Five Lost-Partition Tools Checked · July 2026

Best Partition Recovery Software for Lost Partitions

A missing partition does not always mean the files are gone. These tools take different routes, from safely copying files out to rewriting the partition table itself.

By Beginrescueend Notes Editorial Team Published · Updated
Download Disk Drill Free Compare all 5
⚡ TL;DR · Quick answer

Disk Drill is the best overall partition recovery software for most home users because it combines lost-partition scanning, file previews, plus byte-to-byte backups in a clean interface. Choose DMDE or TestDisk instead if you specifically need to restore a partition-table entry rather than copy the files to safety.

★ Best overall
1

Disk Drill

9.2/10

Best for: Home users who need to pull files from a deleted, formatted, or missing partition without learning a technical recovery interface

  • Clear device-level scanning workflow
  • Lost Partition Search for missing volumes
  • Byte-to-byte disk backups included
  • Useful previews before buying PRO
Read full review Visit Site →
2

DMDE

8.9/10

Best for: Experienced users who can inspect volume boundaries before restoring a deleted partition entry

  • Can restore detected partition entries
  • Excellent view of volume boundaries
  • Free recovery allowance is genuinely useful
  • Runs on several desktop operating systems plus DOS
Visit Site →
3

R-Studio

8.7/10

Best for: Technicians handling damaged filesystems, unusual disk layouts, virtual disks, or network recovery

  • Broad filesystem support
  • Detailed control over scan ranges
  • Built-in disk imaging plus hex tools
  • Works with local, virtual, plus network disks
Visit Site →

Best Lost Partition Recovery Software Compared

This table compares the five tools on two details that matter during a missing-volume recovery: whether they search for lost partitions plus whether they can image the source disk first. Prices reflect the listed entry point or practical personal license. Scores are editorial judgments based on workflow, capability, safety, plus value, not a laboratory recovery-rate benchmark.

Tool Lost Partition Search Disk Imaging Price Score
1. Disk Drill PICK ● Yes ● Yes $89/yr 9.2/10
2. DMDE ● Yes ● Yes $48 one-time 8.9/10
3. R-Studio ● Yes ● Yes From $49.99 8.7/10
4. UFS Explorer Standard Recovery ● Yes ● Yes $69.95 one-time 8.5/10
5. TestDisk ● Yes ● No Free 8.1/10

The 5 Best Partition Recovery Software Tools Reviewed

01

Disk Drill

Windows / macOS · CleverFiles

9.2/10

Disk Drill earned first place because it makes a stressful job unusually easy to follow. Its device-level scan can locate data from a partition that vanished after formatting, repartitioning, or a damaged partition map. Results remain organized by source where metadata survives, while previews help confirm that important files are usable before payment.

The free Basic edition can run the full scan, save the session, create a byte-to-byte backup, plus preview recoverable files. Windows users may restore up to 100 MB free. Most lost-partition jobs require PRO, priced at $89 per year or $149 for a lifetime license covering Windows plus macOS on up to three devices.

Disk Drill recovers files from a lost partition rather than directly rewriting the partition table. That is often the safer route for nontechnical users. TestDisk or DMDE offers more direct partition repair controls, though either can cause trouble if the wrong structure is written back to disk.

Best forHome users who need to pull files from a deleted, formatted, or missing partition without learning a technical recovery interface

Standout featureLost Partition Search combines filesystem scans, file signatures, previews, plus byte-to-byte backup in one approachable workflow
Disk Drill Pros
  • Clear device-level scanning workflow
  • Lost Partition Search for missing volumes
  • Byte-to-byte disk backups included
  • Useful previews before buying PRO
  • One PRO license covers Windows plus macOS
Disk Drill Cons
  • Unlimited recovery requires a paid license
  • No direct partition-table restoration workflow
  • Lifetime license costs more than several technical rivals
Basic $0 Full scanning plus previews; Windows recovery limited to 100 MB
PRO Annual $89/yr Unlimited recovery on up to three devices
PRO Lifetime $149 Unlimited recovery plus future upgrades
Recommended Data Recovery Software ↗ Download Disk Drill
Read our full Disk Drill review
02

DMDE

Windows / macOS / Linux / DOS · DMDE Software

8.9/10

DMDE is the strongest choice here when the goal is to restore a partition entry, not merely copy files out of a missing volume. Its Full Scan can locate old filesystem structures, while the Partitions window exposes start sectors, volume sizes, boot records, plus overlapping entries. That detail is helpful when a disk suddenly appears unallocated.

The interface assumes that you understand what those numbers mean. A wrong write can make the layout harder to untangle, so inspect files first, save results elsewhere, then alter the partition map only when the detected boundaries make sense. The free edition can recover up to 4,000 files from a selected directory per request.

DMDE also has unusually fair pricing. Express costs $20 for one year, while the $48 Standard license is perpetual for one operating-system family. It is less comfortable than Disk Drill, but its low-level controls are far better suited to deliberate partition restoration.

Best forExperienced users who can inspect volume boundaries before restoring a deleted partition entry

Standout featureA partition editor can insert a correctly detected lost volume back into the partition table
DMDE Pros
  • Can restore detected partition entries
  • Excellent view of volume boundaries
  • Free recovery allowance is genuinely useful
  • Runs on several desktop operating systems plus DOS
  • Low perpetual-license price
DMDE Cons
  • Dense interface takes time to understand
  • Partition-table writes carry real risk
  • Express license is limited to one year
Free $0 Up to 4,000 files from one selected directory per request
Express $20/yr Personal bulk-folder recovery for one OS family
Standard $48 Perpetual license with lifetime updates
Get DMDE
03

R-Studio

Windows / macOS / Linux · R-Tools Technology

8.7/10

R-Studio treats a lost partition as part of a broader disk-reconstruction problem. It can scan an entire physical disk, find recognized partitions at old offsets, parse damaged filesystem records, then fall back to raw file signatures where metadata is gone. Scan regions can be narrowed when the approximate partition location is known.

Its breadth is the reason to choose it, though the interface presents a lot at once. Device objects, recognized volumes, scan information, file trees, hex data, plus recovery settings all compete for attention. That is useful for a technician, less so for someone trying to rescue a vacation-photo drive at midnight.

Pricing starts at $49.99, but lower-cost editions may restrict filesystem coverage. Check that the selected license supports the filesystem on the missing partition. The full R-Studio edition is the sensible comparison point for mixed NTFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext, ReFS, or UFS work.

Best forTechnicians handling damaged filesystems, unusual disk layouts, virtual disks, or network recovery

Standout featureFine-grained scan regions plus a hex editor expose more control than beginner-focused recovery apps
R-Studio Pros
  • Broad filesystem support
  • Detailed control over scan ranges
  • Built-in disk imaging plus hex tools
  • Works with local, virtual, plus network disks
  • Strong choice for complex logical damage
R-Studio Cons
  • Busy interface can overwhelm first-time users
  • Cheaper editions have narrower filesystem support
  • License selection requires careful reading
Entry License From $49.99 Filesystem support depends on the edition selected
Visit R-Studio
04

UFS Explorer Standard Recovery

Windows / macOS / Linux · SysDev Laboratories

8.5/10

UFS Explorer Standard Recovery fits lost partitions on drives that have moved between operating systems. It recognizes more than 15 filesystems, including NTFS, APFS, Ext4, Btrfs, ZFS, XFS, FAT, plus UFS. It can also open common virtual-disk formats without booting the original virtual machine.

The built-in disk imager is a practical advantage if the source reads slowly or reports bad sectors. Imaging first reduces repeated contact with the original drive. The software runs read-only against source storage during recovery, though recovered files still need a separate destination.

The free trial allows unrestricted scanning, previewing, plus disk imaging. Saved files are limited to 256 KB, so it works mainly as a verification tool. A personal Standard Recovery license starts at $69.95 for one operating-system platform.

Best forUsers recovering a single disk that may contain Linux, Windows, Mac, encrypted, or virtual-machine volumes

Standout featureWide filesystem coverage is paired with a configurable imager built for unstable storage
UFS Explorer Standard Recovery Pros
  • Strong Windows, Mac, plus Linux filesystem coverage
  • Advanced imaging tool included in the trial
  • Read-only recovery workflow
  • Handles encrypted volumes in supported configurations
  • Perpetual personal license
UFS Explorer Standard Recovery Cons
  • Trial only saves files up to 256 KB
  • License applies to one operating-system platform
  • Interface has more technical detail than Disk Drill
Trial $0 Unlimited scans plus previews; saves files up to 256 KB
Personal $69.95 Perpetual Standard Recovery license for one platform
Commercial $139.95 Perpetual Standard Recovery license for one platform
Try UFS Explorer
05

TestDisk

Windows / macOS / Linux / BSD / DOS · CGSecurity

8.1/10

TestDisk is the only completely free tool in this list built specifically around lost-partition recovery. Its Analyse workflow reads the current partition table, runs Quick Search, then offers Deeper Search when the first pass misses a volume. You can list files inside many detected partitions before writing any change.

That preview step matters. TestDisk can alter the partition table, restore an NTFS or FAT boot sector from its backup, rebuild certain boot sectors, plus locate alternate Ext superblocks. Those actions may restore normal access quickly, though choosing a false match can worsen the disk layout.

There is no purchase gate, recovery quota, or subscription. The tradeoff is a keyboard-driven text interface with terminology that expects some knowledge of GPT, MBR, filesystems, plus partition boundaries. It also lacks a built-in general-purpose disk-imaging workflow, so clone a questionable drive with a suitable imaging utility first.

Best forConfident users who need a no-cost tool to rebuild partition-table entries or repair supported boot sectors

Standout featureIt can write discovered partitions back to MBR or GPT layouts without a paid license
TestDisk Pros
  • Completely free plus open source
  • Purpose-built lost-partition search
  • Can restore partition-table entries
  • Lists files before committing changes
  • Supports many partition maps plus filesystems
TestDisk Cons
  • Text interface is intimidating
  • A mistaken write can damage the disk layout
  • No built-in general-purpose disk imager
Open Source $0 No recovery limits or paid edition
Open TestDisk

How We Evaluated Partition Recovery Software for Lost Volumes

We reviewed each tool against common logical-loss situations: an accidentally deleted partition, a volume shown as unallocated, a damaged boot record, plus a reformatted disk. The evaluation focused on whole-device scanning, recognition of old volume boundaries, filesystem coverage, file previews, source-disk imaging, safe read-only behavior, plus the clarity of the recovery workflow.

Scores do not claim a universal recovery percentage. Results vary with overwritten sectors, SSD TRIM, filesystem damage, encryption, plus drive health. We gave more weight to tools that let a user verify real files before payment or before writing any structural change to the disk.

How to Choose Partition Recovery Software for a Missing Volume

First decide what you mean by recovery. If you only need the files, use a tool that scans the physical disk, previews results, then copies them to separate storage. This is usually safer than writing a partition entry back. Disk Drill fits that route, while R-Studio plus UFS Explorer add deeper controls for technical layouts.

If the disk is healthy plus the partition was simply deleted, DMDE or TestDisk may restore the original entry. Confirm the start sector, end sector, filesystem, plus directory listing before making a write. For a slow or unstable drive, imaging support matters more than interface polish.

Common Lost Partition Recovery Mistakes to Avoid

Initializing an unallocated disk is not a harmless setup step. Neither is formatting it so Windows or macOS can assign a usable volume. Both actions write new structures that may replace evidence of the old partition. Running CHKDSK, First Aid, or another repair utility can also change filesystem metadata before the files are secured.

Another common mistake is scanning a physically failing drive for hours. If the disk stalls, clicks, disappears, or reports read errors, repeated scans may reduce the remaining recovery window. Create a sector-level image with a fault-tolerant tool or stop for professional help. Never install recovery software on the affected partition.

Which Lost Partition Recovery Tool Should You Use?

Disk Drill is the best starting point for most people because it finds files from missing volumes without making the recovery process feel like partition surgery. Its previews plus byte-to-byte backup tool also let you check the situation before paying or touching the original layout.

DMDE is better when you understand partition boundaries plus want direct repair controls. R-Studio or UFS Explorer makes more sense for unusual filesystems, virtual disks, or technical cases. TestDisk remains a capable free choice, provided you are comfortable reviewing every proposed partition before writing changes.

Top pick Disk Drill
Image the affected disk first, scan the image with two shortlisted tools, then compare previews of several important files before buying a license or changing the partition table.

Partition Recovery Software Questions Answered

What is the best partition recovery software for a deleted or lost partition on Windows?
For most Windows users, the best choice is usually a tool that can quickly scan for lost partitions, preview recoverable files, and restore the partition table without rewriting healthy data. Look for support for GPT, MBR, NTFS, exFAT, FAT32, plus a read-only scan mode before recovery.
How do I recover a lost partition without formatting the drive?
Start by stopping any writes to that disk right away, then use partition recovery software to perform a full scan for deleted or missing volumes. If the software finds the old partition layout, restore it instead of formatting, then boot or mount the drive again.
Can partition recovery software bring back files after a partition was deleted?
Yes, many tools can recover both the partition entry itself plus the files inside it. If the partition table is too damaged, file-level recovery may still work even when the original volume cannot be restored cleanly.
Is partition recovery better than data recovery for a lost drive?
Partition recovery is better when the partition still exists on disk but is missing from Windows Disk Management or File Explorer. Data recovery is the fallback when the partition metadata is gone or the volume was overwritten.
What should I check before using partition recovery software?
Confirm the drive is detected in BIOS, Disk Management, or your storage controller before you scan. If the disk makes clicking noises, disappears randomly, or shows severe hardware errors, clone it first or send it to a recovery lab.
Does partition recovery software work on external USB drives?
Yes, most good tools can scan external HDDs, SSDs, SD cards, plus USB flash drives. Make sure the device stays connected during the full scan, since disconnecting it can interrupt recovery.
Which is better for lost partitions, free software or paid software?
Free tools are fine for basic scans, but paid versions usually give you deeper partition search, preview features, plus actual restore options. If the partition holds important work files, the extra recovery features are usually worth it.
How can I tell if a lost partition is actually recoverable?
A partition is more likely recoverable if the drive shows the old size, the partition was deleted recently, or the disk was not reused after the loss. If the scan shows the original file system plus familiar folder names, your chances are much better.
What file systems should the best partition recovery software support?
At minimum, it should handle NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, plus common Linux file systems like ext4 if you work across multiple operating systems. Support for GPT partitions matters too, since many modern PCs use it by default.
Can I recover a lost partition from a crashed Windows PC?
Yes, if the drive itself is still readable, you can connect it to another PC or boot from recovery media and scan it there. The key is to avoid installing Windows on that same drive until the data is safe.
What is the safest way to use partition recovery software on an SSD?
Use a tool that scans read-only first, then recover to a separate drive. If TRIM has already cleared the deleted blocks, full partition recovery may not work, so act quickly after the loss.
How long does it take to scan a lost partition?
It depends on drive size, speed, plus how much corruption is present. A quick scan might finish in minutes, while a deep scan on a multi-terabyte disk can take much longer.
Can partition recovery software fix a RAW partition?
Often, yes, especially when the file system metadata is damaged but the partition still exists. A good tool may rebuild the partition entry or help you copy files out before you attempt a repair.
What are good alternatives if partition recovery software fails?
If the partition is too damaged, try cloning the disk, then run file recovery on the clone instead. For drives with physical damage or repeated read errors, a professional recovery service is the safer option.
How much does the best partition recovery software usually cost?
Prices vary by license type, with some tools sold as one-time purchases while others use yearly subscriptions. The right choice depends on whether you need a single recovery now or ongoing support for multiple drives.
Download Disk Drill Free Scan · #1 Pick