How to Recover Data from SSD Disk Free - Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Easily restore lost or deleted files from your SSD drive with our step-by-step recovery guide. Whether your data was accidentally deleted, the SSD was formatted, or files became corrupted, discover reliable free methods to recover your important documents, photos, and more from solid-state drives.

By @Emma
Last Updated May 15, 2025

Can SSD Data Be Recovered?- Critical Factors to Consider

Solid State Drives (SSDs) have revolutionized data storage with their speed and reliability, but they present unique challenges when it comes to data recovery. Unlike traditional hard drives, SSDs handle data differently, which significantly impacts data recoverability. Here's what you need to know about SSD data recovery and the key factors that determine whether you can recover data from SSD drive successfully.

1. TRIM Command: The Biggest Obstacle

Modern SSDs automatically execute the TRIM command to optimize performance by permanently erasing deleted files. When TRIM is active, deleted files are immediately marked for erasure. Moreover, recovery becomes nearly impossible once TRIM completes its process.

Note:✎...
Check if TRIM is enabled by running "fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify"in Command Prompt (0 = TRIM active).

2. Wear Leveling and Data Distribution

SSDs distribute data across memory cells to extend lifespan, which meansfiles aren't stored in contiguous blocks like HDDs. Fragmented data makes recovery more complex than HDD data recovery.

When SSD Data Recovery Is Possible

Scenario Recovery Chance Action Required
Accidental file deletion (TRIM disabled) High Use recovery software immediately
Formatted SSD (Quick format) Moderate Stop usage and scan with professional tools
SSD not detected by system Low Professional diagnostics needed
Factory reset/Secure Erase performed Very Low Nearly impossible
Physical damage (e.g., fried controller) Variable Requires cleanroom repair and recovery

Free Methods You Can Try to Recover Data from SSD Drive

Even though SSD data recovery can be complicated, there are a few free methods you can try—especially if TRIM is disabled or the data loss was recent. Here are some effective and accessible options:

Key Prerequisites (Maximize Success Rate):✎...
Stop using the SSD immediately: Continued usage may overwrite lost files.
Do NOT save recovered files back to the same SSD: Use another drive/USB for recovery storage.
Disable TRIM (if possible):run "fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 1" in the Command Prompt.

1. Restore Recently Deleted SSD Files from Recycle Bin

If you’ve only recently deleted files, they might still be in the Recycle Bin.Open the Recycle Bin and restore any needed files.If the Windows Recycle Bin is emptied and no files leaves, proceed to the following methods.

2. Recover Previous SSD File Versions via System Restore

Windows offers a feature called "Previous Versions" that allows you to restore earlier versions of files or folders. These versions are created as part of System Restore points or File History backups. However, it's important to note that System Restore primarily targets system files and settings, not personal files. Therefore, to recover previous versions of personal files, File History must be enabled beforehand.

Step 1. Right-click on the file or folder you want to restore.

Step 2. Select "Restore previous versions" from the context menu.

Step 3. In the dialog box, you'll see a list of available previous versions. These may come from File History or restore points.

Step 4. Choose the version you wish to restore and click "Restore".

If no previous versions are listed, it may be because System Protection or File History was not enabled prior to the file's deletion or modification.

3. Restore Lost SSD Datafrom File History Backup

If File History was enabled before data loss occurred, you can use it to recover lost SSD files. File History regularly backs up versions of your files stored in Libraries, Desktop, Contacts, Favorites and other specific folders you have manually add. Here's how to restore your data using File History:

Step 1. Connect the external drive (if used for File History) to your computer.

Step 2. Open the "Control Panel", go to "System and Security", then click on "Save backup copies of your files with File History".

Step 3. Click on "Restore personal files" in the left pane.

Step 4. Use the arrows at the bottom to navigate through different backup dates and locate the files or folders you want to recover.

Step 5. Select the desired files or folders and click the "Restore" button to return them to their original location.

Optional: Right-click on the Restore button and select "Restore to" if you prefer saving the files to a different location.

4. Restore from Windows Backup/Restore Points

If you had previously created a backup using the Windows Backup and Restore feature (Windows 7), you can restore lost SSD data from that backup. This method is helpful if your system was configured to create regular backups to an external drive or network location.

Step 1. Open the Control Panel, go to "System and Security", then select "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)".

Step 2. Click "Restore my files" under the “Restore” section.

Step 3. Use the Browse for files or Browse for folders options to locate the data you want to restore.

Step 4. Select the items you wish to restore and click "Next".

Step 5. Choose whether to restore the files to their original location or a new one, then click "Restore".

5. Restore SSD Data Using Microsoft Windows File Recovery

Microsoft offers a command-line tool called Windows File Recovery that helps retrieve deleted files from SD card, USB flash drive, SSDs, HDDs, and more.

Step 1. Download and install Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.

Step 2. Open "Command Prompt as Administrator" by pressing "Win+X" and selecting "Command Prompt (Admin)".

Step 3. Use the following syntax: winfr source-drive: destination-drive /mode /switches

For example: winfr F: E: /regular (perform a quick scan to search lost files on F: drive and save them to E: drive.)

Step 4. Follow the prompts to complete the scan and recovery process.

Once it is finished, you can type "Y" on your keyboard to directly open the destination folder which contains all recovered files.

6. Retrieve SSD Files by Free MyRecover

The previous methods are built-in Windows recovery features, but most of them rely on having backups or system protection enabled in advance and come with certain limitations. For example, command-line tools are complex to use, and traditional backup methods can be cumbersome and may not cover all file types.

Given these limitations, especially for users who didn’t set up backups in advance or who need an easier, more intuitive solution, MyRecover offers a reliable alternative. It is a simple and comprehensive third-party data recovery tool that helps most users quickly retrieve lost files from formatted or damaged SSD drive.

★In brief, MyRecover can recover data from a wide range of data loss scenarios, including:
Accidental Deletion: Files deleted and even removed from the Recycle Bin.
Formatted Drives: Data lost due to formatting of SSDs, HDDs, USB drives, etc.
Partition Loss: Recovery from deleted partition, or corrupted partitions.
System Crashes: Data loss caused by system errors, blue screen, or OS corruption (available in advanced versions).
Virus or Malware Attacks: Files lost or damaged due to malicious software.
Unexpected Shutdowns: Recovery from data loss due to sudden power failure or improper shutdown.
Disk Errors or Corruption: Retrieval from RAW drives or inaccessible partitions.
File System Errors: Issues like "Drive not accessible" or "You need to format the disk" messages.

Step 1. Download and install MyRecover on your PC

Visit the official MyRecover website and download the latest version of the software. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Make sure to install it on a drive different from the one you want to recover data from, to avoid overwriting lost files.

Step 2. Launch the software and select the SSD where your data was lost

Open MyRecover after installation. On the main interface, you’ll see a list of all connected drives and partitions. Identify and select the SSD that contains the lost or deleted files you want to recover. Click the "Scan" button to initiate the scanning process.

Step 3. Select the ones you want to recover

MyRecover will first perform a "Quick Scan" to find recently deleted files, and you are allowed to execute a "Deep Scan" to locate more thoroughly deleted or lost data. Once the scan is complete, you can browse through the list of recoverable files. Use the filter options (e.g., file type, size) or the search bar to quickly find specific files. 

Step 4. Click Recover and choose a safe location to save the restored data

After selecting the files you want to recover, click the "Recover" button. Choose a secure location on a different drive (not the original SSD) to avoid data overwriting.

Step 5: Check the recovered files

Confirm your selection and wait for the recovery process to finish. Once completed, your files will be restored and ready for use. You can click directly on the new file path shown in the success message window to access the recovered files and verify their integrity.

Summary

Recovering lost data from an SSD can be challenging due to factors like the TRIM command and data distribution methods, but it's not always impossible. Depending on the situation—whether it's accidental deletion, formatting, or system crash—Windows provides several free recovery options.

However, these built-in tools often require prior setup or technical knowledge. For a more flexible and user-friendly solution, MyRecover stands out as a powerful third-party tool that simplifies the recovery process and supports a wide range of data loss scenarios. All these features make MyRecover suitable for personal users and professionals who need to recover important files under various conditions. To apply this wonderful data recovery software on unlimited devices with one license, please consider upgrading to Technician edition.