Top 16 Unerase Freeware for Windows 10/11 and Mac

Home > HowTos > File Recovery Tips Updated by Amy on Sep 30, 2024 | Approved by Daryl Baxter

The digital era has brought convenience and speed to our fingertips, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of these is the accidental deletion of files. Fortunately, there are numerous free undelete tools available that can help you rescue your lost data. Here's a roundup of the top 16 unerase freeware for Windows 10/11 and Mac in 2024.

Table of contents
Part 1. What is Unerase Freeware?
Part 2. 16 Best Unerase Freeware for Windows 10/11 and Mac
Part 3. Tips for Effective Use of FreeUnerase Software
Part 4. Unerase Freeware vs. Premium Recovery Software
Part 5. FAQs

What is Unerase Freeware?

Unerase Freeware refers to free programs that allow users to recover or "unerase" files that have been accidentally deleted from their storage devices. This could range from individual files and folders to entire partitions or drives. These tools scan the storage medium for remnants of the deleted files and then reconstruct them.

They can typically recover data from various file systems, including FAT/exFAT, HFS+, Ext2/Ext3/Ext4, BtrFS, and XFS. The efficiency of these tools can vary, with some recovering files even after they've been removed from the recycle bin or after the storage device has been formatted. If you are looking for such tools to help you regain lost data, then you can check out the following 16 popular ones.

16 Best Unerase Freeware for Windows 10/11 and Mac

Accidentally deleting a file is a common mistake that can happen to anyone, and it can be frustrating to lose important files without backup. The good news is that plenty of free tools are available online to help you recover those lost files. However, we are faced with so many choices that we feel overwhelmed. That's why we have narrowed it down to the top 15 unerase freeware programs that you should consider and can be your savior in a pinch. Next, let us take a look at them!

  1. iBeesoft Free Data Recovery

    iBeesoft Free Data Recovery is valuable for anyone who wants to recover erased files. It not only has powerful retrieval capabilities but also the ability to reorganize damaged files. Its wide range of supported data formats and storage devices, combined with its user-friendly, make it a standout option in free unerase Windows 10, 11, and macOS.

    Key Features:
    The results are displayed in an easy-to-understand layout, allowing users to preview recoverable files.
    A quick scan for recently deleted items and a deep scan for hard-to-find files.
    TRIM will be automatically turned off before scanning the SSD to improve significantly the deleted file and format recovery success rate.
    Disadvantages:
    The basic version only undelete or unformat 2GB of files for free, but this is enough for most users.

    Download For WindowsDownload For Mac

  2. Active UNERASER

    Active UNERASER is a free data recovery tool that helps users find lost files from various storage devices. Despite the limitations of the free version, its special scan mode and the ability to create Disk Images make it a reliable choice for undelete in Windows 10 and 11.

    Key Features:
    You can create a Disk Image that allows users to perform recovery operations without the risk of further data loss.
    It supports recovery of RAID, Dynamic Disks, Windows Storage Spaces, and Logical Volume Managers.
    Disadvantages:
    The free unerase software for Windows doesn't support macOS.
    It cannot repair corrupted and corrupted pictures and videos.

    Free Download

  3. Recuva

    Recuva is an unerase freeware developed by Piriform, the creator of CCleaner. It allows users to save recoverable files without limit, coupled with efficient scanning capabilities, making it a reliable choice for those looking for deleted file recovery.

    Key Features:
    Users can easily navigate the unerase Windows 10/11 process, preview files before recovery, and filter results by file type.
    It also provides an option to delete files you want to erase forever securely.
    Disadvantages:
    Virtual hard drive support and automatic updates are only available in the paid Professional version.
    Only available for Windows PCs.

    Free Download

  4. TestDisk

    TestDisk is an open-source tool that provides comprehensive features to resolve non-physical damage-related issues on disk drives, such as undelete files, partition recovery, fixing partition tables, rebuilding NTFS boot sectors, etc. Despite a somewhat challenging user interface, its robust capabilities make it a reliable choice for those comfortable with command-line utilities.

    Key Features:
    It can handle many file systems, including FAT, NTFS, exFAT, ext2, ext3, ext4, and more.
    Whether you are unerase free on Windows, Windows Server, macOS, Linux, and more, it can help you.
    Disadvantages:
    It has no valuable options such as file preview, filtering, etc.
    Its command line interface is not intended for ordinary users.

    Free Download

  5. Disk Drill

    Disk Drill is a popular unerase software for Windows 10/11 and Mac. The latest version introduces the ability to recover data from RAID arrays and virtual hard disks, further enhancing its capabilities. Despite some limitations in the free version, its robust recovery capabilities make it a reliable choice.

    Key Features:
    A series of dropdown menus allow users to customize their recovery process, making it as straightforward or detailed as they need.
    It can recover many file types, including pictures, music, documents, videos, emails, etc.
    Disadvantages:
    Its paid version is the most expensive of almost all undelete tools.
    The basic version can only save 500M of recoverable files for free.

    Download For WindowsDownload For Mac

  6. Stellar Free Data Recovery

    It is a user-friendly software application that assists users in recovering various types of data, including documents, photos, audio, videos, and Outlook email files. Its comprehensive data reappear capabilities make it a popular choice for unerase freeware.

    Key Features:
    It has the ability to create a bootable USB recovery media, which is particularly useful for recovering data from crashed or unbootable systems.
    Simple user interface suitable for all users.
    Disadvantages:
    It allows users to restore up to 1 GB of lost or deleted data.
    The basic version does not provide the option to repair corrupt photos, which is a pity for users who want to undelete photos for free.

    Download For WindowsDownload For Mac

  7. Glary Undelete

    Glary Undelete is a simple yet efficient file recovery program that offers a range of features to unerase Windows 10 and 11. Despite potential limitations, its simplicity and effectiveness make it a good choice for those who have lost their data.

    Key Features:
    It has a user-friendly interface makes the recovery process straightforward, even for novice users.
    Free recovery of up to 2GB of data.
    Disadvantages:
    It is not available for users who want to unerase on Mac.
    The scanning speed is relatively slow.

    Free Download

  8. MiniTool Data Recovery Free

    MiniTool Data Recovery Free is a comprehensive file recovery tool that supports Windows and Mac. It's designed to restore erased data from various storage devices, including HDDs, SSDs, memory cards, and even Android devices. Its deep scanning capabilities make it an excellent option for unerase freeware.

    Key Features:
    It also includes a built-in partition recovery feature, which helps recover volumes lost by Windows updates, incorrect deletion, or partition table issues.
    Quickly scan specific locations to save you time.
    Disadvantages:
    It does not support WinPE bootable media.
    It can only undelete 1GB of files for free.

    Download For WindowsDownload For Mac

  9. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free

    It is an effective tool for basic undelete or unformat needs. This software has been specifically designed for various storage devices, including PCs, laptops, hard drives, and USB devices. Although the free version has feature limitations, its ease of use and recovery ability make it an ideal choice.

    Key Features:
    It allows users to filter the files they need to undelete.
    Recent updates have enhanced video recovery.
    Disadvantages:
    Even if you share it on social platforms, only 2GB of data can be recovered for free.
    Subscriptions are expensive.

    Download For WindowsDownload For Mac

  10. Puran File Recovery

    Puran File Recovery is a free recovery tool that can be used to recover deleted files in Windows 10 and 11. Its deep scanning feature enables it to find and recover files that other programs may have missed, so it is also a popular option for unerase freeware.

    Key Features:
    It is available in a portable version and can even be run in a BartPE environment.
    Powerful filtering options allow you to find deleted files quickly.
    Disadvantages:
    Only version for Windows is available.
    The interface is not very intuitive.

    Free Download

  11. Restoration

    Restoration is a free tool designed to help users undelete files on Windows PCs. Developed by Brian Kato, this lightweight software can be run from a floppy disk, making it a valuable tool for those with basic unerase free needs.

    Key Features:
    It offers a portable version to minimize the possibility of data overwriting.
    The software provides a straightforward user interface, making recovery easy for users of all skill levels.
    Disadvantages:
    Recovering large files, such as videos, archives, etc., is more challenging.
    It doesn't support newer file systems such as exFAT.

    Free Download

  12. FreeUndelete

    FreeUndelete is a freeware program that is designed to restore files from NTFS and FAT32 drives. While it may offer fewer features than more advanced tools, its ease of use and compatibility with common file types makes it a handy option for basic unerase Windows 11/10/8/7 tasks.

    Key Features:
    It can be installed on a thumb drive so that you can unerase free anywhere.
    There are no hidden fees and no ad-padding.
    Disadvantages:
    Support for individual user customers is limited.
    The found file cannot be previewed.

    Free Download

  13. IObit Undelete

    It's a straightforward solution for restoring documents, graphics, videos, emails, and other files that have been accidentally or intentionally removed. The unerase freeware has an enhanced scan engine that can detect more lost items. Its user-friendly interface makes it an option for any user with file recovery needs.

    Key Features:
    You can filter file types to speed up the scanning process.
    The free data recovery software for Windows 10 and 11 supports various storage devices, such as disks, flash drives, SD cards, etc.
    Disadvantages:
    It does not have file repair capabilities.
    There is no unerase version for Mac.

    Free Download

  14. TOKIWA Data Recovery

    It is a freeware tool developed to recover erased files in Windows 10 and 11, even those removed from the recycle bin. This lightweight software requires no installation and can be used on various storage devices. Its simplicity and portability make it a handy option for different unerase needs.

    Key Features:
    It supports the recovery of compressed and encrypted files, adding to its versatility.
    Disadvantages:
    Outdated user interface
    No preview option

    Free Download

  15. UnDeleteMyFiles Pro

    This software is free to use and can be a lifesaver in situations where vital data has been lost due to accidental deletion. UnDeleteMyFiles Pro offers a two-step process for finding and recovering deleted media and digital devices. This simplified process makes it easier for users to navigate and get their files.

    Key Features:
    Its simplicity makes it user-friendly to unerase Windows 10 and other systems.
    Dedicated filters that allow you to find specific information.
    Disadvantages:
    The process of data extraction can be lengthy.
    Its performance might not meet expectations.

    Free Download

  16. Paragon Rescue Kit

    Paragon Rescue Kit is a comprehensive set of tools designed to tackle system problems and recover erased data. Its feature diversity and cross-platform compatibility make it an excellent choice to solve most file loss and system problems. For Mac users, Paragon introduced a new version of Rescue Kit that allows for easy and efficient restoration of the system or files.

    Key Features:
    It provides an easy-to-use guide that helps users through the recovery process.
    It allows users to create recovery media, which can be very useful in case of system problems.
    Disadvantages:
    Its data rescue capabilities could not be accurate enough compared to professional erase freeware.
    Lack of useful filters to help users locate lost files faster.

    Free Download

Remember, while these tools can be a lifesaver, they're not foolproof. Next, you can use the following tips to make the entire undelete process better.

Tips for Effective Use of FreeUnerase Software

To ensure that you can unerase Windows 11/10 and macOS successfully, there are a few tips you can follow. These include:

In most cases, free unerase software for Windows 10/11 and Mac can rescue your lost data, but it also has certain limitations. To do this, you can compare it with paid tools to make the best choice.

Unerase Freeware vs. Premium Recovery Software

When it comes to undelete, both freeware and premium software have their advantages and disadvantages. Here's how they compare:

Unerase Freeware:

Premium Recovery Software:

In conclusion, the choice between unerase freeware and premium recovery software depends on your specific needs, budget, and the complexity of the data recovery task.

FAQs

Conclusion

Unerase freeware offers many solutions when it comes to retrieving erased files. Our top 16 list caters to all your data recovery needs, regardless of situation or file format. Whether you’re looking to recover lost photos, videos, or documents, these software tools will help you regain your data. Remember, when files are deleted, they’re not gone forever. With the right free unerase software, deleted data can be restored successfully.