How to Recover Files from a Formatted HDD
Accidentally formatting a hard drive can feel like you’ve lost everything — years of files, memories, or critical work. But here’s the good news: Most of your data is still there. You just can’t see it — yet. When you format a drive (especially using “Quick Format”), the system doesn’t actually erase the data — it simply removes the file system pointers or only wipes root folders. With the right approach, you can bring your files back, often without expensive help. This article offers a manual recovery method and an easy method. You can choose the appropriate plan according to your ability.
Supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server
Table of Contents
Why You Can Recover Data from a Formatted HDD
Before recovering data, it would be better to understand why formatted data can be recovered. Formatting is a common way to clean up data in Windows. Quick Format takes less time and is the default recommended formatting option in Windows.
A “Quick Format” just tells your OS that the disk is empty — it doesn’t wipe the actual files. Until the original data is overwritten by new files, the contents remain intact on the disk. If you act fast and stop using the drive, recovery is not only possible — it often surprisingly has a high recovery rate.
How to Recover Files from a Formatted HDD (Step-by-Step)
Manual File Recovery Method: WinHex Data Recovery
WinHex is one of the best tools for manual recovery solution, but it requires a certain level of hands-on ability and professional technical skills. Some experienced users attempt manual recovery using a hex editor like WinHex in following steps:
1.Open the formatted drive in WinHex. Jump to Cluster 2, which is normally the root folder in FAT32 file system. However, formatting wipes the root folder for FAT32, so we can see it is empty.
2.Search for directory entries. In this case, there was a folder named “pictures” before the drive got formatted, so we can search for the folder name and locate the directory entry.
3.Manually copy the folder entry to the root directory (Cluster 2 for FAT32).
4.Save and refresh the directory. “pictures” folder shows up again in the root directory.
5.Open the folder and check the file header. If the file heads are correct, you can then save the files to another drive.
This method works, but it requires deep understanding of file systems like FAT32, ExFAT or NTFS, as well as the file heads. It is also risky because it makes changes to the drive which may make the situation worse if there is any misoperation. For most people, it’s too technical and risky.
An Easier Way: Magic Data Recovery Software
If you want to avoid raw hex code and avoid risk, software like Magic Data Recovery is a smarter alternative. It automates advanced scanning, folder structure searching, and safe file recovery — with a clean, beginner-friendly interface.
Key Benefits:
- Recovers files from HDDs, SSDs, USBs and memory cards
- Advanced Scan finds folders and files lost from deleting, formating, or corrupted partitions.
- Preview images, videos, and documents before restoring
- Offline recovery, Read-only with no risk of overwriting data
- No technical knowledge required — just a few clicks
How to use Magic Data Recovery
1.Download and Install Magic Data Recovery on a different drive
Supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server
2.Launch the software and select the formatted HDD
3.Preview files when the scan completes. Magic Data Recovery will list all the files it can find when the scan completes.
4.Select what you need and recover them to a safe location. Note: DO NOT save the recovered the files to the same drive or memory card, in case the lost files get damaged.
That’s it. No command lines. No manual partition repair.
Conclusion
A formatted HDD doesn’t mean the end. Whether you’re an IT expert or a casual user, there’s a proper way to recover the data. If you prefer full control, manual tools like WinHex can help. But for most users, Magic Data Recovery is the safer, faster way to get files back with confidence. Amagicsoft always offers user-friendly tools.
Supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server
FAQ
Q1: Can I recover data from a drive that was formatted using Quick Format?
Yes. A quick format doesn't erase actual data, only the file system structure. Recovery software can scan the drive sector-by-sector to recover files.
Q2: How soon should I start recovery after formatting?
Immediately. The longer you use the formatted drive, the higher the chance new data will overwrite the old data.
Q3: Can I recover files from a drive formatted on a different computer or OS?
Yes. As long as there are no changes on the drive after formatting, there is a high chance of recovering the files on any computer. Just don't save new files or format the drive again.
