How to Recover Partitions by TestDisk [with Alternative]

When you can't find one of the partitions on your disk, how to recover the partition with TestDisk? Continue reading to learn the main procedures for recovering lost data in partitions using EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard and TestDisk.

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Page Table of Contents

Overview: What Is the Partition Recovery with TestDisk

Alternative: How to Recover Partitions by Data Recovery Software

Detailed: How to Recover Partitions by TestDisk

Conclusion

How to Recover Partitions by TestDisk FAQs

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Updated By

Finley

Written By

Jaden

Updated on

14 August 2025

Min Reading

6 Min

Run the testdisk program

  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❌
related articles

Recover Lost Partition on External Hard Drive | Check Tutorials Here

This passage teaches you how to recover lost partitions on an external hard drive.  We'll offer detailed tutorials to help you recover lost partitions and data successfully. 

Recover Lost Partition on External Hard Drive

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.

 Download for Win Recovery Rate 99.7%
 Download for Mac Trustpilot Rating 4.8

  • 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.

Notice: It supports NTFS/exFAT/FAT32/BitLocker recovery of lost partitions, such as partition deletion, uninitialized disk, and unallocated space, as well as recovery of partitions that become RAW.

Step 1. Search for Lost Partitions

First, choose "Lost Partition Rescue" on the left and click "Start" to initiate the partition scan. Your disk will be displayed, including existing and lost partitions (marked as unallocated). Then click "Search for Lost Partition" to begin the scan.

Search for Lost Partitions

Step 2. Check Files in the Partition

Wait for the smart partition scanning. This process may take several minutes, depending on the severity of the partition loss. While waiting, you can move the cursor to the partition you want to  view the files and data in it.

Check Files in the Partition

Step 3. Select and Restore the Partition

Select the partitions you want to recover from the list of lost partitions that have been scanned. Their corresponding information will also be displayed below. After selecting, click "Recover" to restore your disk partition settings.

check all found files

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.

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.

get a list of all the drives

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

examine the current partition structure

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

Quick Search

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.

 Download for Win Recovery Rate 99.7%
 Download for Mac Trustpilot Rating 4.8

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.

  • Updated by

    Finley is interested in reading and writing articles about technical knowledge. Her articles mainly focus on file repair and data recovery.…
  • Written by

    Jaden is one of the editors of EaseUS, who focuses on topics concerning PCs and Mac data recovery. Jaden is committed to enhancing professional IT knowledge and writing abilities. She is always keen on new and intelligent products.…
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