Stellar Free Data Recovery Software Review for 2025

Data loss can be a nightmare for anyone, whether it's due to accidental deletion, hardware failure, or software corruption. Thankfully, there are numerous data recovery tools available to help mitigate such losses. One of the most recognized names in the data recovery space is Stellar, known for both its free and paid solutions. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the Stellar Free Data Recovery Software, exploring its features, user experience, and how it stacks up against the competition.

The free version allows you to recover up to 1GB of data, while the premium plans start at $69.99, offering unlimited data recovery and a host of advanced features. This article is part of an ongoing series where we evaluate various free data recovery tools. Previously, we examined the EaseUS Free Data Recovery Wizard, which offered 2GB of recovery. Now, let’s delve into Stellar's offerings and determine if the free plan is truly worthwhile.

User interface and ease of use

One of the first things you notice about Stellar Free Data Recovery Software is its user-friendly interface. The design is straightforward, making it accessible for users of all skill levels. However, some may find the aesthetic somewhat dated compared to more modern software.

Upon launching the program, users are greeted with a clear main page where they can choose the file types they wish to recover. The Recover From tab allows users to select specific drives for scanning, ensuring a targeted recovery process. Additionally, the software provides options to resume interrupted scans, making it convenient for users who may need to pause their work.

• Simple navigation: The interface is designed for ease of use, minimizing confusion.
• Targeted recovery: Choose specific file types and drives to optimize the recovery process.
• Scan options: Users can opt for a quick scan or a more thorough deep scan, depending on their needs.

Key features of Stellar Free Data Recovery Program

The Stellar Free Data Recovery Software comes packed with features designed to assist users in recovering lost data effectively. Here are some of the key functionalities:

• File recovery: Recovers various file types including images, videos, documents, and more.
• Formatted drives: Capable of recovering data from formatted disks and storage media.
• Multiple file systems: Supports NTFS, FAT, exFAT, and more, ensuring compatibility with various devices.
• BitLocker support: Allows recovery from BitLocker-encrypted drives, a unique feature among free recovery tools.

Considerations before proceeding

It’s important to note that data recovery can be impacted by the technology used in storage devices. For instance, many SSDs and flash drives employ a feature known as TRIM that can make data unrecoverable once it has been deleted. When data is deleted, the TRIM command marks it as invalid, which can lead to loss unless addressed immediately.

To maximize recovery chances, it is advisable to disconnect the storage device from the computer after data loss to prevent any background processes from executing that could clear the data. For the purposes of testing Stellar, I used a secondary Gen 3.0 NVMe SSD and a USB 2.0 flash drive, both of which were secure erased to prepare for the recovery trials.

Test data preparation

For testing, a folder containing a mixture of file types, including images, videos, documents, and zip files, was created. The total size of this folder was approximately 400MB. To ensure accurate recovery results, a backup was kept on a different drive.

Recovering accidentally deleted files

The initial test involved deleting the folder entirely from the drive and then emptying the recycle bin, simulating an accidental deletion scenario. I executed the recovery process immediately after deletion to avoid any interference from TRIM.

After selecting the drive and initiating the scan, files began to appear rapidly. An option for Deep Scan was available, promising a more thorough examination of the drive at the cost of increased scan time. I opted for this feature, and the entire process took roughly 4 minutes.

Impressively, all the data was recovered, with the software automatically creating a root folder on the desktop to store the retrieved files. Users can also specify a different recovery location if preferred.

Recovering data from a formatted flash drive

For the next test, I formatted the USB drive without TRIM capabilities, making data recovery more feasible. The same folder was moved to the flash drive and subsequently formatted. Again, I opted for a deep scan to ensure thorough recovery.

This test took approximately 8 minutes, and once completed, all the deleted files and folders were successfully recovered. The software returned the files in their original folder structure, allowing for easy selection of specific files or complete recovery.

Due to the 1GB recovery limit, I chose not to recover every file, but the total number of retrieved files was confirmed to be 100% accurate.

BitLocker data recovery

To evaluate the BitLocker recovery feature, I once again cleared my secondary SSD and moved the test folder onto it before enabling BitLocker with a password. I intentionally corrupted some files to assess the software's response.

Upon completing the scan, the software prompted for the BitLocker password. Although some files were missing, the majority were recovered successfully, demonstrating Stellar's capability in handling encrypted drives.

Customer support service

Stellar also offers customer support, which I tested via their chat widget. I was connected within a minute, and all my queries were satisfactorily answered, showcasing their commitment to user assistance.

Recovery performance: pros and cons

Stellar Free Data Recovery Software proves to be an excellent choice for users seeking a straightforward method to recover deleted or formatted files. Its support for various file systems and types, combined with features like previewing recoverable files, makes it a strong contender in the market.

However, there are some limitations to consider:

• Data cap: The free version's limit of 1GB can be restrictive for users with larger data losses.
• Slow deep scans: While thorough, deep scans can be time-consuming, particularly on larger drives.
• Advanced features locked: Many advanced recovery options require a paid upgrade, which can be expensive.

Free vs. paid limitations

The free version of Stellar Data Recovery is limited in scope, allowing recovery of up to 1GB of data. Users will not be able to access more complex recovery options, such as:

• Lost or formatted partition recovery
• RAID array recovery
• NAS device recovery
• Repair of corrupted photos and videos
• Disk imaging and cloning

Paid versions unlock these advanced features and provide full technical support, making them more suitable for serious data recovery needs.

Other alternatives to consider

If Stellar doesn’t meet your needs, there are other data recovery tools worth exploring:

EaseUS Free Data Recovery Wizard

• Best for: Beginners seeking quick recoveries.
• Highlights: Offers up to 2GB of free recovery with a user-friendly interface.
• Limitations: Lacks advanced features; may struggle in complex data loss scenarios.
• Platform: Windows.

Disk Drill

• Best suited for: Users desiring comprehensive features.
• Highlights: Recovers up to 500MB for free on Windows, features Recovery Vault and Drive Backup.
• Limitations: Free version has data recovery limits; full features require a paid upgrade.
• Platform: Windows and macOS.

PhotoRec

• Best for: Advanced users who are comfortable with command-line interfaces.
• Highlights: Open-source and supports a wide range of file formats and storage devices.
• Limitations: No graphical user interface; may be challenging for beginners.
• Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux.

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