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TestDisk

cgsecurity.org

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Spec score 8.7 #10 of 128 in Data recovery software

What it is

TestDisk is free, open-source software for recovering lost partitions and helping disks boot again when faulty software or human error causes the problem. It can repair partition tables, recover deleted partitions, rebuild or restore FAT and NTFS boot sectors, fix FAT tables, and repair an MFT using its mirror. For file recovery, it can undelete files from FAT, exFAT, NTFS and ext2, or copy files from deleted FAT, exFAT, NTFS and ext2/ext3/ext4 partitions. Listed partition-recovery formats also include APFS, HFS+, XFS and ZFS. It works with hard drives, USB drives, memory cards, disk images, DAS, SAN and Linux RAID devices. The portable application is used by extracting its files; no installer is required. Listed operating systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, DOS, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD and SunOS. TestDisk is licensed under GNU GPL v2 or later. The maker says it does not connect to the internet or send information about the user, computer or data. The download page lists version 7.2 dated February 22, 2024, and 7.3-WIP as beta.

Spec sheet

Purpose
TestDisk helps recover lost partitions and make non-booting disks bootable again when the cause is faulty software or human error.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cgsecurity.org
Platforms
The maker lists Windows, Windows Server, Linux, Mac OS X, DOS, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, and SunOS among supported systems.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cgsecurity.org
Free plan
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · cgsecurity.org
Privacy
The maker says TestDisk does not connect to the internet or send information about the user, computer, or data.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cgsecurity.org
Support
Users can request support through the forum by posting a problem description, the testdisk.log file, and information about previous partitions.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cgsecurity.org
License
TestDisk is open source software licensed under GNU GPL v2 or later.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cgsecurity.org
Founded
1998Read 23 Sep 2026 · cgsecurity.org
Boot repair
It can rebuild or restore FAT and NTFS boot sectors, fix FAT tables, and repair an MFT using its mirror.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cgsecurity.org
Bootable recovery
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · cgsecurity.org
Developer contact
The support page directs bug reports and feature requests to the developer by email.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cgsecurity.org
File preview
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · cgsecurity.org
File recovery
It can undelete files from FAT, exFAT, NTFS, and ext2, and copy files from deleted FAT, exFAT, NTFS, and ext2/ext3/ext4 partitions.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cgsecurity.org
Filesystem support
The maker lists partition recovery support for filesystems and formats including APFS, FAT, exFAT, HFS+, ext2/ext3/ext4, NTFS, XFS, and ZFS.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cgsecurity.org
Memory card recovery
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · cgsecurity.org
Operating systems
Windows; macOS; Linux; DOS; FreeBSD; NetBSD; OpenBSD; SunOSRead 21 Sep 2026 · cgsecurity.org
Partition recovery
It can fix partition tables and recover deleted partitions.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cgsecurity.org
Portable download
TestDisk is distributed as a portable application: extract the files to use it, with no installer required.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cgsecurity.org
RAID recovery
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · cgsecurity.org
Recovery sources
hard drives; USB drives; memory cards; disk images; DAS; SAN; Linux RAID devicesRead 21 Sep 2026 · cgsecurity.org
Release
The download page lists TestDisk & PhotoRec 7.3-WIP as beta and version 7.2 dated February 22, 2024.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cgsecurity.org
Usage audience
The maker describes features for novices and experts, including collecting drive information for a technician and onsite recovery work.Read 2 Oct 2026 · cgsecurity.org

Plans and prices

TestDisk Free Free software; donations are optional Partition recovery · boot sector repair · file undelete Read 2 Oct 2026 · cgsecurity.org

Every TestDisk plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Repairs partition tables and recovers deleted partitions.
  • Supports listed formats including APFS, NTFS and ZFS.
  • Portable package requires no installer.
  • Maker says it sends no user, computer or data information.

Limits

  • Version 7.2 is dated February 22, 2024.
  • Version 7.3-WIP is listed as beta.
  • Support requests involve posting a problem description and testdisk.log.

Who it suits

It suits people trying to recover partitions, repair boot structures or retrieve files, from novices to experts. Its maker also describes using it to collect drive information for a technician or for onsite recovery work.

Verdict

TestDisk offers partition, boot and file-recovery functions across a broad list of formats and operating systems. Review the listed release status and support-request requirements before relying on it.

Where Specifiction places it

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