What is the best Windows file recovery software for Windows 11/11 PC?

First, check the backups. If not, then go with a file recovery software that works on Windows PC:

https://www.techgizz.com/best-file-recovery-for-windows-pc

Yes, you can recover deleted files on Windows, but success depends on factors like how the files were deleted, whether the disk space was overwritten, and if System Protection was enabled. Built-in methods like checking the Recycle Bin, using vssadmin for shadow copies, or running chkdsk can help in some cases, but they are limited. If the files were permanently deleted (Shift+Delete) or the disk was formatted, you'll likely need third-party recovery software to scan the drive for residual data before it gets overwritten.

Windows file recovery software works by scanning the disk’s raw data for file signatures (e.g., JPEG, DOCX headers) or remnants in the filesystem’s Master File Table (MFT). Professional file recovery tools use deep scans to locate recoverable fragments, even if the file entry is marked as deleted.

However, recovery isn't guaranteed—if new data was written over the deleted files, they may be corrupted or unrecoverable. For best results, stop using the affected drive immediately and run recovery software from another disk or a bootable USB.

You can recover or retrieve deleted data with the built-in windows file recovery utility via command line.

1. Check the Recycle Bin via Command Line (if files were not permanently deleted)

If the files were deleted normally (not Shift+Delete), they might still be in the Recycle Bin. You can check using:

dir C:\$Recycle.Bin /s /a

(Replace C: with the correct drive if needed.)

To restore a file manually, navigate to:

cd C:\$Recycle.Bin

Then locate and copy the file back to a safe location.

2. Use shadowcopy (If System Protection / Volume Shadow Copy is Enabled)

If System Restore or Volume Shadow Copy was enabled, you might recover previous versions of files using:

List available shadow copies:

vssadmin list shadows

Look for the Shadow Copy Volume path (e.g., \\?\GLOBALROOT\Device\HarddiskVolumeShadowCopy1).

Access files in the shadow copy:

robocopy "\\?\GLOBALROOT\Device\HarddiskVolumeShadowCopy1\Path\To\Folder" "C:\RestoredFolder" "FileName.ext" /r:1 /w:1

Replace:

• HarddiskVolumeShadowCopy1 with your shadow copy ID.
• Path\To\Folder with the original folder path.
• FileName.ext with the file you want to recover (or use *.* for all files).

If these did not work, then you should use a professional windows 11/10 file recovery software instead.

There are some dangers lurking if you’re not careful when using Windows file recovery software, messing around with data recovery can sometimes lead to worse problems if you’re not cautious. Don’t run recovery on the drive with your important data unless you’re confident. If your drive shows signs of physical failure (clicking, slow responses), it’s better to consult a professional data recovery service. Always create a disk image or clone the drive if possible, so you’re working on a copy and not risking the original. Use trusted, well-reviewed software, and follow instructions carefully.

If you’re not familiar with how the Windows file recovery software works, you might accidentally delete or overwrite files during the recovery process. Always double-check what you’re doing before hitting “Recover.”Sometimes, recovery software can give you a false sense of security, but the files might be corrupt or incomplete. Relying solely on software can lead to frustration, especially if the data is really important.

Disk Drill is a solid choice if you're dealing with small to medium recovery jobs and don’t want to fuss with complicated tools. Just keep expectations realistic, especially if your files are huge or heavily damaged. For big recoveries, you might need to shell out for the paid version or try other tools.

The 500MB cap is kinda meh if you’re trying to recover a bunch of big videos or lots of photos. If you hit that limit, you’ll have to buy the full version, which can bump up the cost. When you’re recovering from a big drive or SD card, Disk Drill’s scan can take quite a while—like, enough to make you want to brew coffee. It gets the job done, but don’t expect lightning-fast scans on massive disks.

Sometimes, recovery isn’t 100% guaranteed—especially if the data is heavily overwritten or damaged. Files can come back corrupted or incomplete, which is just how Windows file recovery software works sometimes.  The free version is pretty limited beyond the 500MB recovery. If you want to unlock deep scans, partition recovery, or recover large files, you’ll need to pay. That can get pricey depending on your needs. While I found Disk Drill pretty intuitive, some folks new to Windows file recovery software might find the process a bit confusing at first—especially with settings and scan options. But honestly, it’s not too bad once you get the hang of it.

From my own “virtual” experience and what I’ve gathered, using Windows file recovery software isn’t just about clicking “Recover” and hoping for the best. There are a few common pitfalls and mistakes people make that can totally mess up your chances of getting your files back. If you start saving new files or installing new programs, you might overwrite the deleted files you’re trying to recover. So, stop using that drive immediately after realizing you’ve lost stuff. The best move? Use a different drive or external storage to run the recovery.

It’s tempting to run everything on the same disk, but that’s often a mistake. Instead, install or run the Windows file recovery software from a different drive or external USB stick. This way, you prevent accidental overwriting.

The biggest mistake I see people make is not stopping use of the drive immediately after deletion. Once you realize files are gone, the clock starts ticking. The more you use that drive, the higher chance the data gets overwritten. So, act fast, stop using that drive, and start your recovery process from a different device.

Disk Drill Free is definitely one of the top contenders if you're looking for a reliable, user-friendly Windows file recovery software in 2025.

Why consider Disk Drill Free?

• Ease of Use: Its intuitive interface makes it accessible even for users without technical experience.
• Supported File Types & Devices: Can recover a wide range of file types from hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, memory cards, and more.
• Recovery Limits: The free version allows you to recover up to 500MB of data, which is usually sufficient for small to moderate recovery tasks.
• Preview Files: You can preview recoverable files before restoring, ensuring you recover only what you need.
• Partition Recovery: Supports recovering lost or deleted partitions with a straightforward process.

Is it the "best" Windows file recovery software?
Disk Drill Free is certainly among the best for its combination of ease of use, broad device support, and recovery capabilities in the free tier. For most typical scenarios, especially if your recovered data is within the 500MB limit, it performs very well.