How to Recover Partitions by TestDisk [with Alternative]

1. Step 1. Make a backup location for your data.
2. Step 2. Run the "testdisk_win.exe" program.
3. Step 3. Select the first option and create a log file.
4. Step 4. Select the HDD from which you wish to retrieve your partition.
5. Step 5. TestDisk will swiftly determine the type of partition on your disk.

Partition loss is one of the most troublesome problems for PC users. In this post, We have examined all the different methods for getting your data in partition back to your computer. There are numerous data recovery programs on the internet. However, not all of them are fully functional. However, according to many internet users, TestDisk is a highly recommended open-source data recovery program.

You will learn how to recover partitions with TestDisk and what additional methods are available.

Overview: What Is the Partition Recovery with TestDisk

Testdisk can recover damaged partitions. If the partitions have not been overwritten, the file system can be reread, and the data can be recovered. Some data will be preserved if the partitions have been partially erased, but others will be corrupt.

If the disk structure is corrupted and unreadable, the accompanying tool Photorec can identify usable files in the blob of binary data your disk still has in the absence of functional file system structures. 

Thus, partition recovery with TestDisk is possible. Here, let's take an overview of the two ways between Testdisk and professional data recovery software:

	EaseUS data recovery	TestDisk
😄Easiness	Easy: within 3 steps	Difficult: requires computer skills
🖥️Supported OS	Windows/macOS (latest version applicable)	Windows/macOS/Linux
🗂️File System	FAT(FAT12,FAT16,FAT32) ext2/ext3/HFS+/ReFS exFAT/NTFS/NTFS5	FAT12, FAT16, Fat32, NTFS, EXT2/EXT3, HFS+, ReiserFS
🧔Team Service	Yes✔️	No❌

Alternative: How to Recover Partitions by Data Recovery Software

As mentioned, utilizing third-party data recovery software is more friendly for users with less computer skills. For example, to recover data from lost partitions on an external hard drive or PC, use expert software like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. If your device is destroyed, stop writing new data and utilize the disk as quickly as feasible.

• It supports partition data recovery from any storage media, including internal and external hard disks.
• It recovers deleted files in many formats, including videos, photographs, emails, audio, and thousands of other files from over 2000 storage devices.
• It supports all popular file systems, including FAT32, NTFS, HFS+, APFS, EXT4, and others, which is more than the TestDisk can cover.

You can now download and install this software, and we'll walk you through the full steps to assist you in recovering your data.

Step 1. Select and scan the lost partition

Launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, select "Lost Partition" and click "Scan" to search for all the lost data. If there are many lost partitions, you can identify them through its partition size.

Note: Since the Windows system doesn't support the Linux file system, the Ext2 or Ext3 partition will be recognized as lost partition with no drive letter in the software. If you want to recover data from Ext2/Ext3 partition, you can follow these steps.

Step 2. Filter the scanned results

Because there will be a lot of scanned files, you can choose a file category for quick filtering, such as Pictures, Videos, Documents, Audio, and Others. Or if you remember the file name, you can just look it up in the search box in the upper right corner.

Step 3. Preview and recover data from the lost partition

Before recovery, you can preview the file to make sure it is the data you need. Choose all the files you need and click "Recover" to restore them. 

Many Windows 10/11 users have proved the efficacy of the tool. If you want to resolve the file recovery, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms!

Detailed: How to Recover Partitions by TestDisk

Testdisk is most likely the best and most well-known program you've heard about. If you are confident in your technical abilities, try to restore files using testdisk. The solution provided below is compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7.

Follow the instructions and try to recover files from deleted partitions with TestDisk:

Step 1. To begin, start the TestDisk and select "Create" to create a new log file.

Step 2. You'll then get a list of all the drives that have been discovered. Select the lost partitions' target external hard disk. To proceed, press the Enter key.

Step 3. Select "Analyze" to examine the current partition structure and look for missing partitions.

Step 4. Select "Quick Search" to begin the scanning process.

Step 5. Once all recognized partitions have been listed, press P to access files. To keep the partition structure, press "Write" after pressing "Enter" to proceed.

Step 6. You'll be asked to confirm that the partition table was successfully written. After clicking "Yes" to confirm this action, restart your computer.

Conclusion

The post will teach you how to use testdisk to recover files and what other options you have for returning your useful file. The first option, using the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, is recommended. It is the simplest option suitable for most Windows users.

Nonetheless, you must have an adequate data backup routine in place to avoid the hassle of retrieving data.

How to Recover Partitions by TestDisk FAQs

If you still have some questions about how to recover partition with TestDisk, check the quick answers below to help yourself out:

1. How do I recover a disk partition?

• In the Windows search box, type CMD.
• Select "Run as administrator" from the context menu when right-click the "Command Prompt" software.
• Fill in the blanks with the following command: chkdsk X: /f/r/x (change "X" with the corrupted partition), then hit "Enter."

2. Can TestDisk recover files?

You may recover data from storage devices such as USBs, hard drives, and even storage area networks (SANs), one of the most used network storage solutions. However, before recovering data, do not write fresh data to the hard disk or storage device that experienced data loss.

3. How do you repair a filesystem with TestDisk?

• Launch TestDisk.
• Choose the device that contains the partition.
• Confirm the type of partition table and navigate to the Advanced menu.
• Choose the FAT file system.
• Select Boot.

4. Can TestDisk recover overwritten files?

Testdisk can recover damaged partitions. If the partitions have not been overwritten, the file system can be read again, and the files recovered. If the partitions have been partially erased, some files will be preserved while others will be corrupted.