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PhotoRec

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What is PhotoRec?

PhotoRec is a free, open-source data recovery utility distributed under the GNU General Public License by CGSecurity, the same team behind the TestDisk partition recovery tool. Rather than relying on a file system's index, PhotoRec ignores the file system entirely and searches storage media directly for known file headers, a technique called data carving, which lets it recover files even from severely damaged or reformatted drives.

It recognizes more than 480 file extensions across roughly 300 file families, including documents, archives, photos and videos, and it always operates in read-only mode on the source media to avoid further damage. PhotoRec runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD and Solaris, though it does not preserve original file names or folder structure.

Key Features of PhotoRec

Here are the powerful features that make PhotoRec stand out from the competition. Packed with innovative tools and advanced functionalities, this software offers a range of benefits.

  • Free and open source under GPL v2+
  • Signature-based data carving recovery
  • Recovers 480+ file extensions across ~300 file families
  • Works even on severely damaged or reformatted file systems
  • Read-only scanning to protect source media
  • Recovers from hard disks, SSDs, USB drives, memory cards and CD-ROMs
  • Supports FAT, NTFS, exFAT, ext and HFS+ file systems
  • Bundled alongside TestDisk partition recovery tool
  • Runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD and Solaris

PhotoRec Pricing

Here are the pricing plans for PhotoRec. Choose the plan that best fits your requirements and budget.

Free / Open Source

Free

None

Free Trial

Fully functional, no paid tiers exist

PhotoRec Specifications

Get a closer look at the technical specifications and system requirements for PhotoRec. Find out if it's compatible with your operating system and other software.

Software Tagline :
Free, open-source, cross-platform file carving tool for recovering lost files by signature.
Deployment :
  • on premises
Subscription Plan :
onetime
Desktop Platforms :
  • windows
  • macos
Mobile Platforms :
Language Support :
english
Target Audience :
  • freelancers
  • smes
Available Support :
  • email
Integrations :
TestDisk
Product Url :
https://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/PhotoRec
API Available :
No
Free Trial Available :
No
Run On Mobile Browser :
No
Free Plan Available :
Yes
Customization Available :
Yes

PhotoRec Videos

PhotoRec Screenshots

Overall PhotoRec Reviews

Here's our unbiased review of PhotoRec. Discover how our team of experts rates its features, ease of use, customer support, and other aspects that contribute to its overall appeal.

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PhotoRec Pros and Cons

PhotoRec FAQs

Yes, it is completely free and open source, with no paid tiers or subscriptions.

No, because it recovers files by signature rather than reading the file system, original names and folder structure are usually lost.

Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD and Solaris.

Yes, it scans the source media in read-only mode and writes recovered files to a separate destination.

The core tool is command-line based, though third-party GUIs such as QPhotoRec exist.