Memory cards are widely used in various devices such as cameras, smartphones, and tablets to store important data like photos, videos, and documents. However, data loss from memory cards can occur due to various reasons, such as accidental deletion, formatting, card corruption, or physical damage. Fortunately, there are several free software options available that can help you recover lost files from memory cards. In this article, we will explore some of the best free file recovery software for memory cards and how to use them.
1. Panda Assistant
Panda Assistant Recovery software is a powerful data recovery tool. The following is an introduction to it:
Features
Wide Compatibility: It works with various storage devices like hard drives, USB drives, SD cards and external storage. It also supports multiple file systems such as FAT, NTFS and exFAT.
Multiple Recovery Modes: It offers a quick scan for recently deleted files and a deep scan for more complex data loss scenarios.

File Preview: Before recovery, users can preview the files to ensure they are retrieving the correct data.
Comprehensive Recovery: It can recover a wide range of file types, including documents, photos, videos, audio files and emails.
Safe Recovery: The software ensures that no data is overwritten during the recovery process, safeguarding the integrity of your files.
Usage
Download and Installation: Visit the official website to download the software and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Select Location: Open the software and choose the drive or folder where the lost data was located.
Choose Scan Mode: Select either quick scan or deep scan based on your situation.
Preview and Select: After the scan, preview the files and select the ones you want to recover.
Recover Files: Choose a location to save the recovered files and click the “Recover” button.
2. Recuva
Overview: Recuva is a popular and user-friendly file recovery software that is widely used for recovering deleted files from various storage devices, including memory cards. It is available for Windows and offers a simple and intuitive interface, making it suitable for both novice and advanced users.
Features
Easy to Use: Recuva has a straightforward and easy-to-navigate interface. Even users with little technical knowledge can quickly understand and use the software.
File Preview: Before recovering the files, Recuva allows you to preview them to ensure that you are recovering the correct files. This is especially useful when dealing with a large number of files.
Supports All File Types: It can recover all types of files, including photos, videos, documents, music, and more. Recuva scans the memory card thoroughly to find all lost files.
Deep Scan and Quick Scan: The software offers both deep scan and quick scan options. The quick scan is useful for quickly finding recently deleted files, while the deep scan is more comprehensive and can recover files that have been lost for a longer time or due to more severe data loss situations.
How to Use Recuva
Download and Install: Go to the official Recuva website and download the Windows version of the software. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install Recuva on your computer.
Connect the Memory Card: Insert the memory card into a card reader and connect it to your Windows PC.
Launch Recuva: Open the Recuva application.
Select the Memory Card: In the Recuva interface, select the drive letter corresponding to your memory card from the list of available drives.
Choose the Scan Mode: You can choose between a quick scan and a deep scan. If you are in a hurry and only need to recover recently deleted files, the quick scan may be sufficient. For a more thorough recovery, select the deep scan.
Start the Scan: Click the “Scan” button to start the scanning process. Recuva will display the progress and the files it finds during the scan.
Preview and Recover Files: After the scan is complete, you can preview the files in the Recuva interface. Select the files you want to recover and click the “Recover” button. Choose a location on your computer to save the recovered files.
3. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free
Overview: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free is a comprehensive data recovery software that can recover files from various storage devices, including memory cards. It offers a wide range of features and supports different data loss scenarios, making it a popular choice among users. The software is available for Windows and has a user-friendly interface.
Features
Versatile Data Recovery: It can recover files lost due to accidental deletion, formatting, virus attacks, system crashes, and other reasons. The software supports the recovery of photos, videos, documents, emails, and more.
Partition Recovery: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free can also recover lost partitions on the memory card, which is useful when the partition table is damaged.
Disk Imaging: It allows you to create a disk image of the memory card before the recovery process, which can be used for further analysis or recovery if needed.
Advanced Filtering Options: The software provides advanced filtering options to help you quickly find the files you want to recover. You can filter files by file type, size, date, and more.
How to Use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free
Download and Install: Visit the EaseUS website and download the free version of the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Windows. Install the software on your computer following the installation wizard.
Connect the Memory Card: Insert the memory card into a card reader and connect it to your Windows computer.
Launch the Software: Open the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free application.
Select the Memory Card: In the main interface, select the memory card drive from the list of available drives.
Choose the Recovery Mode: EaseUS offers different recovery modes, such as “Deleted File Recovery”, “Raw File Recovery”, and “Partition Recovery”. Select the appropriate mode based on your data loss situation.
Start the Scan: Click the “Scan” button to start scanning the memory card for lost files. The software will display the progress and the files it finds during the scan.
Filter and Preview Files: Use the advanced filtering options to narrow down the search results. You can also preview the files to ensure their integrity.
Recover the Files: Select the files you want to recover and click the “Recover” button. Choose a destination folder on your computer to save the recovered files.
4. Disk Drill
Overview: Disk Drill is a powerful data recovery software for macOS that can recover files from memory cards and other storage devices. It offers a wide range of features and is known for its high recovery success rate. Disk Drill also provides some advanced features for data protection and file management.
Features
Mac-Compatible: Specifically designed for macOS, Disk Drill works seamlessly with Apple computers and offers a native user experience.
Recovery Vault: Disk Drill has a unique feature called Recovery Vault, which helps to prevent data loss by creating a backup of deleted files before they are overwritten. This significantly increases the chances of successful file recovery.
Supports Encrypted Drives: It can recover files from encrypted memory cards and drives, provided you have the correct decryption key.
Data Protection Features: In addition to data recovery, Disk Drill offers features like file shredding and disk protection to help you manage and protect your data.
How to Use Disk Drill
Download and Install: Go to the Disk Drill website and download the macOS version of the software. Install Disk Drill on your Mac by following the installation instructions.
Connect the Memory Card: Insert the memory card into a card reader and connect it to your Mac.
Launch Disk Drill: Open the Disk Drill application.
Select the Memory Card: In the Disk Drill interface, select the memory card from the list of available drives.
Enable Recovery Vault (Optional): If you haven’t already enabled the Recovery Vault feature, you can do so at this stage. This will help in future data recovery efforts.
Start the Scan: Click the “Search for Lost Data” button to start the scanning process. Disk Drill will search for lost files on the memory card and display the results.
Preview and Recover Files: You can preview the recoverable files in the Disk Drill interface. Select the files you want to recover and click the “Recover” button. Choose a location on your Mac to save the recovered files.
5. TestDisk
Overview: TestDisk is an open-source data recovery software that is mainly used for recovering lost partitions and repairing damaged file systems. It can also be used to recover files from memory cards in some cases. TestDisk is available for multiple operating systems and is known for its powerful features and command-line capabilities.
Features
Partition Recovery: TestDisk is excellent at recovering lost or damaged partitions on memory cards and other storage devices. It can analyze the disk structure and attempt to rebuild the partition table.
File System Repair: It can repair various file system errors, such as corrupted FAT, NTFS, and exFAT file systems.
Command-Line and Graphical Interface: TestDisk offers both a command-line interface for advanced users and a graphical interface for those who prefer a more user-friendly approach.
Supports Multiple Platforms: It works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and other operating systems, making it a versatile tool for data recovery.
How to Use TestDisk
Download and Install: Download TestDisk from the official website and install it on your computer according to the instructions for your operating system.
Connect the Memory Card: Insert the memory card into a card reader and connect it to your computer.
Launch TestDisk: Open the TestDisk application. If you are using the command-line interface, you will need to navigate to the directory where TestDisk is installed and run the appropriate command. If you prefer the graphical interface, launch the graphical version.
Select the Memory Card: In the TestDisk interface, select the device corresponding to your memory card.
Choose the Recovery Options: TestDisk offers several options for partition recovery and file system repair. You can choose the appropriate options based on your specific situation.
Start the Recovery Process: Follow the on-screen instructions to start the recovery process. TestDisk will analyze the memory card and attempt to recover the lost partitions or repair the file system.
Check the Results: Once the process is complete, you can check the recovered partitions or files. If you are using the graphical interface, you can view the recovered data directly. If using the command-line interface, you may need to use additional commands to access and verify the recovered data.
About us and this blog
Panda Assistant is built on the latest data recovery algorithms, ensuring that no file is too damaged, too lost, or too corrupted to be recovered.
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We believe that data recovery shouldn’t be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve designed Panda Assistant to be as easy to use as it is powerful. With a few clicks, you can initiate a scan, preview recoverable files, and restore your data all within a matter of minutes.
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