Side by side
GNU Parted vs Windows File Recovery
Both stand on hard drive partitioning software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Linux
GNU Parted covers partition tables and many filesystem formats without a listed purchase cost. Its inability to move or merge partitions is an important boundary to account for.
Visit GNU Parted Free plan Windows
Choose Windows File Recovery if you need a free command-line option for deleted files on local storage and can work with its recovery modes. Look elsewhere if the files are in cloud storage or a network share, or if you need a graphical app.
Visit Windows File RecoveryThe facts
| GNU Parted | Windows File Recovery | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux | Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | gnu.org | support.microsoft.com |
| On hard drive partitioning software | #14 of 17 | #10 of 17 |
GNU Parted: what it does well
- Free plan is listed.
- Supports both partition table types.
- Can be used from bootable media.
- Supports a wide range of listed filesystems.
What to know first
- Does not move partitions.
- Does not merge partitions.
- Listed for Linux only.
Windows File Recovery: what it does well
- Free to use through the Microsoft Store.
- Supports internal and external drives, USB devices, SD cards, and flash drives.
- Offers Regular and Extensive recovery modes.
- Filters searches by name, path, type, or wildcard.
- Signature mode targets groups of file extensions.
What to know first
- Cloud storage and network file shares are unsupported.
- The recovery source and destination must be different drives.
- FAT and exFAT recovery is available only in Extensive mode.
- Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025.
Alternatives to GNU Parted Alternatives to Windows File Recovery The whole list