Piriform Recuva for Windows: Review

As the name suggests, Recuva is developed to recover the data which is deleted. Actually, when the files are deleted, they are not directly removed from the hard drive and they remain there until some new file overwrites them. So, Recuva takes advantage of this fact.

Recuva is a free software that helps you to get back your important data if you have deleted the files mistakenly and also emptied the Recycle Bin.

Also, Recuva helps you to recover the deleted E-mails. It helps to recover the data on HDD and removable media for Windows XP and Windows 7 or more. This software performs the scanning of the space on a drive and then finds the possible file types.

What is Recuva?

Recuva is a user-friendly data recovery tool that helps users retrieve lost or deleted files from hard drives, memory cards, USB sticks, and virtually any form of storage media.

One of its key selling points is its ability to recover files from damaged or newly formatted drives, giving a lifeline in scenarios that often lead to data loss.

Key Features of Recuva

1. Wide Range of File Recovery

Recuva supports the recovery of numerous file types including pictures, music, documents, videos, emails, and more, from any rewritable media you have.

2. Advanced Deep Scan Mode

The software’s deep scan feature sifts through your storage media to find traces of files you have deleted.

3. Secure Deletion Tools

For those who not only want to retrieve files but also securely delete them, Recuva offers advanced deletion options that ensure your files are wiped for good.

4. Simple User Interface

Recuva features a simple, intuitive user interface that is accessible to users of all tech levels, making the process of file recovery as smooth as possible.

5. Preview Screen Before Final Recovery

Users can view recoverable files before making the final decision to restore them, providing an additional layer of assurance and control.

How Recuva Works

Recuva accesses the bits of data that remain on your drive after files have been deleted. When a file is deleted, it is not immediately removed from the physical drive and remains recoverable until new data overwrites it.

Recuva scans the drive to locate any traces of the deleted files and restores them to a user-selected location, ensuring that the recovery process does not overwrite other deleted files that you may want to recover.

Recuva Versions- Free and Pro

Recuva Free

• there is no limit on the amount of data you can recover
• perform the scanning of the deleted files
• there is no technical support for the free version

Downloading the Recuva

You can Download the Recuva free or pro version from the link: https://www.ccleaner.com/recuva.The pro version cost will be around Rs 1500.

Features of Recuva

• Recuva is very easy to use. Beginner users can choose the file types they want to recover as the Wizard Mode is very handy. Also, you can speed up the process by limiting the search such as choosing the image files. Advanced mode has the feature of manual recovery settings.
• There are color markers in the scanning results which shows how good the recovery chances are.
• If in case, Basic scan fails to search for the deleted files then you can switch to Deep scan and then the chances to find the file are more. Also, if you want to recover data on the formatted disk or corrupt data then Deep scan feature is helpful.
• Recuva software also recovers all the information about the file location and other metadata (like date of the picture or the size of the file).

Data Types which you can Recover

• Word and Excel Documents, Text Notes.
• E-mail data from Mozilla Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Outlook Express.
• Pictures and Videos deleted from the device internal memory.
• Files stored on HDD and SSD.

Recovery Cases

• For recovering files from the internal memory of an Android device, Recuva software can be used. Actually, this software creates an image of your device internal memory and is able to handle a connected disk like an SD card.
• Also, helps to recover those files which are deleted from the Recycle Bin.
• Recovering the data from the memory stick or hard drive.
• This software also handles removable media like USB Flash Drives and SD Cards.
• Recovering files to a specific location and in a specific format.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Recuva

Step 1: Download and Install Recuva

1. Visit the Official Piriform Website: Download Recuva from Piriform’s official website to ensure you’re getting the software without any bundled unwanted programs.
2. Install the Software: Follow the on-screen instructions to install Recuva on your computer.

Step 2: Launch Recuva and Start the Wizard

1. Open Recuva: Launch the program and start the Recuva Wizard to guide you through the recovery process.
2. Choose the File Type: Select the type of files you are trying to recover (e.g., Photos, Documents).

Step 3: Select the File Location

1. Specify the Location: Indicate where the files were deleted from, such as a specific drive, the Recycle Bin, or a specific location.

Step 4: Initiate the Scan

1. Start the Scan: Allow Recuva to scan the selected location. Use the Deep Scan mode if the initial scan doesn’t find your files.

Step 5: Recover Your Files

1. Select Files to Recover: After the scan completes, select the files you wish to recover.
2. Choose a Recovery Destination: Save the recovered files to a different drive than the one from which you are recovering to avoid data overwriting.

Conclusion

Thus, Recuva software is very easy to use and you will be able to recover your deleted files. Also, in this software, there is no limit on data to recover.

FAQs

Is Recuva free?

Yes, Recuva offers a free version with essential features, and there is also a professional version available that includes additional features like virtual hard drive support and automatic updates.

Can Recuva recover data from a formatted drive?

Yes, Recuva can recover files from formatted or damaged drives, although the success rate depends on whether the data has been overwritten.

How safe is it to use Recuva?

Recuva is safe to use; it does not contain any spyware or adware. However, recovering files to the same drive where they were deleted can overwrite other deleted files, reducing the chances of recovery.