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If you accidentally formatted a hard disk, stop using it immediately. Check for a backup before scanning, and if you attempt recovery, save recovered files to a different physical drive. Recovery is not guaranteed: continued use can overwrite data that might otherwise remain recoverable, and the risk is especially relevant for SSDs.
What to do immediately after formatting
- Stop writing to the formatted disk. Disconnect an external drive if it is safe to do so. If it is your Windows system drive, avoid unnecessary use and do not download or install recovery software onto it. Microsoft explains that computer activity can create files that overwrite space where deleted data may remain: Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery guidance.
- Do not format it again or create a new partition. These actions can change the disk and make recovery harder. Do not save recovered files back to the affected disk.
- Prepare a separate destination. Use a different physical drive for recovered files. If the computer has only one drive, Microsoft suggests using USB or external storage as the destination. Its capacity should be sufficient for the files you hope to recover; it does not improve the source disk’s recoverability.
If the disk makes unusual mechanical noises, disconnects repeatedly, or is not detected reliably, avoid repeated DIY scans. For a physically suspect disk or exceptionally valuable files, consider a qualified data recovery professional rather than continuing to use the drive.
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Check backups before scanning
A backup is usually the simplest route if it contains the missing files. Check any external disk or network location configured for File History, and check OneDrive or other backup locations you actually used. Microsoft’s Windows backup overview explains that File History can restore saved versions of personal files, while Windows Backup can sync selected folders to OneDrive. These restore options only include items that were saved or synced; they do not scan the formatted disk. System Restore is for system files, settings, and programs, not a method for restoring personal files.
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Choose a recovery route
| Option | When it fits | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Existing backup, File History, or OneDrive | You have a known backup or synced copy. | It can restore only what was included in that backup or sync. |
| Windows File Recovery | You use Windows and want Microsoft’s command-line tool for local storage. | Requires command syntax and a separate destination drive; the scan mode depends on the file system and situation. |
| PhotoRec | The partition was reformatted or the file system is corrupted. | Recovered files may not retain their original names or folder structure. |
| TestDisk | You have certain deleted-partition or FAT/NTFS undelete cases, and original filenames matter. | Its usefulness depends on the specific case; CGSecurity describes it as a possible first choice for these situations. |
| Professional recovery service | The disk may have physical damage or the files are exceptionally valuable. | Cost, availability, and outcome depend on the provider; recovery is not assured. |
Software recovery is most reasonable when the disk is detected consistently and behaves normally. The decisive unknown is whether the file data remains on the disk and has not been overwritten. Microsoft warns that overwritten free space may be unrecoverable, with particular concern for SSDs. The reviewed guidance does not establish a reliable recovery percentage, and a quick format does not guarantee that files can be restored.
#1 Best Overall
SABRENT USB 3.0 to SATA Hard Drive Docking Station, 2.5/3.5in (EC-DFLT) | SATA HDD/SSD only, Not USB-C, Not M.2 NVMe, 3.5in needs included 12V adapter, hard drive reader, hdd enclosure
- SATA DRIVES ONLY — 2.5in & 3.5in: Works with SATA I/II/III hard drives and SSDs. Does NOT support IDE/PATA, M.2 NVMe, M.2 SATA, SAS, or drives already in a USB enclosure. Check your drive's connector before ordering — a bare SATA drive has a wide flat L-shaped edge connector, not a ribbon cable or a small M.2 gold-finger card.
- USB TYPE-A HOST CABLE — NOT A USB-C PORT: The included host cable ends in USB Type-A and plugs into a USB 3.0 Type-A port. If your computer has only USB-C ports, you will need a USB-C to USB-A adapter, which is not included. For stable operation plug directly into the computer — USB hubs and USB 2.0 ports may cause intermittent disconnections.
- REAL-WORLD SPEED, NOT INTERFACE MATH: USB 3.0 with UASP support (UASP-capable host required). Typical mechanical HDD transfer speeds are 100-160 MB/s, which is the drive's own limit, not the port's; SSD speeds vary up to the USB interface maximum. Backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1.
- 12V POWER ADAPTER INCLUDED — REQUIRED FOR 3.5in DRIVES: A 12V/2A AC power adapter is in the box and a wall outlet is needed. 3.5in HDDs cannot run on USB power alone — without the adapter the drive will fail to spin up or drop out during use. 2.5in drives are generally bus-powered, but the adapter is recommended for stability.
- PLUG AND PLAY, TOOL-FREE, HOT-SWAP: No drivers on Windows 10/11, macOS, or Linux. Lay-flat bay accepts a bare drive without tools, swaps without rebooting, and an LED shows power and activity. Note: S.M.A.R.T. diagnostics are not passed through the USB bridge, and on macOS a drive may need remounting after sleep. Drive not included.
Recover files with Windows File Recovery
Windows File Recovery is a Microsoft Store utility for local storage on Windows 10 and Windows 11. It uses a command prompt rather than a graphical scan interface. It does not recover from cloud storage or network file shares. Read the current Microsoft instructions and verify the source and destination drive letters before running a command.
- Install the utility without writing to the affected disk. If the formatted disk is also the Windows system drive, do not install the tool there; consider another recovery environment or professional help instead.
- Connect a separate destination drive. Confirm its drive letter in File Explorer. The destination must be a different drive from the formatted source.
- Identify the source file system. For a formatted NTFS disk, Microsoft recommends Extensive mode. Extensive mode is also recommended for FAT and exFAT. Follow Microsoft’s current documentation for other situations.
- Run a command using the documented pattern:
winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches]
Replace the examples with the actual drive letters and the appropriate mode. For instance, Microsoft’s example for filtering PDF and DOCX files is:Winfr C: E: /extensive /n *.pdf /n *.docx
This example is not a universal command: do not use C: and E: unless those letters really identify your source and destination. - Review the output on the destination drive. Windows File Recovery creates a folder named in the pattern
Recovery_<date and time>. Extensive scans can take time, especially on large disks. Filters can narrow a scan by path, filename, extension, or wildcard.
Recover files with PhotoRec
CGSecurity’s PhotoRec guide describes recovery from reformatted partitions and corrupted file systems. PhotoRec uses file signatures to find data, so its results may not preserve the source’s original folder layout or filenames.
Rank #2
SABRENT 2.5in SATA to USB 3.0 Tool-Free SSD/HDD Enclosure (EC-UASP)
- Tool free design, easy to install,Transfer Rates Up to 480 Mbps when connected to a USB 2.0 port,Transfer Rates Up to 5 Gbps when connected to a USB 3.0 port.
- Suitable for 2.5” SATA/SSD;Supports Standard Notebook 2.5″ SATA and SATA II Hard drives
- Optimized for SSD, Supports UASP SATA III,Backwards-Compatible with USB 2.0 or 1.1
- Hot-swappable, plug and play, no drivers needed
- Operating System:Supported Operating Systems:Mac,Windows;Supported Windows Versions :Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP; Supported Mac Versions: Mac OS X and Higher
- Launch PhotoRec with the permissions required by your operating system.
- Select the affected physical disk, then the relevant partition when available.
- Choose the search scope and, if useful, the file types to look for. Follow the prompts shown by the version you are using.
- Select a destination directory on a different physical drive. Never choose the formatted source as the output location.
- Let the scan finish, then inspect the recovered files in output folders such as
recup_dir.1andrecup_dir.2.
PhotoRec’s output may require sorting and renaming. CGSecurity notes that file dates can be taken from metadata in a file’s header. If you are dealing with a deleted partition or deleted FAT/NTFS files and keeping original filenames matters, CGSecurity says TestDisk may be preferable to try first in some such cases.
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Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
SABRENT USB 3.0 Hard Drive Enclosure, 2.5/3.5in SATA HDD/SSD (EC-KSL3)
- SATA-Only Compatibility: Fits 2.5" and 3.5" SATA HDDs and SSDs. NOT compatible with SAS, M.2 NVMe, M.2 SATA, NVMe PCIe, or IDE/PATA drives. Note: some 4TB+ 3.5" drives with non-standard PCB height may not seat correctly — verify your drive's physical dimensions before purchasing.
- Tool-Free Setup: Slide, click, and go—no tools or screws needed. Swap drives in seconds without hassle.
- USB 3.0 (USB-A) with UASP: USB Type-A host connection — a USB-C to USB-A adapter is required if your computer only has USB-C ports (not included). Transfer speeds up to 625 MB/s theoretical maximum; typical real-world speeds are 100–180 MB/s for HDDs and up to 400–500 MB/s for SSDs.
- External Power Required: Includes 12V/2A AC power adapter — a wall outlet is needed (not bus-powered via USB). Aluminum shell with internal ABS shock-absorbing tray for durability and heat dissipation.
- Plug & Play — Windows 10/11, macOS & Linux: No drivers needed. LED indicates power and activity status. Note: S.M.A.R.T. diagnostics are not accessible through the USB bridge. Hard drive not included.
Rank #4
3.5 Hard Drive Enclosure, USB 3.0 Internal/External Hard Drive Case
- 5 Gbps High-speed Transfer: CLAVOOP 3.5 hard drive enclosure supports UASP protocol for faster data transfer over USB 3.0, with tested read speeds up to 336 MB/s. Actual performance may vary depending on your device's capabilities
- Latest Design: Lay-Flat dock station 3.5 external hdd enclosure made from sturdy ABS material with a unique circular top, large ventilation holes, and four non-slip pads to ensure stable and cool operation
- Humanized Design: 3.5 hdd enclosure case built-in shock-proof sponges protect your drive; LED indicators show the 3.5 external hard drive enclosure working status; Auto-sleep function helps save energy—wake the drive with the power button; Plug and play, no tools or drivers required
- Wide Compatibility: HDD Enclosure 3.5 works with 3.5"/2.5" SATA I/II/III HDDs and SSDs up to 20TB to a PC, laptop, and other devices. Compatible with Windows 9/8/SE/ME/2000/XP, Mac OS 8.6 or latest version, Linux, ChromeOS, and gaming consoles like PS5, PS4, Xbox One, and more. (Note: Not compatible with IDE, mSATA, M.2 drives; System compatible hard disk format details see figure)
- Packing List: USB 3.0 to 3.5 sata hard drive enclosure x1 (include 12V/2A DC power adapter x1, USB 3.0 data cable x1, User manual x1); Please confirm your hard drive type before purchasing
Rank #3
BENFEI 2.5 Inch SATA to USB Tool Free External Hard Drive Enclosure, USB Type-C/Type-A to Sata Compatible for 2.5 Inch SSD(Optimized for SSD, Support UASP)
- Feature - BENFEI Type-C/Type-A 2.5 inch Hard Drive Enclosure easily hook up your 2.5 inch SATA I/II/III hard drive to transfer files from one PC to another PC, laptop, PS4 or as a USB external hard drive.
- Speed - Up to 5 Gbps data transfer rate with supports UASP SATA III transmission protocol, which is 70% faster than traditional USB3.0. Backward compatible with USB 2.0 or 1.1 ports.
- Design - With USB Type-C/Type-A plug design, provide a easy connection option to laptop/phone/pad. Tool free installation, Plug & Play, No driver needed for this SATA enclosure. Just push out the cover, plug in the drive, close the cover and go. Hot-Swappable.
- Compatibility - BENFEI Hard Drive Enclosure supports Windows, LINUX, MacOS 8.0, and above. Specifically designed for 7/9.5mm thick, 2.5 inches, 6TB HDD & SSD. Compatible with Western Digital, Seagate, Toshiba, Samsung, Kingston, Crucial, Hitachi, and more.
- Warranty - Exclusive BENFEI Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time protection of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely.
Check recovered files and preserve the source
- Open a sample of recovered documents, photos, and other files to see whether they are complete and usable.
- Keep recovered copies on separate storage, and organize them there rather than on the formatted disk.
- Do not reformat or reuse the source drive until you have finished deciding whether more recovery is needed.
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