DiskDigger

What DiskDigger is

DiskDigger recovers deleted files from computer-readable storage, including hard drives, USB flash drives, memory cards, CDs, DVDs, floppy disks, and supported virtual or raw disk images. Its scan combines filesystem-based recovery with free-space carving. Listed file systems include FAT, FAT32, NTFS, exFAT, ReFS, ext4, and HFS+. Recoverable items can appear in lists or thumbnail views, with previews for images, documents, some audio files, and ZIP archives.

On Windows, scanning and previewing are free, but saving recovered files requires a personal license. Commercial use requires a commercial license. Linux use is free, while Linux and macOS support is experimental and available in beta builds. The Android free version recovers photos and videos; recovering videos requires a rooted device. Android Pro adds support for other file types and FTP uploads, along with more efficient deletion and wiping. Root access is required to recover non-photo files on Android. The app can also send recovered files to other apps, including email and cloud storage, or upload them to FTP. The maker says the app sends no analytics or telemetry and connects online only for optional license checks or update checks. Desktop pricing is listed as $19.99 a month and $14.99, paid once; the latter license expires with the next major release.

Who it suits

DiskDigger suits people trying to recover deleted files from desktop storage, removable media, or supported disk images, with file previews available before recovery. Android users can recover photos and videos free, while those needing other file types can consider Pro if their device is rooted.

Limits

Windows users can scan and preview for free, but saving recovered files requires a personal license. Android's free version covers photos and videos, with root required for video recovery; other file types are available in Pro and require root. Free-space carving cannot recover fragmented files, and overwritten contents may be unrecoverable.

Getting started

1. Visit the DiskDigger website.
2. Choose the Windows, Linux, macOS, or Android version for your device.
3. On Windows, scan and preview for free, then purchase a personal license to save recovered files.
4. On Android, use the free version for photos and videos; root the device for video recovery.
5. Use Android Pro for other file types or FTP uploads; root access is needed for non-photo recovery.

Verdict

Choose DiskDigger when you need deleted-file recovery across supported computer storage or want Android photo and video recovery. Linux use is free, while Windows recovery requires a license to save files and macOS and Linux support is experimental. Look elsewhere if you need recovery from fragmented files or if deleted contents have already been overwritten.