3 Ways to Recover Files From Formatted Hard Drive for Free (2024 Updates)

Is it possible to recover files from formatted hard drive?

To successfully recover files from formatted hard drive, it's a good idea to know what happens when you format. When a hard drive is formatted, the operating system loses its ability to locate data on the disk. However, there is still a chance of recovery until specific drive sectors are overwritten.

There are many methods to recover files from formatted hard drives. You can use special programs, ask experts for help, or try fixing it yourself by rebuilding part of your computer. The chance of getting your data back depends on some factors. Generally, it's best to use professional recovery tools or seek advice from experts for a successful recovery. In addition, the success rate is also related to the timing; the sooner you start the recovery, the better your chances of getting all your files back.

Note:

If you realize that you've unintentionally formatted a drive you intend to recover, stop using the drive right away. This helps to stop the computer from writing over the parts that might have your data. Starting the recovery process quickly gives you the best chance to get back all your files.

It is important to note that improper or incorrect recovery procedures can lead to unintended consequences, such as the deletion of critical system files or misconfigurations that impact device functionality. To safeguard your data integrity and storage safety, it is better to use specialized software for recovering data from a formatted hard disk or seek help from experts.

How to recover files from formatted hard drive for free?

To recover data from a formatted hard drive, Windows provides free methods like using "Revert to Previous Versions" or "File History". These options provide an effective means of identifying and recovering accidentally replaced files. The process includes creating restore points that capture snapshots of your system's settings at intervals, enabling access to earlier versions of files.

Way 1. Free recover files from formatted hard drive via Previous Versions

Restoring from Previous Versions is a free solution for recovering accidentally replaced files on Windows. If you've set up restore points or enabled File History beforehand, you can retrieve earlier file versions easily. This process involves capturing periodic snapshots of your system's settings, ensuring that if a file is replaced, an earlier version may be found in these points or File History backups.

Step 1. Find the file or folder you want to recover in File Explorer. Right-click and choose "Restore Previous Versions". Then pick the right version from the list under "Previous Versions".

Step 2. Click "Restore" to recover it to its original location.

Way 2. Formatted hard drive recovery for free with File History

To recover files from formatted hard drive for free, Windows allows you to use File History to do so.

Step 1. Type "File History" in the search box and choose "Restore your files with File History" from the result.

Step 2. Next, search for the file you want to restore, confirm the file, and tap on the green "Restore" button.

Step 3. Then select "Replace the file in the destination" to begin the recovery.

Way 3. Recover formatted data from backup

If you have regularly backed up your crucial data on cloud platforms like Google Cloud/Backup (Sync), Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive, you can utilize these services for data recovery from formatted external hard drives.

▌Google Cloud:

▌OneDrive:

Is there any formatted hard drive recovery freeware?

If you find that the previously mentioned methods are not suitable for your situation, or if you haven't created a backup before, it may be time to consider using a best formatted hard drive recovery software.

When you go through ranked or tested posts, many recommendations will point to free recovery software such as Disk Drill, Recuva, and others. However, it's important to note that these tools typically offer free versions with certain limitations, such as restrictions on size, file type, or quantity. More advanced requirements may still necessitate payment of additional fees.

To effectively recover files from formatted hard drive, you can try the best formatted hard drive recovery software, AOMEI FastRecovery. This comprehensive tool boasts a high success rate in data recovery and is good at handling various data loss scenarios.

Whether you've experienced formatting, system crashes, or accidental permanent deletion, this tool facilitates easy restoration of data from storage devices like external hard drives, SSDs, HDDs, USB drives, SD cards, and more. You can free download it to have a try.

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

It is easy to recover files from formatted hard drive for free by using Previous Versions, File History, and Backup. But for data integrity and a high success rate of data recovery, it is still advisable to use AOMEI FastRecovery.

AOMEI products also offer cloning disk for backup and data transfer. Besides, you can utilize its App Mover, Allocate Free Space, Duplicate Files Finder, Delete Large Files to easily manage your programs and cluttered files, making your device clean, organized, and safe.