How To

How to Recover Deleted Files From exFAT Drive

Recovering files on Windows once they have been deleted is a tricky process. You need the best available software and enough time to ensure that recovery is done perfectly. If you have these factors sorted, then comes the type of drive and file system you are dealing with. Some of them are easier to crack, while some are extremely difficult. One such complex to recover file systems is the exFAT.

In this post, we will explain exactly what this file system is and how to recover files from exFAT.

What Is exFAT File System?

Extensible File Allocation Table (exFAT) is a popular file system released by Microsoft in 2006. It is an extension of FAT32 and is designed for portable devices such as USB flash drives and SD cards. Like NTFS, exFAT allows large file and partition sizes.

Benefits of exFAT File System

Large partition and file size. It supports files larger than 4 GB.
exFAT allows extended file names of up to 255 characters.
The cluster size can reach 32MB.
You can save up to 2,796,202 files in the same directory.
Compatible with both Windows and macOS.

How To Recover Data from exFAT Drive in Windows?

If you have encountered data loss or are suffering from missing files on your exFAT drive, we might have some methods to help you recover them. You have multiple options, such as using professional exFAT data recovery software, using manual techniques such as recovering files from the Recycle bin or using a backup. You can even try using free data recovery software.

Either way, you can recover files from exFAT, provided the steps are performed correctly. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the methods –

Read Here- How to Recover Files from a Corrupt or Unresponsive USB Flash Drive

Recover Data Lost Due to exFAT Corruption & Other Reasons from exFAT Drive?

If you have lost files from the exFAT disk due to a corrupt drive, system file error, power failure, virus attack, etc., Advanced Disk Recovery is here to help. The tool will help you recover data from exFAT/FAT12/FAT16/FAT32/NTFS/ disk in Windows 11/10/8/7. You can also restore data from external hard drives, internal hard drives, memory cards, SD cards, pen drives, USB flash drives, and other storage devices.

Furthermore, the program comes with a trial version that you can use to scan the exFAT drive & see if you can recover lost data. If you see the files in the scan results to recover all the files, you may upgrade to the complete edition of this program and restore the required files without restrictions.

Here’s how you can begin with the recovery:-

Download and install Advanced Disk Recovery, the best exFAT data recovery software on your PC.

Connect the exFAT drive.
Launch Advanced Disk Recovery.
Next, select the areas to be scanned and the drive to scan. The software will show all readable drives. Select the target exFAT drive by clicking the down arrow under Select Drive and clicking the Start Scan Now button to proceed.
Select from two scanning modes – Deep Scan and Quick Scan. It is time-consuming; hence, the scanning process will last a while. Wait patiently until the end.
Once it is done, you will see the scan results. Evaluate the scan results and select the file you wish to recover.To restore selected files, hit the Recover button. The software will now open a new window asking you to choose where you want to save the retrieved data. Ensure it is not the same as the disk you are scanning, as this will overwrite data and reduce the chances of data recovery.
If the number of selected files is more, the recovery process will take a few minutes. Wait for the process to finish.
After the recovery is completed, for confirmation, go to the location where you have saved the file restored files.

Note: If you are using the trial version to recover files, you will not upgrade to the registered version of the product.

Advanced Disk Recovery can restore data from an exFAT drive. With only a few simple clicks, you can restore all your needed files.

Additionally, this software also supports NTFS data recovery.

Advanced Disk Recovery Review: The Best Data Recovery Software Yet?

Method 2 – Recover Data Using Windows Backup (File History)

In case you find investing in professional exFAT recovery software, you can look for basic fixes to recover data from your PC’s exFAT hard drive. One such basic method is to use the Windows Backup to restore the files. If you believe the file was once backed up and is now deleted, it will be available for recovery in the backup.

You can simply use the following steps and restore the files from the backup using the File History feature –

Step 1 – Connect the storage device to the computer on which the backup is stored.

Step 2 – Now navigate to Files History on Windows using the Start Menu.

Step 3—Click on Restore Your Files Using File History and open the file browser to find your data.

Step 4—Once you have the files you want to restore on your computer, simply use the green restore button and save them.

This method may work fine for a limited number of files and will easily get the job done. However, it is not the best method to use if you want to recover an entire exFAT drive of data.

Method 3 – Use a Free exFAT Data Recovery

Using manual methods is only for some. You may require an application to recover data successfully from an exFAT drive. However, paying for software is also not everyone’s cup of tea. Hence, we also tried a free exFAT data recovery application, Recuva, that you can use to try to recover data on your drive.

Here’s how it works –

Step 1 – Download and install Recuva exFAT recovery software on your PC.
Step 2 – Run the application, and you will find a Recovery Wizard on your screen. Click on next after reading the instructions. When asking where the file is, you can select the source or, in this case, the exFAT drive.

Step 3 – Once the scan is over, you may come across a window that looks like the following –

Here is a complete table of all the files on your drive that can be recovered. To finish the process, simply use the recoverable files, mark them, and click on the recover button.

The tool is completely free and compatible with Windows. However, it does have some limitations. For instance, it may not only scan your files in the first scan. Some algorithm issues limit its ability to perform as convincingly as Advanced Disk Recovery does. However, this may be the best option if you are looking for a free tool.

Besides these methods, you can also rely on the recycle bin if you deleted the file quickly and did not use the Shift+Del command. We highly recommend you use the Advanced Disk Recovery application, as it offers the best way to recover data from an exFAT drive.

Tips to Prevent Data Loss

After recovering your data successfully, you must ensure you do not lose your data again. It is relatively easy to keep your data safe. You only need to follow a few tips; check them out below –

Turn on File History on your computer. Simply use the start menu to access the feature and turn it ON.
Regularly back up your data. This way, even if your files are infected or deleted unintentionally, you can try to recover them on your computer.
Ensure you are using trusted security software to remove infected files so that your data is safe from infection.
Make sure your hard drives and USB flash drives are regularly scanned. Also, always run a health check on your storage to ensure safety.

Can I restore data from an exFAT Disk on Windows? NOW YOU CAN!

After all the discussion, using an application is the best method to regain the data lost from an exFAT drive. It is your choice whether you want to go for a paid option like Advanced Disk Recovery, which ensures that the job is done smoothly, or you want to go for an accessible alternative that is not as successful but may get the job done.

Try the methods yourself and find out which is the ultimate method that you found worthy. You can also check our list of best data recovery software to learn more about your options for recovering data.

I hope these tips will help you keep your data safe on an exFAT drive. Thanks for reading, and good luck!

Preeti Seth

A UX writer who loves explaining technical details in a clear, crisp, and concise manner. She loves writing about technical troubleshooting, How-To's, product reviews, etc. In her free time, she loves reading, meditating, and traveling.