GadgetBond

  • Latest
  • How-to
  • Tech
    • AI
    • Amazon
    • Apple
    • CES
    • Computing
    • Creators
    • Google
    • Meta
    • Microsoft
    • Mobile
    • Samsung
    • Security
    • Xbox
  • Transportation
    • Audi
    • BMW
    • Cadillac
    • E-Bike
    • Ferrari
    • Ford
    • Honda Prelude
    • Lamborghini
    • McLaren W1
    • Mercedes
    • Porsche
    • Rivian
    • Tesla
  • Culture
    • Apple TV
    • Disney
    • Gaming
    • Hulu
    • Marvel
    • HBO Max
    • Netflix
    • Paramount
    • SHOWTIME
    • Star Wars
    • Streaming
Add GadgetBond as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Font ResizerAa
GadgetBondGadgetBond
  • Latest
  • Tech
  • AI
  • Deals
  • How-to
  • Apps
  • Mobile
  • Gaming
  • Streaming
  • Transportation
Search
  • Latest
  • Deals
  • How-to
  • Tech
    • Amazon
    • Apple
    • CES
    • Computing
    • Creators
    • Google
    • Meta
    • Microsoft
    • Mobile
    • Samsung
    • Security
    • Xbox
  • AI
    • Anthropic
    • ChatGPT
    • ChatGPT Atlas
    • Gemini AI (formerly Bard)
    • Google DeepMind
    • Grok AI
    • Meta AI
    • Microsoft Copilot
    • OpenAI
    • Perplexity
    • xAI
  • Transportation
    • Audi
    • BMW
    • Cadillac
    • E-Bike
    • Ferrari
    • Ford
    • Honda Prelude
    • Lamborghini
    • McLaren W1
    • Mercedes
    • Porsche
    • Rivian
    • Tesla
  • Culture
    • Apple TV
    • Disney
    • Gaming
    • Hulu
    • Marvel
    • HBO Max
    • Netflix
    • Paramount
    • SHOWTIME
    • Star Wars
    • Streaming
Follow US
AppsBuying Guide

Best free file recovery software on Windows 10 and Windows 11

By
Shubham Sawarkar
Shubham Sawarkar's avatar
ByShubham Sawarkar
Editor-in-Chief
I’m a tech enthusiast who loves exploring gadgets, trends, and innovations. With certifications in CISCO Routing & Switching and Windows Server Administration, I bring a sharp...
Follow:
- Editor-in-Chief
Jun 6, 2022, 4:19 PM EDT
Share
We may get a commission from retail offers. Learn more
Best Free File Recovery Software on Windows 10 and Windows 11
Photo by ThisIsEngineering / Pexels
SHARE

This tutorial will show you the best free file recovery software on Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you are interested, consider reading the following content.

Is there any free file recovery software on Windows?

Data loss has become a very common thing in the era of big data. This annoys me because most people don’t know how to recover lost files.

In fact, there are some effective ways to get the file back. For example, using Windows built-in functions such as File History, Backup, Restore, Previous Version, etc. But these functions must be turned on before the file is lost to work. Apart from that, you can use some recovery software, but some of them cost money.

In the following paragraphs, I will introduce you to the best free file recovery software on Windows 10 and 11, you can get a better understanding of file recovery.

Recover files with Windows File Recovery

Windows File Recovery is a free command-line Windows file recovery software released by Microsoft for Windows 10 (version 2004 and above). It supports recovering media files/office files/ZIP files, etc., including JPEG//PDF/DOCX/MP3/EXCEL/ZIP, etc.

But you have to be aware that this is a command-line program, so using it is more difficult. Next, I will show you how it works, if you have a computer background, you will be very handy.

What do we know before using it?

Parameters:

Source driveThis is where the lost file located
Destination driveA new path to store
ModeRegular & Extensive
SwitchNarrow the scanning range

Standard syntax: winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches]

How to choose mode and switch?

Mode: regular & extensive. You will select the mode depending on the file system.

File systemScenariosMode
NTFSDeleted recentlyRegular
NTFSDeleted for a whileExtensive
NTFSFormatted diskExtensive
NTFSCorrupted diskExtensive
FAT and exFATAnyExtensive

Switch: narrow the scanning range.

SwitchesMeaningSupported mode(s)
/nTo filter the scan range: scans for a specific file with its file name/path/type, etc.All
/y:Recovers system files.NTFS/segment​​​​
/uRecovers undeleted files, for example, from the Recycle Bin.NTFS/segment​​​​

What we should do after understanding these parameters?

1. Get Windows File Recovery from Microsoft Store (It’s completely FREE).

Windows File Recovery
Windows File Recovery app (Courtesy: Microsoft Store)

2. Install and run it. Then, type in winfr source-drive:destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches] (simply change parameters according to your needs) on Windows File Recovery running window.

Also check: AOMEI Backupper Review 2022 – The Easiest Backup Software I Ever Tried


Alternative to Windows File Recovery

If you are just an ordinary user, learning Windows File Recovery is definitely not an easy task. Would you like to try it if there is an easier way? I officially recommend WinfrGUI to you. It functions exactly like Windows File Recovery, but it provides a graphical user interface. Users can restore target files directly with a few clicks without typing commands. In addition, it has other advantages:

  • Recover from the location of lost files — Recover lost Windows files from SSD/HDD/USB/memory card under Windows 11/10, NTFS/FAT/exFAT/ReFS.
  • Applicable scene — Recover accidentally deleted files; recover files from formatted hard drives; recover files from damaged hard drives
  • Compatible and Safe — Support Windows 10/11, NTFS/FAT/exFAT/ReFS
  • Two scan modes — A quick scan can recover files with directory structure and filenames under the NTFS file system; a deep scan can recover more files with missing directory structures and filenames.

Step 1: Install this best free file recovery software on Windows and run it. Then, “Select the partition to scan” and save the path.

Source: WinFR

Step 2: Choose one scanning mode. What’s more, you can click “Advanced Settings” if you need.

Source: WinFR

Step 3: Click “Start Recovery” to start the scanning process. After the scanning completes, the files found will be saved in the destination folder.

Source: WinFR

Wrap things up

From what has been discussed above, this article provides two powerful data recovery software. You can choose one according to your needs. But in my opinion, I think WinfrGUI is the best free file recovery software on Windows 10 and 11. Not only because its operation is very simple, but it also works for all users. Also, it’s completely free, try it now.


Discover more from GadgetBond

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Comment

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Most Popular

Dell XPS 16 Creator Edition: Tandem OLED, RTX Spark, and 128GB unified memory

Dell’s new XPS 13 has more features than a MacBook Neo – at the same price

Apple rolls out iOS 26.5.1 and macOS 26.5.1 with important fixes

Apple Intelligence comes back to WWDC with more to prove

Here are all the winners of Apple’s 2026 Design Awards

Also Read
Perplexity and Microsoft logos displayed side by side against a night sky with circular star trails above a dark mountain landscape, symbolizing a partnership or collaboration between the two companies.

Perplexity Computer now works natively in Microsoft’s core productivity apps

Four smartphone mockups displaying the Google Health app interface, showcasing fitness tracking, workout suggestions, sleep analysis, and health metrics dashboards with colorful cards, charts, and wellness data on a light blue background.

Google Health app puts all your wellness data in one place

Close-up of a smartphone displaying a WhatsApp Meta AI incognito chat screen with a privacy message reading “Only you can see this chat,” alongside a user message asking for help preparing for a tough conversation, against an orange and yellow background.

WhatsApp adds Incognito Mode for Meta AI

Instagram Instants

How to use Instagram Instants for quick, unedited sharing

Stylized Firefox browser mockup displaying multiple travel-themed webpages with a purple color scheme, including hotel booking and Greece travel discovery pages, layered across dark and light browser windows against a purple abstract background.

Mozilla is rebuilding Firefox with Project Nova

Firefox VPN interface showing a “Choose VPN Location” menu with countries including Canada, France, Germany, United Kingdom, and United States of America, with Germany highlighted and a cursor pointing at the selection against a purple-themed background.

Firefox’s built-in VPN now lets you pick your location

Apple App Store logo

Apple is revising App Store age ratings for Australian and Vietnamese users

Illustration of a mobile AI Controls settings screen with toggles for blocking AI enhancements, translations, and page summaries, displayed on a purple gradient background with Firefox branding in the corner.

Firefox adds simple AI controls to its mobile app

Company Info
  • Homepage
  • Support my work
  • Latest stories
  • Company updates
  • GDB Recommends
  • Daily newsletters
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Write for us
  • Editorial guidelines
Legal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
  • Disclaimer
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Security Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Socials
Follow US

Disclosure: We love the products we feature and hope you’ll love them too. If you purchase through a link on our site, we may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. Read our ethics statement. Please note that pricing and availability are subject to change.

Copyright © 2026 GadgetBond. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information.