Freedom251 › Computer Forensics Software
X-Ways Forensics
What X-Ways Forensics is
X-Ways Forensics is a paid Windows work environment for computer forensic examiners and the flagship product of X-Ways Software Technology AG, headquartered in Bünde, Germany. It can clone and image disks, read and write .e01 evidence files, and analyze existing or deleted data using recovery methods, file carving, and physical or logical searches. Supported evidence includes raw images, ISO and virtual disk formats, physical disks, RAIDs, filesystems, iTunes backups, and mobile data imported through third-party tools. Case features include tagging, comments, and separate or shared results for multiple examiners. Automated activity logging and write protection support evidence authenticity. The portable software can run from a USB stick without installation. Its documented X-Tensions API can extend or automate functions. With F-Response, remote devices and memory can be accessed over a read-only network connection. Licenses cost $1,550, paid once for non-perpetual use or $4,010, paid once for perpetual use.
Who it suits
It is designed for computer forensic examiners working with disk, memory, mobile, and virtual evidence. Teams can use case collaboration, exports, and documented API extensions.
What it does well
- Supports disk imaging and .e01 files
- Analyzes existing and deleted data
- Portable without installation
- Multiple-examiner case collaboration
- Documented extension API
What to know first
- No free plan
- Runs on Windows systems
- Trial licenses require a request
- Third-party extensions are not endorsed
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| X-Ways Forensics non-perpetual license | Non-perpetual license; page does not state the license duration. · Immediately usable with BYOD or BYOD+ · 2+: $1,425 · 5+: $1,315 | $1,550, paid once |
| X-Ways Forensics perpetual license | Perpetual license for indefinite use. · Dongle-based or with BYOD · 2+: $3,690 · 5+: $3,410 | $4,010, paid once |
As x-ways.net lists them, read 4 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
X-Ways Forensics provides portable Windows tooling for evidence acquisition, analysis, and case management. Its licensing offers non-perpetual and perpetual options, while trials are restricted to specified organizations.
Facts from X-Ways Forensics's own pages
- Audit and integrity
- The maker lists automated activity logging and write protection to help ensure data authenticity. · x-ways.net, 4 Oct 2026
- Case management
- It provides case management, file tagging and comments, and supports multiple examiners working with separate or shared results. · x-ways.net, 4 Oct 2026
- Company and location
- X-Ways Software Technology AG states that its legal headquarters are in Bünde, Germany. · x-ways.net, 4 Oct 2026
- Evidence analysis
- The product supports recovery techniques, file carving, physical and logical searches, and analysis of existing and deleted files. · x-ways.net, 4 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2002 · x-ways.net, 28 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Bünde, Germany · x-ways.net, 28 Sept 2026
- Imaging
- Features include disk cloning and imaging, with support for reading and writing .e01 evidence files. · x-ways.net, 4 Oct 2026
- Integration
- The X-Tensions programming interface can extend or automate functionality, and the maker describes it as a documented API. · x-ways.net, 4 Oct 2026
- Operating system
- X-Ways Forensics runs under listed Windows desktop and Windows Server versions; the maker says it is available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. · x-ways.net, 4 Oct 2026
- Portability
- The software is fully portable and can run from a USB stick on a Windows system without installation. · x-ways.net, 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- X-Ways Forensics is an advanced work environment for computer forensic examiners and the maker’s flagship product. · x-ways.net, 4 Oct 2026
- Remote analysis
- In conjunction with F-Response, X-Ways Forensics can access remote devices and memory over a network; the connection is read-only. · x-ways.net, 4 Oct 2026
- Support and training
- The maker links to training, certification, a user manual, installation videos, function videos, and a user forum. · x-ways.net, 4 Oct 2026
- Third-party add-on caution
- The maker says listed third-party X-Tensions are not checked or endorsed and run with the same rights as the host application. · x-ways.net, 4 Oct 2026
- Trial access
- Trial licenses are not publicly available and are offered only on request to law enforcement, government agencies, and certain corporations. · x-ways.net, 4 Oct 2026
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