method. The more passes selected, the more secure the deletion. However, more passes also mean a longer deletion process.
- Select the overwrite method that suits your needs. The “Simple Overwrite” method with one pass should be sufficient for most scenarios.
Permanently Deleting Files
- After selecting the files for secure deletion and the overwrite method, click the “Secure Delete” button.
- It will ask for confirmation. Click on “OK” to proceed.
- It will securely delete the selected files, making them irrecoverable.
Recuva Professional vs. Recuva Free
Recuva is available in both free and professional versions. While the free version offers robust file recovery capabilities, the professional version includes additional features and benefits. Let’s compare the two:
Additional Features in Professional version
- Virtual hard drive support
- Automatic updates
- Premium customer support
- Advanced file recovery options
Pricing and Licensing Options
Recuva Professional is available as a yearly subscription. The pricing may vary depending on your region and currency. Visit the official website to learn more about the pricing and licensing details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Recuva recover files from formatted drives?
Yes, Recuva can recover files from formatted drives. By utilizing its deep scan feature, It can search for and restore files even on drives that have been formatted.
Does Recuva work on macOS?
No, Recuva is designed specifically for Windows operating systems. However, similar file recovery programs are available for macOS, such as Disk Drill and Data Rescue.
Is Recuva safe to use?
Yes, Recuva is safe to use. It is developed by Piriform, a reputable software company known for creating reliable and secure applications. However, it’s always recommended to download software from official sources to ensure authenticity and avoid potential security risks.
Can Recuva recover deleted emails?
Recuva primarily focuses on recovering files from storage devices, so it may not be ideal for recovering deleted emails. However, you can try using specialized email recovery software or contact your email service provider for assistance in recovering deleted emails.
What should I do if Recuva cannot find my deleted files?
If Recuva cannot find your deleted files, there could be several reasons, including overwriting the files or physical damage to the storage device. In such cases, consulting professional data recovery services for further assistance is advisable.
Conclusion
Losing important files can be distressing; however, Recuva offers a dependable recovery option. With its robust capabilities and intuitive design, Recuva simplifies the restoration process, effectively retrieving deleted documents, cherished photographs, or files from reformatted drives.
Following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, you can confidently recover your lost files and regain access to valuable data. Don’t let data loss keep you down. Get Recuva today and ensure your files are always within your reach.
Recuva Free Data Recovery Software Review
Recuva is a popular free file recovery tool from the makers of CCleaner that allows users to recover deleted files from their Windows computer, external drives, memory cards, and more. It has an easy-to-use interface and can recover a wide variety of file types even from damaged or formatted drives, using its deep scan mode.
Product SKU: Recuva
Product Brand: Recuva
Product Price: FREE
Product In-Stock: InStock
5
Hi,
Nice article shared here…
Now technology has made things so much easier for us.
The steps that you have shared above will help so many people like me in retrieving data without any hassle who are not at all tech savvy.
Good Read!!