How to recover data from hard disk after format in windows 10?

Data recovery after formatting a hard disk in Windows 10 can be a complex but possible task.

I. Basics of Data Recovery after Formatting

A. What Happens When a Hard Disk is Formatted?

When you format a hard disk in Windows 10. the file system structure is rewritten. For example, in the NTFS (New Technology File System) used by Windows, the Master File Table (MFT) is re – initialized. The MFT is like a database that stores information about files and directories such as file names, sizes, timestamps, and the physical location of the data on the disk. Formatting doesn’t usually erase the actual data content on the disk immediately. Instead, it just marks the space as available for new data to be written over it.

B. Chances of Successful Data Recovery

The likelihood of successful data recovery depends on several factors. If no new data has been written to the disk after formatting, the chances are relatively high. However, if the disk has been used extensively and new files have been created, saved, or modified, the original data may have been overwritten, making recovery more difficult or even impossible. For example, if you formatted a hard drive and then immediately realized your mistake and stopped using the drive, the probability of getting your data back is much better than if you continued to use the drive for a week after formatting.

II. Tools for Data Recovery

A. Windows Built – in Tools

Previous Versions: Windows 10 has a feature called “Previous Versions” which can sometimes be used to restore files after a format. This feature works by taking snapshots of files and folders at different times. To access it, right – click on the folder where you want to recover files and select “Restore previous versions”. However, this option is only available if the system was configured to create restore points and backups, and it may not work in all cases of formatting.

File History: File History is another Windows 10 feature that can be helpful. It continuously backs up versions of your files to an external drive or a network location. If you had File History enabled before formatting the hard disk, you can use it to restore your files. To access File History, go to the “Control Panel”, then “System and Security”, and then “File History”.

B. Third – Party Data Recovery Software

Panda Assistant is a comprehensive data recovery software designed to effortlessly recover lost or deleted files from various storage devices. Whether you’ve experienced an accidental deletion, a system crash, or a corrupted drive, Panda Assistant offers an intuitive solution to retrieve your important data. The software supports a wide range of devices, including hard drives, external drives, USB flash drives, SD cards, and memory cards, ensuring versatility across different storage formats.

What sets Panda Assistant apart is its user-friendly interface, making data recovery accessible even to users without technical expertise. Its powerful scanning algorithms dive deep into storage devices, identifying recoverable files with precision. It also provides a real-time preview of files, allowing users to quickly identify the data they need to recover.

Beyond simple file retrieval, Panda Assistant excels in handling more complex data loss situations, such as recovering files from damaged or formatted drives. It includes advanced features like partition recovery and file repair, offering a comprehensive solution to a variety of data loss scenarios. Furthermore, Panda Assistant ensures your data’s safety by allowing for quick backups, giving you an added layer of protection against future issues.

III. Steps to Recover Data Using Third – Party Software

A. Download and Install the Software

Before downloading any third – party software, make sure it is from a reputable source. For example, for Panda Assistant, you can download it directly from the official website. After downloading, follow the installation instructions provided. During installation, be careful to choose the correct options, such as the installation location and any additional components you may want to install.

B. Launch the Software and Select the Formatted Drive

Once the software is installed, launch it. In the case of Panda Assistant, when you first open it, it will ask you what type of file you want to recover (e.g., pictures, documents, music). Then, you need to select the formatted hard disk as the target drive for the recovery process. The software will usually display a list of available drives on your computer, and you can identify the formatted drive by its size, label, or other characteristics.

C. Scan the Drive

After selecting the drive, start the scan. The software will use different algorithms to search for recoverable files. A quick scan may find recently deleted files, while a deep – scan (if available) will take more time but can potentially find older or more hidden files. For example, Recuva’s deep – scan option searches for file signatures and fragments that may have been left on the disk after formatting.

During the scan, you may see a progress bar and an estimate of the time remaining. The actual time it takes to complete the scan depends on the size of the drive and the amount of data that was on it before formatting.

D. Preview and Recover Files

Once the scan is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files. You can preview the files to make sure they are the ones you want to recover. For example, if it’s a document, you may be able to see a preview of the text content. Then, select the files you want to recover and choose a location to save them. It’s important to save the recovered files to a different drive than the one you are recovering from to avoid overwriting any data.

IV. Precautions and Considerations

A. Avoid Using the Formatted Drive

As soon as you realize you need to recover data from a formatted drive, stop using it immediately. Every time you write new data to the drive, you increase the risk of overwriting the original data you want to recover. For example, if you save a new file on the formatted drive, the system may allocate space that was previously occupied by the data you’re trying to retrieve.

B. Backup Your Recovered Data

Once you have successfully recovered your data, make sure to back it up immediately. You can use an external hard drive, a cloud storage service like OneDrive or Dropbox, or a network – attached storage (NAS) device. This way, you won’t have to worry about losing the data again in case of another accident or problem.

C. Data Integrity and Verification

After recovering the data, it’s a good idea to check the integrity of the files. For example, if you recovered a video file, play it to make sure it’s not corrupted. For documents, open them and check for any errors or missing content. Some data recovery software may have built – in verification tools, but it’s always a good practice to double – check the files yourself.