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About PhotoRec & TestDisk

PhotoRec and TestDisk are free, open-source data-recovery tools from CGSecurity, distributed together in one download. PhotoRec recovers lost files – photos, videos, documents, archives and hundreds of other file types – even from badly damaged or reformatted drives. TestDisk repairs lost partitions and makes non-booting disks bootable again.

PhotoRec:

  • Recovers more than 480 file types
  • Works on hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, memory cards and CD-ROMs
  • Ignores the file system, so it works even when it is badly damaged or reformatted
  • Read-only: it never writes to the drive you are recovering from
  • QPhotoRec graphical interface on Windows

TestDisk:

  • Find and restore lost or deleted partitions
  • Rebuild boot sectors and repair partition tables
  • Undelete files on FAT, NTFS and ext file systems

PhotoRec and TestDisk are completely free and run on Windows, macOS and Linux.

Key features

480+ file typesPhotos, videos, documents and archives
Any storageHDD, SSD, USB drives and memory cards
Works on damaged drivesIgnores the file system
Read-onlyNever writes to the source drive
Partition repairTestDisk restores lost partitions
Graphical optionQPhotoRec on Windows
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License and price

License type
Free · open source

System requirements

Operating system
Windows, macOS, Linux

Good and keep in mind

Good

  • Completely free and open source
  • Very powerful on damaged or formatted drives
  • Partition repair included

Keep in mind

  • Recovered files lose their original names and folders
  • TestDisk uses a text interface that needs care

Frequently asked questions

Are PhotoRec and TestDisk free?
Yes. PhotoRec and TestDisk are completely free and open source.
What is the difference between PhotoRec and TestDisk?
PhotoRec recovers lost files such as photos, videos and documents. TestDisk repairs lost partitions and boot problems. Both come in the same download.
Can PhotoRec recover files from a formatted drive?
Yes. PhotoRec ignores the file system, so it can often recover files from drives that were formatted or badly damaged.
Is PhotoRec safe for my data?
Yes. PhotoRec only reads from the source drive. Always save recovered files to a different drive.
What operating systems do they support?
They run on Windows, macOS and Linux. Download them from the official CGSecurity website using the link on this page.

Other free alternatives to MiniTool Power Data Recovery - Personal Ultimate

RecuvaEveryday recovery of deleted files · WindowsFree; Recuva Professional is paid
GUIDEBest Free Data Recovery Software (Alternatives to MiniTool Power Data Recovery)The best free data-recovery software and alternatives to MiniTool Power Data Recovery: Recuva and PhotoRec/TestDisk. Recover deleted files and lost partitions for free.