How to Recover Files Formatted Hard Drive [2024 Steps]

Why need to format a hard drive?

Formatting a disk has many uses and is required in different scenarios. When a disk format is initiated, the operating system deletes all bookkeeping data associated with the disk. At the same time, it performs a thorough inspection to verify the reliability of each sector, identify and mark any defective sectors, and build an internal address table that is critical for future information retrieval. Essentially, disk formatting is a prerequisite for its usability.

In fact, this process can be beneficial in a variety of situations:

✍ If you are leaving or giving away your computer, prudent steps include formatting the hard drive first to ensure complete deletion of your personal data.

✍ When you choose to upgrade to a new drive, you can format the previous drive and repurpose it as additional storage space.

✍ Adopting a new computer system or device requires formatting the disk to ensure seamless compatibility.

✍ If you are facing hard drive corruption issue, performing a format may be a viable solution to resolve the issue.

It must be admitted that formatting a hard drive will result in the irreversible loss of all data stored on the drive. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully back up all critical information before starting the formatting process.

Can a hard drive be recovered after formatting?

In fact, the short answer is yes – it is possible to recover files from formatted hard drive free Windows 11 by using specialized data recovery software. The act of formatting a hard drive requires deleting all pre-existing files and data on the disk.

However, it's important to understand that this process does not require the information to be completely overwritten or deleted. Instead, it reorganizes the location of the data so that it is in a state consistent with the read capabilities of most data recovery tools.

The success of data recovery after formatting a hard drive depends on the following factors:

★ HDD formatting type: The type of formatting adopted can significantly affect the recovery results. Certain formats may produce more favorable results, and regular backup of critical information can enhance the likelihood of recovering files lost during formatting.

★ Methods to recover data from formatted disk: The recovery method depends on the specific situation. You can use various tools and techniques such as specialized data recovery software, seek professional data recovery services, or perform personal recovery by rebuilding the partition table on your hard drive. The diverse selection caters to the nuances of every situation.

How to recover files from formatted hard drive?

The challenge of recovering formatted disk without backup arises when users neglect to back up data before disk formatting. AOMEI FastRecovery provides a powerful solution for Windows users who want to recover data from formatted hard drive.

The capabilities of this software are not limited to formatting hard drives, but it excels in various data recovery scenarios. It expertly handles situations like recovering data from formatted SD card, recovering items from Recycle Bin, and retrieving deleted files across operating systems like Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

Backed by continuous research and development in the field of data recovery, AOMEI's software has become the preferred software for users around the world to deal with deleted, formatted or inaccessible data. Its reputation rests on being a top-notch data recovery program, known for its user-friendly interface, fast deep scan capabilities, impressive data recovery success rates, and responsive customer support.

Let's see how to recover files from formatted hard drive using AOMEI FastRecovery:

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI FastRecovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your data lost and click Scan.

Step 2. Then, the recovery tool start to scan and search. lt will execute the “Quickly Scan" first for finding your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching other lost data.

Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted files, recycle bins and other missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".

Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.

Step 5. Wait patiently for this process of recovering ends.

Conclusion 

Sometimes, opting for formatting proves to be the fastest and most effective way to resolve various file system issues. However, this practice will cause the hard drive to be completely erased. But don’t worry, you can refer to this article that focuses on how to recover files from formatted hard drive if you find your formatted disk contains important files.