PhotoRec is a powerful open-source data recovery tool designed to retrieve lost files including photos, documents, videos, and archives from hard disks, memory cards, and other storage devices. Ideal for both tech-savvy users and beginners needing a no-cost recovery option.
What Is PhotoRec?
PhotoRec is a free file recovery utility that works across multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux) and specialises in recovering data from damaged or formatted storage media. Despite the name, it can recover far more than just photos — it supports over 480 file extensions across 300+ file families.
Developed by CGSecurity (the same team behind TestDisk), PhotoRec operates by ignoring the filesystem and working at the lower data layer, which increases the chances of successful recovery even if the drive is severely corrupted.
What Can PhotoRec Do?
Recover Deleted Photos & Media Files: Restore photos, videos, documents, archives, and more from memory cards, USB drives, and hard disks.
Support for Corrupted or Formatted Disks: Retrieve files from formatted or damaged drives by scanning raw data sectors.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD, and even NetBSD.
File Signature-Based Recovery: Recovers files based on signature recognition instead of relying on broken file systems.
Totally Free and Open Source: No ads, no limits, no hidden costs – completely free under the GNU General Public License.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Completely free and open source
No graphical interface (CLI-based by default)
Can recover from formatted, damaged, or corrupted media
May require some technical knowledge
Supports a huge range of file types
Raw recovery may result in unnamed or unstructured files
Lightweight and portable
Not ideal for casual users without basic CLI experience
Best Use Cases
Recovering Deleted Files from USBs & SD Cards: Especially useful for recovering media from camera cards or USB drives after accidental deletion.
Emergency Data Recovery from Crashed Hard Drives: When your computer won’t boot or your drive fails, PhotoRec can often pull files out.
Learning File Structures & Recovery Methods: Great for tech students or hobbyists exploring how data recovery works under the hood.
How to Use PhotoRec
Download PhotoRec (bundled with TestDisk) from the official CGSecurity site.
Extract the files and launch photorec (or qphotorec for GUI version on some systems).
Select the drive or partition you want to recover from.
Choose the file system type or opt for a full scan.
Set the destination folder where recovered files will be saved.
Let the scan run and check the output folder for recovered data.
Similar Tools You Might Like
TestDisk – Partition recovery tool from the same developers
If you’re new to command-line tools, try running QPhotoRec – a graphical version of PhotoRec (available for some systems). It offers the same powerful recovery features but with a more user-friendly interface.
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