NEF File Recovery: Restore Lost or Deleted Nikon RAW Images

What is the NEF File?

NEF (Nikon Electronic Format) is Nikon’s proprietary RAW image file format. It stores uncompressed or losslessly compressed image data captured by Nikon digital cameras, preserving maximum detail and flexibility for post-processing.

Key Features of NEF Files:

• 🌠RAW Image Data: NEF files store unprocessed image data directly from the camera’s sensor, preserving maximum image quality, detail, and dynamic range.
• 🌠Non-Destructive: Since NEF files are RAW, any edits (exposure, white balance, contrast, etc.) are saved as separate instructions and don’t alter the original data.
• 🌠Metadata Included: NEF files also store important metadata likecamera model, lens used, ISO, shutter speed, aperture, white balance and other settings
• 🌠Large File Size: Because they are uncompressed or losslessly compressed, NEF files are much larger than JPEGs.

User Case

How to Recover NEF Files?

It can be frustrating to discover that your NEF files,precious RAW photos taken with your Nikon camera — have gone missing. Whether the files were accidentally deleted, lost during SD card formatting, or corrupted due to a system error, losing high-quality RAW images can feel devastating.

Fortunately, NEF file recovery is possible. With the right tools and methods, you can often restore deleted or lost NEF files from SD cards, hard drives, or other storage devices. In the sections below, we’ll walk you through step-by-step solutions to help you recover your Nikon RAW images from SD card quickly and safely.

Method 1. Use Windows File Recovery Tool [Free Provided by Microsoft]

Windows File Recovery is a powerful, free command-line tool provided by Microsoft that can help you recover deleted or lost NEF files from your storage devices, including SD cards, USB drives, and internal hard drives. Here's how to use it:

Note:✎...

this tool only works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you want to recover files on Windows 8 or earlier Windows versions, check the next method.

Step 1: Install Windows File Recovery

Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 or later PC. Search for "Windows File Recovery". Click "Download" to get and install the application.

Step 2: Connect Your SD Card

Remove the SD card from your Nikon camera and insert itinto the computer via a card reader(or via the sd card slot if available on your PC). Make sure the SD card is recognized and assigned a drive letter (e.g., E:).

Step 3: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Press "Windows + S", type "cmd", right-click "Command Prompt", and select "Run as administrator".

Step 4: Use Windows File Recovery Command

The basic syntax for recovering files is: winfr source-drive: destination-drive: [/mode] [/switches]

Notes:✎...

"source-drive:" The drive letter where your lost NEF files were stored (e.g., E:). Here we just input the SD card drive letter.

"destination-folder:"A different drive or folder where recovered files will be saved (e.g., D:\Recovery)

"mode:" Choose recovery mode based on your file system and scenario:  "Regular"– for recently deleted files on NTFS drives. "Extensive"– for formatted or corrupted drives of NTFS, exFAT or FAT file systems, slower but deeper recovery.

For NEF files recovery, use the "/n" switch to specify the file type, e.g.: winfr H: D:\Recovery /extensive /n *.nef

This command attempts to recover all NEF files from the SD card (H:) and save them to the Recovery folder on D:.

Step 5: Wait for Recovery to Complete

The tool will scan the source drive for recoverable NEF files. Once finished, check the destination folder for your recovered RAW images.

Method 2. Use MyRecover [Free Third-Party Recovery Software]

If you're looking for a more intuitive and beginner-friendly way to recover deleted NEF files,especially if you're using Windows 8 or earlier versions, or not familar with running complex commands, Free MyRecover is a highly recommended solution. Unlike Windows File Recovery, MyRecover features a graphical interface and supports a wide range of file systems and devices.

★Key Features of MyRecover:

Supports NEF, CR2, ARW, JPG/JPEG/JPE, PNG, TIF/TIFF, HEVC/HEIC/HEIF, GIF, PSD, SVG, X3Fand all major RAW image formats.

Recovers data from SD cards, USB drives, internal / external HDDs/ SSDs, and more.

No command line required — ideal for users of all levels.

Supports recovery from formatted, corrupted, deleted, missing, unrecognized or RAW partitions.

Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 and Server 2025, 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012, 2008.

Step 1: Download and Install MyRecover

Visit the official MyRecover website.Download the free version and install it on your Windows PC (do not install it on the drive where your lost files were located).

Step 2: Connect and Select the SD Card

Insert your Nikon camera’s SD card into your computer.Launch MyRecover and find the SD card listed under "Removable Media". Click on it and then click "Scan" to begin the scanning process.

Step 3: Select and Recover NEF Files

MyRecover will automatically perform a "Quick Scan" for delete files or a "Deep Scan" for corrupted or formatted drive to search for all deleted and lost files.You can use the search bar to quickly locate .nef files.

Step 4: Recover to a Safe Location

Select the NEF files you wish to recover. Click "Recover", and choose a different drive (not the SD card) to save the restored files.

Once your NEF files are successfully recovered using MyRecover, the software will display a summary notification indicating the total number of files successfully restored, and the specific directory where these recovered files have been saved.

After Recovery: Check, Organize, and Backup Your NEF Files

After you successfully recovered deleted or lost NEF files using the any of the above two methods, it's important to take the following post-recovery steps to ensure your files are safe, organized, and protected against future data loss:

1. Open and Verify Recovered NEF Files

Use Nikon ViewNX, Adobe Lightroom, or any NEF-compatible image viewer to check file integrity. Make sure the images can be opened and are not corrupted or partially recovered. Preview thumbnails and zoom in to inspect image quality.

2. Organize Your Files

Sort recovered NEF files into appropriate folders (by date, project, camera model, etc.). Optionally rename the files if original names were lost during recovery.Use photo management software like Adobe Bridge for easier cataloging.

3. Backup Your Recovered Files

To avoid similar data loss in the future:

Local Backup: Copy your NEF files to another disk or partition on your PC.

External Backup: Use an external HDD or SSD for offline backup.

Cloud Backup: Consider uploading to services like Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive, or Amazon Photos for automatic and remote backup.

4. Repair or Format SD Card (Optional)

If the SD card was corrupted, it's recommended to repair it using CHKDSK tool, or format it using the Nikon camera or your PC after confirming data recovery is successful.This helps prevent future file system errors and ensures the card works reliably.To repair damaged file system error of SD card, run the chkdks command in Command Prompt: chkdsk g: f/ r/ (replace g with your SD card drive letter).

Summary

Perform NEF file recovery Recovering from a damaged or corrupted SD card may seem daunting, but possible with professional data recovery tools like Windows File Recovery or MyRecover. For an easier and smoother process, MyRecover may be the better choice.

If you want to recover a large amount of data (exceeding 500MB), or recover files from more complex scenarios like retrieving data from crashed computers, you can upgrade to Professional edition.